Where there was flooding, the waters have receded.
Where the river was churning and foaming, things are once again quiet.
All of this is good. No reports of property damage. No deaths or injuries.
Elsewhere, however . . .
People in High River, Alberta, are returning to their homes, trying to clean up and assessing the damage.
But not everybody.
Some places have been so badly damaged that they will have to be torn down, and folks will have to start over. There are estimates that it will take a year or more for some people to be resettled. (Bear thinks is it likely to be "more.") One couple was taking the wife's sister's family into their place for the duration. Now that's love!
For those flood survivors who do not have a place to stay for the summer, the student-vacated dorms at the University of Calgary are being opened. That will work reasonably until the students return in September. After that, um. . . .
And in Calgary, which has already been damaged so badly, rains this week re-flooded one neighbourhood which was just starting to dry out and recover. I believe you would call that adding insult to injury, or something like that.
On the other hand, The Calgary Stampede is up and in full operation, two weeks after being seriously flooded. This, with the help of locals. The organizers of what they call "The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth" appealed publicly for assistance to get this show ready to go. They expected maybe 500 folks would help, and they opened an on-site office to welcome the helpers. Except that more than 2,000 volunteered to get the the Stampede operating. The last thing I heard was they had too many people for the work that needed to be done. But, better too many than too few.
Meanwhile. . .
A number of things are taking place at the home of the Bear.
1. Bear and his beloved J are making some adjustments to the den. We're turning it from our three-season apartment into our summer cottage. The lake (heated swimming pool) is great, and there are opportunities for cookouts on the cliff (balcony) overlooking everything.
Wouldn't it be great if you could move to the summer cottage without leaving home. Sorta like "Hotel California": "You can check out any time you like/but you can never leave."
(OK — that is a bit of a stretch, isn't it.)
2. Truth is, we expect that the Cubs will be spending quite a bit of time at the cottage this summer. Their parents are doing major modifications to their house, with the help of a contractor and the Cubs' other grandfather (a skilled tradesman; he works with tools instead of words, and he is good at what he does).
3. Bear has been busy at his poetry desk, and will have something new on his "pomes" blog, Life in the Urban Forest, later this week. (NO, not today; more like Friday.)
And, that's the news. Blessings and Bear hugs til next time.
Floods can cause a lot of damage. Having the cubs for a visit is always fun. I had my grandson over yesterday.
ReplyDeleteDark Thoughts Blog
You're right about flooding — what a mess, not to mention the dollar damage. Hope you had fun with your grandson!
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Oh I have friends in Calgary and it is so frightening wondering what these displaced people will be doing. I is wonderful that they had so many volunteers turn out to help with the Stampede.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking if my Grandparents had a cottage I would have moved in for the summer. Have fun and enjoy. B
Things are still rough in Calgary, no question of that, even with the Stampede going, and drawing mega dollars into the city and region.
DeleteAnd I'm with you about moving to my grandparent cottage for the summer. Our children did a bit of that, but with home being here and cottage in Ontario, the plan wasn't all that great.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Oh how awful to be hit twice with the high water- so sad! I hope the temporary housing at the dorms doesn't cause a problem when school starts back up! Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteHigh water, stampede week, housing challenges. Yes, the making of a really "interesting" time for a lot of people.
DeleteI intend to have a good week; I hope you have a great week, too, Terri.
Blessings and Bear hugs.
The rains have been frequent and heavy here also. This is not the year to live near a waterway.
ReplyDeleteMay you have some sweet, cool breezes in your den this summer.
Thank you. Things are good in the land of the Bear, at least. Sorry for all the "liquid sunshine" you've been having; it might help the grass and the flowers, but continuing grey clouds do not thrill the human spirit.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Glad for the update, Bear! And glad too that you'll get to catch up with grands this summer. Don't overdo it, or you'll want to return to your den and sleep it all off.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rosaria. The grandkids are already accustomed to the notion that Granddad usually needs a sleep in the afternoon. That's their time to do something with Grandma, or read on their own. (They love to read; they don't have tv at home.)
