Which of these watery words of overwhelm should I use? When it rains it pours? Trying to keep my head above water? We’ve gone precipitously from an historic drought to getting flooded with back-to-back atmospheric rivers. My heart goes out to those who’ve been caught at the dangerous end of the weather impacts.
We were luckier than some. We only lost power (and cell service) for about twelve hours during the recent storms, and though our rural road had water running over the part of the entrance, there was a dry slice left to navigate. I was gearing up for more of the same when a different kind of storm hit us and put the weather to the periphery of my concerns: my spouse had some sudden memory loss and then a grand mal seizure.
It’s a personal story and not one for this garden blog, but in brief, after three days in the hospital, numerous medical tests, terrific doctors and nurses, heart-warming messages from friends and family, and some new medication and directives, it feels like we are on the healing end of the trajectory. It’s been a scary and overwhelming time, but it has also evoked even deeper love and compassion and perspective.
The garden has tended itself during this time, and we are delighted to hear the frogs singing again in their seasonal pond — now full with rainwater for the first time in several years. There are some fallen limbs to deal with, a canyon-like rut washed out of the new decomposed granite paths, and wind-strewn greenhouse panels to re-affix … but all in good time.
I leave you with perspectives of the inundated garden, watery and beautiful and bringing forth new life.
So sorry to hear about the health scare and all the rain. Either feast or famine, right? I am curious about the DG and the washouts. Were they easy to repair?
Hi Jennifer…Thx for the kind response. Yes, the DG washout was pretty easy to repair–my spouse and I just got a small load of DG in our truck from a landscape material source, and used a wheelbarrow and rakes to re-spread it over the ruts. We also have one of those hand-tamper tools to pack it down. Since the DG was installed over gopher wire and landscaping cloth, it just meant filling in those rivulets bits down to the exposed cloth. We are in a mostly flat area. I probably wouldn’t do DG (or anything susceptible to erosion) on a significant slope. Hope that was helpful. -lisa
We had rain, sleet, ice and snow and more snow today maybe it will save my garlic which kept wanting to grow in our very unseasonable warm weather.
Hi Lisa, Thanks for being in touch. I noticed that you like frogs….here’s a link to something I posted in 2015, about Pacific Tree Frogs: https://joiedusoleil.wordpress.com/2015/06/02/urban-trekking-2-frog-songs/
We hear them singing in a nearby park, every April.
Someday soon I hope to return to blogging, once I can figure out how WordPress works! They made some changes a year or so ago, and I’ve not managed to keep up. But when I do, I’ll happily post some garden photos for you! Ciao, Val
As always, I so enjoy your beautiful photographs, and your writing which comes “from the heart”, Lisa! Glad to hear that your husband is on the mend, and that the wonderful frog songs are reminding us that spring is on the way:) Sending healing thoughts from the ‘Wet Coast” (aka the West Coast) of Canada, where the rains have been with us since the snow melted, post Christmas!
Thank you so much! Good to hear from you. Yes, you must have been getting soaked with these atmospheric rivers up there as well, yes? I’ve been to Victoria and Salt Spring Island. I love it in Victoria–the people are very heart-centered and I felt at peace there. I would love to see some photos of the gardens or just the general atmosphere in your area if you are inclined to do another post sometime. You know–to enjoy some armchair travel. 🙂 Wishing you a fulfilled, peaceful, joyous and healthy New Year! -lisa
Oh gosh what a scary time for you all, sending healing wishes for a speedy recovery. Ps I LOVE the photos, take care.
Yes, it has been rather scary. Thank you so much for your healing wishes! I’m so glad you like the photos. I look forward to catching up with your posts and my other favorite gardeners now that things are beginning to calm down a bit. Hope all is well in your life and garden. 🙏💝🌻
I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s seizure and all the rain. Eah hard to cope with and worse together. Take care.
Thank you so much 🙏💝
You and your family are in my thoughts. Hoping this new year brings safety & wellbeing, as well as my best wishes for happiness.
Thank you so much Kate. Very much appreciated. 🙏💝