Sap-collecting, sledding, seed-starting, snow (balls and bunnies), and a little sun sum up our week here at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage. Having such an abundance of snow to play with has jogged childhood memories of braving winter winds in favor of making a dress-donned snow-woman with my dad, enjoying snow forts and sledding, and futilely resisting my mother’s strange insistence to smear Vaseline on my face every time my mittened hand reached for the backdoor handle. This snow has granted an unconditional green light to engage in spontaneous snowball fights, to create snowballs that undoubtedly weigh in excess of 600lbs, build the MDSJ (most dangerous sledding jump) and to sculpt a snow bunny that is at least 15 feet in height, including the ears. Okay, I’m short, so it seems like 15 feet to me, and I’ve been chastised about my exaggeration about the snow-bunny’s height from people 5’10” and taller. Either way, I can’t convey to you the simple satisfaction of creating a monstrous rabbit with dear friends; you’re just going to have to try it for yourself. We took a picture of a human pyramid in front of it this morning, just for all of you readers. Participating in a group activity that was physically exerting and visually rewarding was an instant cure for the cabin fever we’ve all been feeling as of late.
Julie here with this week’s article. Before I continue on here, I just wanted to say that I’ve missed writing to you, as I’ve been away for a couple of months this winter. Writing to you as part of my routine is something I look forward to, and gives me cause for intentional reflection.
As I type this, I am looking at the many compost-filled labeled trays that are lining Dan Durica’s floor. As the village farmer, getting a head-start is not only necessary to have a garden filled with veggies, but also to support himself in one of his many sustainable business ventures. Those tubs hold the future broccoli, eggplant, peppers, and onions that will be on our table. Some of these heirloom seeds have been dutifully saved by gardeners for hundreds of years, and will continue to be lovingly planted for generations to come.
A group of us have been collecting sap to be boiled down to make delicious maple syrup. With the recent thaw, the sap is running, and within an hour last night, we collected almost 60 gallons, with hopefully another hundred today. It takes 50 gallons of Silver Maple sap boiled down to yield one gallon of syrup. So far, we have 250 gallons of sap, or enough for 5 gallons of syrup! We will be divvying it up based on the amount of time each of us spent tapping trees, and hauling sap. Sandhill Farm combines our sap with theirs, and do all of the boiling; they are kind enough to let us pay them with a share of the syrup, so everybody is happy. Ted Sterling introduced drinking sap in its raw form to me just a few days ago, and its subtly sweet nature has me craving to share the experience with others.
There have been an abundance of birthdays this past week, including Abby’s first birthday! The bright candle and hand-clapping left her a bit unsettled, but who can’t relate to experiencing something scary for the first time? Alline and I both made cakes for everyone, but the mini 4-layer chocolate cake with pink frosting was just for Abby. If it was her first time eating such a marvel, she hid it well behind a demeanor of confidence demonstrated with frosting-filled fists that made it seem as though preying on cake was the most natural thing in the world. Her mom Nani’s birthday was only a few days after hers, and her festivities included a dress-up movie night and some special meals. Today there is a roller skating party for Roman, who is turning 11, but acts more mature than some teenagers I know. Happy Birthdays also go out to Ted, Sara, and Dash! In case you were wondering, the answer is yes, all we do here is eat cake.
***UPDATE*** We now have scientific verification that the snow bunny is only 12 feet high. The kid in me begs to differ, but I will accept this number with as little fuss as can be reasonably expected.
If you want a more in-depth experience of life here are at Dancing Rabbit or interested in the possibility of membership, consider applying for a session in our 2013 Visitor Program. The first session starts in April and you can find more details on our website at www.dancingrabbit.org/visit-dancing-rabbit-ecovillage/visitor-program/
Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage is an intentional community of more than 60 members in Rutledge, northeast Missouri, practicing ecologically sustainable living. Our tours begin again in April, and you can also learn more at www.dancingrabbit.org, visit our blog The March Hare at blog.dancingrabbit.org, or give us a call at (660)883-5511.