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
I just googled the Calgary Stampede because I was picturing the running of the bulls or something...It sounds like a huge deal. That's impressive that they got it up and running amid everything going on there. Sounds like you have the summer mapped out at the "cottage." Living here at the barn is a bit like that year round...Im very lucky that way! Take care, Bear. Have a lovely week. I will look forward to poetry whenever you get to it.Youve already written a couple of haikus this month...the judging is going on Friday this week.
ReplyDeleteWow! Talk about a lady who does her homework! The Calgary Stampede is really a "big thing" for the city. And the region.
DeleteLiving in a barn. There's got to be a story in that.
I hope you have a wonderful week, too. I am looking forward to having one. I noticed quite a it of poetry at your place. Have fun choosing on Friday.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
What on earth is going on with all these natural disasters?
ReplyDelete(What? Global warming? The same global warming certain idiots still deny?)
I had to reread your code, bear, but I think you said you are remodeling and the kids and one of your parents will provide hand and heart. Yes? :-)
I love remodeling! We had lights put in
Many of the rooms in Provincetown and we were just about moaning with excitement
Good luck and good week, mr rob-bear. You know where I'll be :-)
Love
kj
I realize that we are going through a time of climate change, with "peculiar weather" occurring. Bit of a nuisance, that. More than a mere "nuisance" to some.
DeleteWe are re-arranging parts of the apartment, as one would re-arrange deck chairs on a boat (NO, not the Titanic). Our son and dil are putting a big addition on their house, with the help of a contractor, a crew, plus her dad (the kids other grandfather). So we expect to have the grandkids at our place quite a bit this summer because there will be so much mess and business over at their place. Sorry to be so confusing; two separate events.
Now, if you can sell your condo, that will be a delightful boost to you relocation project. Best wishes on that.
And did I understand that Mr. Chase is warming up to you folks? Sounds awesome. He's had a tough life; I hope he gets to understand how loved he is!
Blessings and Bear hugs.
Ps rob, I keep wanting to know: did you know Renee?
ReplyDeletexo
Yes; I corresponded occasionally with Renee. I remember the art work. After she died, I believe one of her daughters occasionally posted some things on Renee's blog.
Deleteugh - i actually will take fire damage over flood damage - at least fire is complete - flooding leaves behind mold, diseases,indecision on whether something is still functional...yep, with a fire you either pitch it, or its already demolished ;)
ReplyDeletegood luck with the summer cottage - sounds like a wise plan!
and poetry, eh? writers block has been rampant with me this spring - im so glad someone is able to sit and put out some good stuff!!! :)
Flooding is a real mess! We've had tiny bits of that in a couple of hour houses, but nothing like the floods this year in Alberta (and elsewhere).
DeleteI've been reading along with your history of your fire misadventure. Wow; you really did things right. I'm glad you were able to keep you place more or less intact.
I'm in a poetry contest that Zoe is having at her blog. It is the second one I've entered in the last several years. I've never really thought of myself as a poet, but now the experience is starting to grow on me. Funny, that.
Blessings and Bear hugs.
I always get great enjoyment from your blog posts. Floods ! if i never hear the word again it will be too soon ! I just hope that insurance helps heal the wounds of the victims.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoy my posts. Thanks for saying so!
DeleteFloods. And fires (up north of here, though not as bad as other years). Sigh!
I don't know how much insurance will cover the flood damage. I expect governments will offer some disaster relief.
Blessings and Bear hugs.
Rob, does your area usually get seasonal flooding? I am not really that familiar with northern climes, but when my son was stationed in Grand Forks, ND it flooded there each spring--sometimes worse than others. Of course seasonal and excess rainfall would certainly be different circumstances. I am glad things didn't get bad for you and the Mrs.
ReplyDeletetm
We don't normally have flooding in this area, so this was a bit of an event. Much ado about nothing. But the Red River does flood Grand Forks, then comes up and floods parts of Manitoba, particularly the capital, Winnipeg. (They have build an extensive flood control system there, focused on where the Red River and Assiniboine River meet.) That's miles east of us — a couple of days drive, south and east.
DeleteThanks for your concern for us; it's much appreciated.
Blessing sand Bear hugs.
