July 30 - August 1, 2010

July 30 - I was able to leave work at 4:30 which was awesome in getting a jump on the morning traffic. I was tired the first hour but luckily snapped out of it - thanks to a couple of horns! Even with stopping at the oasis - needed C-O-F-F-E-E, I was at O'Wich by 8:15. On the way down the road, I watched a deer wander about. He didn't seem to care that I was even there. I took a few photos of him with my phone, although I mostly got the hood of the car. Of all times for my camera to be in the trunk!

As I turned the corner it was apparent that the river might still be high, since the neighbors driveway was still covered in water...similar to what was there when I "skedaddled" the last visit! My yard in the back was also pretty much like the last time too - there is a lot of water. As I opened the car door the mosquitoes swarmed me - and followed me as I made a one load dash into the cabin! I settled in, tried to go outside (but quickly scratched that idea and my new bites).

By 9:00 am I am hoping the water goes "away" and the planned events are not hindered by this water.

At 11:00 I called Jim to double check on our appointment. It ended up I had to go on an excursion to pick up some paperwork and then get back for our newly re-scheduled 1:00 appointment. Jim said things will need to be put on hold due to the height of the river. He field tested the land and found water at 18" - so chalk up yet another weather related delay. Everything is signed and will be filed on the 2nd of August.

I was able to catch the end of my soaps and at 3:00 I attempted to visit Betty and Paul. The road was impassable in front of Rick's so I had to turn back. Tom and Betty were returning from town and pulled in to say hi. Tom complained about the river and all of the water and I was again swarmed by mosquitoes and marked the visit done. So far...a long day has been had by moi!

July 31 - Happy Birthday to my Dad. He would have been 81 today!

At 6:15 when I opened the blinds, I was happy to see the water had receded, substantially. The air is 65 degrees, the humidity still feels high. Thinking cooler air would keep the mosquitoes away, I headed out to weed and check out the garden that has my first flower for the hummingbirds. This came to a quick end when I was swatting the hungry bugs from all around my head. Looks like they are winning! Obviously the hedge hog wasn't bothered by the bugs as he picked up some snacks that surfaced as the water left.

Toward the end of the afternoon, I was able to get in my visit with Betty and Paul. Betty had Steve pick me up since his truck is high and has no problem making it through the flooded road. I was shocked at how much water covered the road. I have never seen so much - ever - in the past. Work was going on at Rick's house...looks like it's time to call it Carla's Place.

August 1 - The mosquitoes remained annoying and have become the deciding factor of me heading home...yep, they've done run me out of town! The fog was thick and visibility was low. Traffic at 5:45 was great and I even got a chance to see the sunrise through the fog. Hopefully within the next two weeks things will dry out and the mosquitoes will be gone!