Sandhill Farm by Gigi
Well never a dull moment around here between the ice storms and
the comings and goings of members and visitors. For the past two
weeks we hosted Laird's wife, Maikwe and her son Jibran (also known
as Enzio). Their house at Dancing Rabbit is not yet winterized.
Yes, Laird and Maikwe are happily married and maintain two homes,
just three miles apart. They are both committed to communal living
as well as to each other only their preferences for the sort of
community-family style vs ecovillage are different.
Our newest member, Emily got back from a fun vacation with
friends and family in Pennsylvania and Virginia. She filled us in
on the latest fashions, which we probably will never see here in
northeast Missouri (eel boots with spiked heels, I don't think so.)
We are glad to have her back both for her easy going nature and her
fabulous cooking. One of her first tasks upon her return was to cull
the rooster population (really, they hadn't been fighting till she
got home.) Without much sun, the increased egg laying reminds us
that the days are indeed getting longer.
We also had our first visitors of the year. Andy, who has lived
in several communities, and would like to earn his livelihood as an
organic produce farmer visited here for a week. In addition to his
passion for growing food, he is an accomplished musician and a very
amiable "co" as we like to say, short for "communitarian." We'll
definitely stay in touch and may see his return to Missouri.
Angela and Dale who run a family-owned used bookstore in Jackson,
Michigan, also visited us. They have been trying to live a low
ecological impact lifestyle for many years and realize that this can
be done easier with a wider group. They are now debt free and are
able to begin searching for the right home. We were honored to be
their first stop and look forward to hearing their adventures (as
they can get time away from the bookstore.)
Apple is visiting friends and family on the east coast. It sure
seems quiet around here without her enthusiasm for wood gathering,
ice skating, doggie care, keeping us on track at meetings and the
like. She is spending most of her vacation in her hometown in South
Carolina with her parents and sisters.
Jacob continues to be a wonderful guest. Not only is he quick
quick to refill our wood supplies and do the odd jobs, but he's also
a great cook! He treated us to some fabulous, made from scratch,
pizza the other night. I feel fortunate to have extra rooms in my
home to be able to offer extended stays to friends. I wouldn't of
known Jacob's sense of humor or sense of family nearly as well
otherwise.
Stan went to Jeff City for a two-day Better Process Training
Course on Low Acid and Acidified Foods sponsored by the Mo Dept of
Ag. Because we sell salsas, mustard, chutneys and the like, this was
a course for manufacturers and regulators to ensure that products for
sale are safe for consumers.
Renay has been home a lot due to the snow days. We've been
enjoying the Memphis Rec Plex together and we enjoyed a day in
Kirksville recently as well. I appreciated the break in the steady
demands of her school schedule (three more years of chauffer services
and then she can run my town errands!)
For myself, winter is a time to organize my various projects
and set new directions. I am excited for the expansions we plan for
this year's gardens including vegetable beds reserved for local
outlets. Emily and I are busy preparing our seed order for the year
and today, with the thaw, I couldn't resist pulling up the last of
the brussel sprouts-too frozen to eat but great for compost worms!
Hope you all are staying healthy and keeping your spirits up
despite the heavy overcast.