I'm glad the damage wasn't any worse, but I am sad for those who have lost their homes. But the goodness of the volunteers to get the Stampede up and running is amazing, and heartwarming. Thanks for the post, Bear. Sending you back some blessings and bear hugs. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your concern for folks who have been having such a tough time.
DeleteI think volunteerism comes naturally to people, particularly in our part of the country. When the land was settled, in many cases the only help you had was from your neighbours, so people became accustomed to assisting one another. And that attitude, that custom, has simply continued.
Blessings and Bear hugs back to you.
Hey Bear
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are deep into your summer life. Glad the countryside is back to normal after the water decided to recede. Your pictures prove that all is once again well.
Enjoy your renovation.
Yup; things here are pretty darned good! How is it with you? Good, I hope.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Boy, Rob, I thought we were having too much rain here in New Jersey. You poor guys! I'm glad all is well for you, but sorry to hear the issues everyone else is having. So nice that it seems everyone works together there to help out. Great to hear from you...I will check back on your "pomes" blog to check out what you're up to there!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your note, Frances. I find I cannot play with grandchildren and keep up with my blogging (especially visiting others). Sorry for my social faux paws (which are not nearly as bad as my real paws).
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)
Floods can be so devastating.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your cub time!
Floods and fires — exact opposites — can both cause a lot of mess. I don't want to see either, thanks.
DeleteI'm looking forward to the grandkids being with us quite a bit over the summer.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)
Recovering from floods takes so much time and perseverance. God bless them all.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time with the gr-kids!
Flood recovery = lots of hard work, that's for sure. All assistance is gratefully received, thanks.
DeleteI expect to have a wonderful time at the "cottage" with the grandchildren. I hope you have a delightful summer, too.
Blessings and Bear hugs.
I'm glad to hear everything is looking good where you are. Good Luck with the summer plans!
ReplyDeleteLuck? Good management? Who knows?
DeleteHope you have a delightful summer, even with Oreo Can and Evil Twin around.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)
Thanks for your update. Floods can be so devastating. I'm glad things are okay where you are, and I pray for those who lost so much.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your cubs. :)
You're welcome Dana; thanks for checking in.
DeleteLooking forward to spending time with the grandchildren (cubs) at our "summer cottage." Hope you are having a wonderful summer, too
Blessings and Bear hugs!
I love nature. Give me a vision like what's on your photos and I'm happy.
ReplyDeleteBut, along with nature is storms and floods and devastation. Too bad. Prayers and best wishes for everyone to recover.
EnJoy your little cubs and the "lake and cliff." A staycation can be just as meaningful when planned and done with the right attitude.
Glad you like the "vision." The thing that drew me to River City initially are the riverside parks, beside which we now live. There are literally miles upon miles of then, with pathways running through them. We can go on those trails from one end of the city to the other, walking or biking.
DeleteWe're looking forward to our staycation. J and I are getting ready by getting into the "lake" a couple of times a day. Good exercise, but relatively gentle.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Normal is an odd, subjective, sort of construct, no?
ReplyDeleteWhich is why "normal" is in quotation marks! Normal, I suppose, equals customary, but it is customary in a particular context. Yeah; language can be about as slippery as fog.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)
Water does two things well, it CLEANS the town of filth, silt, and garbage. The other thing it does well is wreak havoc. It all depends on which side of the sandbag you're standing in.
ReplyDeleteBut your area looks so lovely.
Yes, lotta, water does those two things. And a third: mini-landslides. Or not so mini. I'll blog about that in a day or two; I want to get the pictures first.
DeleteAnd please; you take care. We'd love to see a lotta health instead of a lotta sickness in your department.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)
Hi Rob-Bear. Nice photos and I’m glad things have settled down there after those terrible rains. Although it’s good no deaths or injuries were reported, I’m very sorry to hear some lost their homes. That’s a real heartbreak, having to start over.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your den adjustments. Love the way you called your heated swimming pool a lake, now that’s positive thinking! What fun to have the Cubs spending time there over the summer. I will be heading over to your poetry blog! Bear hugs and blessings to you, too!
Wow, that is scary! I'm glad to hear things are starting to settle a bit. Yikes!
ReplyDelete