Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: COHOUSING-L digest 287

[HeidiNYS (HeidiNYS]

DEAR FRIENDS,


we moved into Cantines island a little over two years ago, and I'm now 
writing to post a Common-house Question to established [ie, residential] 
groups.

We did build Part One of our CommonHouse.  Untill our additional land brings 
additional members, we won't be able to do Phase 2:  
guestroom/office/livingroom/lounge......

We now have a good kitchen:  prof fridge, excellent stove [tho we bought a 4 
burner semi-professioanl stove.... had we thought ore, we'd have a 6 burner!] 
, and prof type dishwasher about which we are quite mixed!  Big enough dining 
area.  kids room which we will probably soon transorm to guestroom, as the 
kids are opting not to use it [it's on the small side, and our kids no longer 
are!]  Small laundry;  most folks' landry is in their homes!

We use common house for meals trice per week.  Tai chi,  Yoga, once each p 
week, and a 'stitch & bitch' knitting/sewing circle.  Also, of course for 
Community/committee meetings.  

We are trying to prioritze 'what next'!!

We do not informally hang out there...... some folks think that it is because 
of everyone being so very busy.  Others think it'd be used more if we made a 
plan, made the money, and made it more beautiful.  For some folks, matching 
tables are important, matching lounge area furniture, etc.  For others, it's 
ok the way it is.   this is one of the more friction-producing questions 
we've had since move-in.  Money is available in differing amounts and with 
different meaning to various of us, of course! 

So, please give uses of CH input such as:  What areas of your Commonhouse get 
used and how much?????? 
Do people hang out informally?
What brings folks to Commonhouse?  Does doing/not doing laundry there matter 
at all?
Looking forward to hearing, 
all best,
Ruth Hirsch, Cantines Island, suagerties, NY
Inviting in additonal families: one neighbor is marrying out of the 
area...... and we have one piece of land which'll take 2 households, and are 
trying to buy one additional near piece of land.