Vicki Lane's Blog, page 42

Fairy Ring

John returned from mowing down at the lower place and told me there was a fairy ring in the meadow. I grabbed my camera and we went down so I could see it.
One should avoid stepping into the ring, English folk lore says, or you may be forced to dance on and on with the fairies. When at last you fall asleep from exhaustion, you may awake to find that years, not hours, have passed.                                                        
                     The little girls aren't worried about legends.
I stayed clear.

You can learn more about fairy rings and the many stories attached to them HERE.


 

Take Time to Breathe

Last year's picture--we haven't that much color yet.
 

What Can You Do?

                                                

The flood has brought out wonderful willing workers, shoveling mud, organizing and distributing supplies, checking on neighbors. I follow this on Facebook, wishing I could do the same.

But I can't. At 81, with wonky knees and limited mobility, I do best by staying put and not using resources. This is no time to fall and break something.

My Tuesday contribution was to watch Josie and the two little girls who are staying at her house. There is a lot of running and squealing but they pretty much entertain themselves.

Which is good, because it means I can get on with the paid job of editing a novel--100 pages done, more to go.

Along with this, I keep checking FB and sharing useful info as it surfaces. It looks as if supply chains are beginning to function again.

While I was doing this, I was tagged by my friend Karen in a post that spoke directly to me. An on-line auction sponsored by writers to benefit charities that serve our area. One could donate signed books and/or services.

Perfect! I've signed up to donate up to 400 pp. of picky line-editing--which at my usual rates of $5 a page, could bring in a tidy sum.

What can anyone do--who isn't here or isn't up to the physical work? Send money. Madison County Animal Shelter is working hard to care for lots of critters; World Central Kitchen was on the ground in Hot Springs with hot meals and Chef Jose Andres himself.  ASAP Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project supports small farms--many of which were wiped out at this season of harvest. Zuma Coffee, a beloved meeting place in Marshall needs help to get going again. Community Housing Coalition  is local and helps with home repairs--they will be busy in the coming months. There are many more.

And for the love of FEMA and all the governmental agencies supplying emergency relief--many of which would be weakened or eradicated if the proponents of Plan 2025 have their way, vote Democrat!

Rabbitrabbitgate

                                                                               

Aftermath

                                                                        

We are safe but the town of Marshall is destroyed. Whole buildings are gone. All the businesses are destroyed. The water went to the second story in the old jail (recently renovated as a boutique hotel.). The river hit 27ft on the flood gauge which is by far the worst flood in recorded history. The 1916 flood was 23.9ft in Marshall. The 1916 flood went to the 5th step on the courthouse stairs and this flood went two feet in the courthouse.
photo of Marshall from the internet

Hot Springs and other small towns are likewise devastated.
Our power is still on--but still no cell service. The Barnard Bridge (our easiest way out) is open. Some gas stations are open.
We are staying put for a few days as we don't need anything.
It's going to be a long road to recovery--I'm counting on the indomitable mountain spirit--along with help from FEMA and other governmental agencies--to make it through.
The historic Col. Allen House--setting for several chapters in AND THE CROWS TOOK THEIR EYES

Power Restored!

After over ten inches of rain, we were happy to see blue sky again. 
We are all fine but western North Carolina has taken a big hit. Flooding in Marshall, Hot Springs, Asheville, Boone, Chimney Rock and more. Houses and businesses destroyed. Roads questionable. A giant sinkhole in Mars Hill. Our nearby bridge over the French Broad is closed because when the Redmon Dam upstream broke, a container (like on the back of a truck) washed away and hit the bridge. It will have to be surveyed before it is deemed safe.
Power was out everywhere, shutting down gas stations and grocery stores--assuming you could get to them. We had heard that it might be a week. And with power out, no internet. Our news came from neighbors John met while folks were checking the state of the road.
But, a miracle! Ours came back on while we were eating supper--and I leaped up to go refill water containers and do the dishes. John hurried to start a load of laundry. A shower is next on the agenda.
We still have no phone service, I'm not sure why. But we are so thankful to have come through this storm. 
Being without internet or any source of news was pleasant, in a way. I didn't have to think about the Former Guy. 





 

Rainrainrain

As of 5 pm yesterday, we'd had over five inches of rain but no real problems. More rain is headed our way, and the French Broad River is rising. There is flooding in Asheville.
Folks in Marshall and Hot Springs who are near the river have to told to evacuate. It's quite possible that this event will be as bad or worse than the Great Flood of 1916. 
I had Josie all morning so her folks could go to work but around noon Claui had a call from a friend who had to evacuate and was looking for a place to go. Josie was thrilled as this was one of her best friend's mom and a mega-sleepover was about to happen.
We're safe from floods here at Wool Branch--unless it's one of biblical proportions. There's always the worry of falling trees or mudslides and the ever possibility of a power outage. But, so far, so good. 
I have a big pot of chili simmering on the stove--a kind of primordial response to drastic weather. What's more, I just bought a huge package of toilet tissue yesterday, possibly another primordial thing. And we have wine. And dog and cat food.
May all stay safe!
                                                  


 
 

Time to Hunker Down

The rain began around 4, as predicted. Schools are to be closed today and tomorrow as we face a lot of rain, possible power outages, flooding, and road closing.

John has renewed the waterbreaks on our road and we have a store of water in case we lose power. And, of course, kerosene lamps and a gas stove top. 

So we're pretty much set.

If you don't hear from me tomorrow, it will mean we've lost power. 

Stay safe, everyone in the storm path. 

 

A Breathing Space

The current political situation preys on my thoughts. It seems that no matter what new awfulness emerges-- Mark Robinson comes to mind -- the MAGA faithful bleat FAKE NEWS and carry on.

I think of many friends from my younger days--all once very dear to me--who continue to support the Former Guy and I am completely bumfuzzled. Of course, I realize they may view me as a supporter of after-birth execution as well as a Marxist/Socialist/Communist/Fascist, as the former guy would say. 

When faced with unresolvable worries, I like to sit on the front porch and just breathe.

Watching the shadows slide across the slopes is a wonderful accompaniment to just breathing and finding peace. 

 

The Princess Cowgirl

The princess (note tiara on hat) cowgirl and her trusty unicorn prepare for the trip down the mountain to her castle.

She is accompanied by her faithful dog Otter (who may or may not be a shape-shifter,)


One last goodbye . . .


And they're off, at a nice, collected trot,


Which soon becomes a canter.
An everyday trip made magical!