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.

The things I'll do to make a point...

Self portrait. It is APRIL 19, 2008! Any other year, it would be Easter weekend - heck it was this cold Easter weekend this year, what am I thinking? The cold, it is affecting my brain. (The Shepherd wants to know what I'm talking about - he says I wasn't outside long enough to get cold - I say The Shepherd is a blabbermouth)

As you can see, there is a cherry tree in full bloom behind me. But what is that thing on my head? (why it is my Sheepskin Tie-on Earmuff - Wool Tie-On Earmuffs - "For those who want more than an earmuff and less than a hat, this is perfect. Fashionable, yet cozy and warm. This ties under the chin or around the back of your head. One size fits all. Available Gold, Black, and White." - Best $30 I ever spent!)

Why do I look like I am dressed for the Arctic Circle? A winter coat OVER a fleece vest? Because it is COLD out - Because it is "See your breath cold" out. It is not supposed to be 36 degrees on April 19th - It's just not natural.

Ok, so I'm a wimp - HOWEVER, I should be glad that we did not have 11 inches of snow like they did down between Everett and Seattle. Yikes - Global warming, my backside... we could do with a little of that global warming here in the Pacific NW - maybe I'll email Al Gore and ask how we get on the list for a little of that warming around here... Ha, ha, ha...