When the Rain Gods are Angry

Okay. I'm not sure what we have done, but someone up there is pissed. The rain has begun to flow down in buckets now, skipping the sprinkling method. No more of the mild rainfall. Not here anyway. Nope. Now it is trying to drown us. 

Are we the only ones getting slapped by the rain Gods? For the first time ever or at least since we moved into this house, we have a river flowing on our patio. This is what slipping and falling nightmares are made of. 

The water is flowing from the top of our patio all the way to the other end. Fishing anyone?

The Macrae River runs steady and strong, washing away the petals of the ornamental plum tree. That tree was blooming beautifully just a couple of weeks ago, creating a spring-like setting. And then I heard Mother Nature yell, "Psych!" Now we are boating our way into the house.

Come on over, y'all. Let's go swimming, canoeing, and definitely do a bit of fishing. I'm waiting for the flocks of geese and ducks to land ...

I was going to go to work today but I'm having a bit of anxiety. Will I return? No wonder I heard the sump pump in our basement all night long. The rain is supposed to continue all day. There are flood warnings and now I see why. Ah, good old Oregon. Rain, our beautiful green bitch, rain. 

Will my car wash away? If it does, will it flow out to the ocean? I love the ocean. I could go boating in a Kia. Hmm. New experience. Roll down the driver's side and passenger side windows and push oars through. Let's see how a Kia holds up under an oceanic trip. Then I could do some dune buggy runs to make things real fun. 

***

It's Sunday already. What do we have planned? Nada. Zip. Nothing. I watered plants. My indoor plants. I figure the outdoor plants have plenty of water flowing onto them from the Macrae River. 

I took both pups outside. Stood on the porch and watched them go pee. That was fun. We really do lead extraordinary, fast-paced, exciting lives. Our stray kitties have disappeared, although I believe they are coming at night to eat. Something or someone is eating the food at night anyway. I'm not so sure I want to know what that "something" might be.

Welcome to our world. Watching rain, swimming in the Macrae River, watching pups poop, and of course, lest we forget the watering of plants. Riveting life we do lead. 

I guess it's time I don the underwater gear and head out to work. At least make myself feel like I did something productive today. This should be fun. Wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed that my flippers are in good working order.

***

As the weekend progressed, so did the dark clouds and rain storm. We were under a flood warning through Sunday night. The rain was coming down hard and fast to increase the inches of the wet stuff on the ground. Our grassy area out front was so soaked it could take in no more moisture. The yard and the patio continued the flooding. 

Soon the alley was flooded. Then came the reports of most of Roseburg being under water. It's not a good look and is very unsafe for a driver. Work is simply out of the question, at least for today. 

Yes, that is snow mixed with the rain. 

The ground around us was so soaked it could not take any more water, and so the flooding began. 

I do believe our Mother is upset with us. We are not completely underwater as some people found themselves around town. Certainly there are people out there who are swimming or canoeing out of their homes and God bless them for having to go through all of that. I am in no way trying to make this event seem tragic or hopeless, but rather to keep the memory fresh for us. 

My daughters were sending some photos of the flooding around Eugene, Springfield, Junction City, Sutherlin, and Lowell. Although my daughter who lives in Lowell is up on a hill, high above the issues with water. She also has a nice generator to keep things going should the electrical system fail during a storm. 

We fortunately did not lose power. I'm sure many did. The rain was relentless in pouring down at least two inches the first day, and about an inch the second day. The Umpqua River is at the flooding point in many areas around town and in surrounding areas. People were having to evacuate in some places, and in surrounding areas as well. 

But today (Monday, March 17) is giving us a reprieve from the horrible weather and allowing crews to come in to repair some damage. Landslides were reported all around the state. 

The Umpqua River runs through Myrtle Creek and it was at full capacity and flowing over the edges at certain points. Along with a landslide I ran into while delivering, there were definite signs of flooding around the little town. 

The Myrtle Creek Bridge

***

On a brighter note, look what I had the opportunity to deliver ...

I love having the chance to take beautiful bouquets like this one to people around town. Their smiles are so worth it! This gorgeous floral arrangement was for an anniversary. The hubby did well on choosing this one to go to his wife, at work. She looked shocked and then came the smile. Her coworkers were all over the beautiful sentiment, as I was. 

***

And, speaking of flowers, Monday the 17th rolled around and I stopped at home to use the restroom. Terry was home on a quick break. He knocked on the car window and asked me to step out of the car ... I did and look what happened next!

A surprise of my own was delivered!  

It is the 17th, our wedding anniversary date, and every month he surprises me with the most beautiful flowers I can imagine! Once again, he shocked me with these. 

He makes each monthly anniversary date special by bringing home flowers. Every month, without fail, since our wedding date of June 17, 2023. The special sentiment behind this beautiful act of love and kindness makes me love this man more and more as time passes. He is making life wonderful with all the special things he does for me. I love you, sweet man. 

***

As I drove through the Veteran's National Cemetery to deliver a meal to a vet, I checked to see if the deer were around the grounds yet. Much to my surprise, I found some. Mallory happened to be with me Monday, so she snapped photos as I drove through. It's always such a treat to see the deer, along with geese and ducks. 

Lovely trip through the park. There weren't as many deer out grazing as about a year or two ago, but at least I know they are still coming to the cemetery. Another trip on a different day is going to be a must. Maybe when Terry isn't working. 

***

Terry saw a doctor for his cold and cough. It was sounding horrible, so he went in to see if they could do anything for him. The doctor prescribed some steroids and after several days, they seem to be helping finally. He is sounding so much better. Still coughing, but at least it doesn't sound as bad now and is not as frequent. It seems everyone has this nasty crud, as my doctor called it. 

***

All is going fairly well. Things are looking up. Terry and I have eaten out a couple of times. Once at Red Robin, where we tried the shrimp dinner, and another lunch meal at Shanti's Indian Cuisine again. Always good food. 

We are slowly creeping into our spring and summer, but it feels like it's taking way too long. But we will get there soon. I can't wait. As far as the overall picture, life is good. I can walk, which is making me happy. Better than last January when I fell and my life became a long blur of wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers. Terry and I can now take walks and explore life once again. 

Terry is doing well outside of the cold. Our fur babies are such loves and are happy, healthy, and mouthy, as they should be. It's all good. Life is special and full of blessings. 

Speaking of blessings, we hope you all have a wonderful, love-filled week. Take care of yourselves. Until our next blog post, we wish you all well and thank you for reading. 

Sending you love and light, 

Terry and Vicki