All that melting snow has to go someplace. In 1997, the Red River Valley and surrounding areas suffered 3.5 billion in flood related damages as the Red River flooded its banks in the worst flood since 1826 according to
Wikipedia. This weekend we are engaged in preparing our house for the possibility of flooding, as the community as a whole starts filling sandbags and building dikes to help keep the overflowing Red River at bay. While water may encroach upon 40th avenue running past our house, it should only come within a block of our house or so. But we still have to be vigilant about our sewer system's and lift station's ability to keep up with the deluge of water. We are scrambling today to find an adequate battery backup for our sump pump should it either quit working or the power get shut off to it in a power outage. Rick enlisted the help of his parents who are on their way to Bemidji, MN which is maybe 3 hours away from us, to look for the battery and some much needed sewer plugs for our basement.
This morning we asked both boys to clean up all the toys on their floor. With Nolan's room being in the basement he especially needed to get everything up off the floor. Lickety-split he was done. Promising there was no mess he was okayed to go ride bike to his friend's house. When are we going to learn? Just see for yourself what an amazing job he did.
Its passable. The floors are indeed clear of any objects. But just where do you suppose all of his stuff went? Think eight-year-old- boy who just really wants to go and play with his friends and you might conclude where the most logical place would be to put all of your things...
Brilliant. Now the only thing on the floor tonight will be Nolan.
Hi Vicky!!! How nice to meet you!!
ReplyDeleteI sure hope uour house does not flodd and that you're all going to be okay in the morning.
Thank you Jientje :) We'll see what happens over the next couple of weeks!
ReplyDeleteOh VICKY!! I so hope you guys dodge this bullet. The Red River Valley? As in, "From this valley they say you are leaving?" Wow. I can't imagine the struggle that must come with a flood. I'm so sorry and our family will be praying with yours and many others that you don't suffer damage and loss.
ReplyDeletePlease keep us in the loop if you can.
With Love,
Robynn
Love it! I think that he did a great job.
ReplyDeletePraying that you will be spared from any flooding.
Robynn, no, that is Texas I think. Our Red River starts in Southern Mn and flows north to Canada :) The biggest concern right now is that we are supposed to get lots of rain starting Monday and Tuesday. But everyone knows how to prepare and we've been warned for awhile so we should be okay. Thank you for your concern and prayers. I will keep you updated!
ReplyDeleteLibby, he certainly did do a "job", on US I am thinking! Thank you for your prayers.
Leiton does the same thing and since I am too tired to help him put things where they belong he has been doing this for about 4 months almost every day! I didn't realize the river came so close to your house! Some friends I know will be scrambling to keep their lower level dry on Rivershore Dr. as it did have to get redone after97! I feel bad I can't help!
ReplyDeleteHeather, that is so funny about Leiton! We just had a neighbor call and tell us we are sandbagging a dike in our neighborhood tomorrow!! I thought we'd be a block away or so but I guess if it gets close to 41 feet we'll be in trouble too : (
ReplyDeleteOh I hope there is no flooding. And you last sentence made me laugh out loud! You are hilarious!
ReplyDeleteOh, Lilly, I wish I could say there won't be. There will. But how much flooding and how much can we prepare for are the bigger questions right now :)
ReplyDeleteOh my cow, I love how I'm so concerned for you through this whole thing, and then BAM!... I'm laughing my head off at the end. Nolan, Nolan, Nolan. :)
ReplyDeleteI hate that you are in the flood zone... I think of all the homes and businesses that are finally up and running around here and can't imagine what they'll do if it happens again. And an hour south of us... so many communities that aren't even cleaned up yet. I'm truly convinced that the floods put so much toxins and waste in the air that it set off my not being able to go outside. So many people I know who have never had allergies are having trouble now... flooding is a long-term problem and I really hope it misses you this year!
Oh my goodness Vicky...prayers your way. Please let us know what happens. Love to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteAnd Nolan is a hoot!
Thanks Gitz :) I have great compassion and empathy for anyone who has been through it and I know how hard hit your area was. I would absolutely believe that toxins in the way of mold and bacteria and other yucky stuff lingers after the water... I shudder at the thought.
ReplyDeleteThank-you Robin :) Love to you as well! Thank you for your concern.