A flood report -

Many of you have seen the reports of the flooding here in the Pacific Northwest and I thought I'd update you on a few things from around our area.

We live in an area called Marietta - the old town of Marietta is down right on the Nooksack River - and has about 15 houses in that area which have all flooded - (for the umpteenth time) and the river, which is normally about 1/2 mile from our house is now about 1/4 mile from our house. But we are in the "high country" (The Shepherd and the neighbors jokingly decided we should be called "Marietta Heights") We're about 15 feet above sea level here (the river in this area being at sea level) and the "seasonal" stream that runs 30-40 feet from our back door has a very deep channel and although it's at the top of it's banks, we've never had it go over - so, we're pretty safe here.

When I heard that there was extensive flooding in Lewis County again, I had so many memories of the floods of December 2007 when the Black Sheep Creamery lost many of their flock of dairy sheep and suffered great damage to their farm. It was with dread that I clicked onto their web site this morning. But great relief! They are safe. Their animals have all been moved up to safety at Mountain Niche Farm. Kim & Doug took care of the sheep that survived the 2007 flood until the Gregory's got their farm back in order. My hat goes off to them for stepping up to the plate again. That is what neighbors do, or what neighbors "used to do" anyhow. It makes me glad to know that there are still good people like that in the world.

If The Shepherd gets any time tomorrow maybe he can get some pictures to show you.