Once again the North Fork of the Thornton River has threatened Serendipity Farmhouse. Once again Serendipity Farmhouse has weathered the storm safely.
The year 2018 will go down in the SFH journal as a “weather year”. Weather has been the dominant factor in almost all of our many undertakings this year. A severe cold spell caused damage to plants and shrubs in January. High winds in March took down trees, forcing us to modify our garden landscaping – and our budget as well. And if you have been following our journal closely, you know how our vegetable garden has suffered the effects of too much water in May and June.
The most recent challenge to SFH was the threat that the North Fork of the Thornton River would overflow its banks and cause flooding in our yard. Heavy rains on the 21st and 22nd of June brought the river to the highest point we have ever seen it. Simultaneously, heavy runoff from higher ground filled our yard and driveway and was approaching Serendipity Farmhouse itself.
Beautiful and courageous wife had to face the challenge alone. Yours truly was nearly 2,000 miles away and could only lend support through prayer and advice. We had to determine our reaction to this event over the phone and through email as I made my way through three airports, running to catch flights.
We decided that our car was in jeopardy and valiant spouse piloted the vehicle to higher ground. Armed with only an umbrella and a pair of rubber boots, she forded the rising waters and and made the perilous trek. Of course, the faithful bugout bag and supplies for Mr. Monte were at the ready should an evacuation be required. Brave wife, however, declared to me on the phone that she had no intention of abandoning our beloved Serendipity Farmhouse.
By the time I made my way home, the danger had passed and the waters were receding. Sweet, dear wife and I embraced and Mr. Monte rubbed against my leg and characteristically meowed, “Where the heck have you been, Fuzz Face?”
As I write this Sunday morning, our yard still has abundant standing water. Although the garden appears to have weathered the storm, we are concerned that we will lose this year’s tomato crop.
In the end, we must be thankful to God. The house is safe and more importantly beautiful wife and I are together again. The saga of SFH continues.
BLESSINGS ON THIS HUGE SOLEMNITY OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST!! A PERFECT LAST (REGULAR) SUNDAY THERE I IMAGINE AS YOU NOW MOVE BACK IN AT ST. PETER’S.
MAY THE RAINS SUBSIDE AND BRING MORE PERFECT WEATHER FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS GROWING SEASON.
And many blessings to you too. Also, thank you for a tasty meal and a delightful evening of fine conversation.
Dear ones,
It continues to rain here. We’ve had several cloudbursts since yesterday – one is underway now with accompanying lightning and thunder. Since I refuse to sacrifice vegetables to deer and rabbits, I have no vegetable garden, but my shrub and flower beds are a mess with mulch and soil washing away. It’s at least safe to say that there will be no water shortages here on the mountain. I’ll be grateful for that. May God protect you all and SFH.