It rained again yesterday. Frequent flooding has become part of our new normal. A week or so ago, we got 4 inches (in one evening) and one of the high schools flooded out. Trees are coming down willy nilly these days (even when it isn't raining) because the roots are so flooded and the soil is loose. There are new ponds of flood puddles at the park:
And some paths never seem to dry out:
Then there are the dreaded sinkholes which occur frequently in this area.
It's hard on Scout because she relies on a number of good walks to work off her energy.
There are a lot of changes that have occurred during the past year or so and there is no use complaining about things. We re-adapt. Before the stroke, Carol used to come down every evening and we would watch a variety of (often political) shows together. She visits far less these days as she is getting three kinds of therapy to help her. She still gets confused frequently and tires easily.
So we watch British Baking Show episodes together and then I walk her home (she lives two houses away). It is really difficult for her because she is aware of all that she can't do yet and is frustrated. We do both really love the Baking Show! It ends the day on such a nice note!
We had snow squalls on Saturday and are expecting a real storm tomorrow. From what I have observed over my 60 some years, snow in November has been a bad omen and means frequent snow storms through the winter. I just hope I'm wrong with this prediction.
Scout and I still spend a lot of time in our local parks when the weather permits. She enjoys visiting her dog friends and can't wait to get there in the morning!
This year the trees barely turned color and some trees seem really confused like this one which blossomed lately; the flowers are still clinging to the trees!
On a sadder note, Swan Solo is missing from the park. I haven't seen him in over a month and I'm afraid he has passed. This swan has been living among the ducks and geese alone for years. I really loved him and always wished he could have a mate.
He's been here so long--heck our dog Paddie was still with us when he settled in the park and she passed in 2010. But I read that swans can live up to 24-33 years.
Eventually I will do a quilt tribute to Swan Solo. I'd like to make a quilt where I give him lots of friends and a choice of mates but I'm a little too sad to take that on right now. Hopefully, we will have a pair of swans move into the parks and be able to enjoy a happy couple!
In the meantime, we are still enjoying our local heron, Big Blue:
Are you thinking of preparing for Christmas yet? I decided I had to focus on that now since my Mom is getting a knee replacement in December. I'm trying to work on a totally gluten free menu so my husband can eat all that is on the buffet.
There is a Chinese proverb that states: "the wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water moulds itself to the pitcher." I have been thinking about that a lot this past week as I recognize so many changes that have occurred this past year.
I'm finding ways to create peace in my world. Often I find doing simple things helps the most and so does structure. I recently completed two rough drafts and am taking a break to sew, bake, and house clean.
I hope you are having a good week! Don't forget to visit LeeAnne's blog Not Afraid of Color for positive posts!
11 comments:
I was surprised to see a swan on one of our lakes recently; maybe it's Solo.
Maybe your swan met a mate? I hope you get some drier weather soon. That's a lot of rain. mary
Hi Michele! Oh boy, I know what you mean about early snow being a REALLY bad omen. We had snow on the 9th and it's been below freezing ever since. There is still snow on the black roof that hasn't melted. I don't mind cold - you don't have to shovel it! I am nervous for this driving season. I l.o.v.e. the Baking show!! I'm going to take that Chinese proverb to heart. Thanks for sharing it!! Happy Thursday to you! ~smile~ Roseanne
Michele, I really enjoyed reading this post sitting here in my pet chair looking at a light layer of the white stuff outside, but bracing for a couple of inches more for overnight. Winter has set in early and we are not liking it. Hope your prediction is not true! I'm like Roseanne, I don't like driving in the stuff.
I too love the Baking shows and we have the Great Canadian Bake off these days to add to the list. What a friend you are to Carol!
I was struck by the sentiments you expressed. I concur and try to work at keeping everything calm and quiet in my soul and life. Take care now.
You really have had a lot of moisture in your part of the country this year! Amazing how our country can be so different from east to west. I will have to check out the British Baking Show. I've never watched it, but everyone raves about it! Your news about Swan Solo makes me sad, too - I enjoyed your pictures of him and would have loved to see a swan like that on a daily basis. Simplicity and structure help me with feeling peaceful, too. Sending good thoughts for Carol's continued improvement!
with no corpus delicti we have hope he found a new mate and moved. It could happen. I had no idea they lived that long. Scout is a social girl, the litter must be as Milo lives for dog time. Your friend must be so frustrated, as I thing you still function inside but can't communicate clearly what you're thinking. I wrote a short story about it last Sunday.
The GBBS is so good, much better than the disgusting things that some politicos say these days. Instead of lifting citizens up, they sow the seeds of discontent. But, as the old saying goes, the sun shines on every dog's butt at some time.
I love you "I like" post. My family has been going through some major changes this year too...some for good...some, not so much. I love your positive attitude. The simpler I keep my schedule, the better.
I like your Chinese proverb, something to think about for sure. Sad and scary about Swan Solo, but a quilt of him with friends would be lovely. I too love the bake-off, and even though I've watched it all it's my go-to when I need background tv.
Sometimes it's hard to be as flexible as water. I like your swan pictures. I'm sorry if he's gone (maybe just went for a vacation?).
Don't swans mate for life? So if their mate dies they just live a solitary existence....wow that makes me sad to think of...I am a solo swan. I like the saying flexible as water. Yep the leave came down, then the snow, and I have a huge mess here in Michigan too. A little over a week ago we had 4 inches of rain. Now it is snow. Great pics though.
Hope your swan is just off on a nice little trip and returns for you. The Great British Baking shows are a nice stress reliever, I think. I've always loved the positive interactions on the show. Interesting quote and a nice one to think about. Hope your weekend has gone well so far.
Post a Comment