Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Just An Observation

We have a big yard for being on the lake - sort of a triangle, but not. It is 100' across the front but 300' across the back. That means 300' of seawall, which in this part of the country is a lot of lake access. It also can be a lot of work. Each winter the Corps of Engineers draws the lake down anywhere from 3-8 feet to kill the algae before it can get started and to allow homeowners to do repair to their seawall. Two years ago we had to have our seawall repaired and it didn't come cheap.

This spring we had a lot of rain in Arkansas. A lot of rain. The lake above our lake got too high and they had to let a lot of water out at one time so they opened all the flood gates up and the water came up over our seawall and into the yard. We were lucky, really, because our house is set way back from the lake and because by the time the water got to us the force was considerably less than it was up closer to the dam. We have friends up the lake whose dock and pontoon boat was torn loose by the water and taken 9 miles down the lake where it hung up on the buoys right before it would have gone over that dam. Others weren't so lucky. Their docks and boats went over the dam and ended up toothpicks on the far side. The only damage we had was that our dock floated out from the seawall about 8 feet and the walkway fell down into the mud at the bottom where it's buried to this day. We've called a dock repair company to come fix it but their list was long and we weren't crucial so we wait. That won't be cheap either. Meanwhile we can't get out to the dock but that's ok; my husband waded out and got the boat, brought it up to the seawall and we can use it from there.

In Arkansas, like a lot of places, when it rains it pours. And when it doesn't rain, it doesn't rain. We water our yard from the lake so we're better off than most. Except this past weekend our pump quit. It went to the hospital but it was dead on arrival. It couldn't be resuscitated - CPR didn't work and neither did begging. So we either buy a new pump or water from the hose, which costs megabucks for a yard this size.

This week it has rained all around us. And I do mean all around us. It rained at WalMart 8 miles away. It rained at the nearby market 3 miles away. We live on a square and it rained on the other side of our square. Yep. The other side of our square - 1 block away. My husband, who is the glass half full kind of guy, wasn't surprised because if it can cost him money, he thinks it will. I very kindly explained to him that the Rain Gods are unhappy with him. If he would close cabinet doors, pick up his bath mat and newspaper, and cook dinner once in a while his luck would change. Rain Gods like that stuff. Don't you agree?

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, Marlene...

It must be nice to live by the water. I love the picture you painted in your comment on my blog about curling up underneath a quilt in the morning and enjoy a cup of coffee! I can't wait for the fall to arrive, although we did get some rain in NW Arkansas today... ;)

Blessings.

Anonymous said...

Lol, did he buy that? If so, I need to try that one!

Dawn said...

Oh, sheesh! What a pain for all of you----but I love that part about your hubby making amends with the Raingods....let us know if it helps!

Aunt Julie said...

Ohhhhhh...you've gotta watch out for those Rain Gods! :) BTW, don't forget the Great Pop'rs Giveaway! The more you comment, the better chance you have of winning--Check it out!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Currently trying to think through the deluge outdoors. So thankful, though. The farmers need it.

peace~elaine

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Hi Marlene,
I wish I could send some your way. We are trying to get the building built and it keeps raining. Now I think part of it's from Miss Dolly.
I wonder if making the Raingods mad works both ways. Like you said when it rains it pours, even in things going on the outs. Ours usually go in 3's.
Hugs,
Bonnie

Heather said...

Here! Here! Rain Gods DO like that stuff. Especially the cooking dinner part. They love it.

Karen said...

CPR for your pump. How cute! Sorry it didn't work. You have too many things needing repairs. There goes your quilting budget out the door!

Christine said...

Oh, I don't know. My DH doesn't do ANY of those things and yet all it's done is rain here this year. But it certainly wouldn't hurt your DH to try. ;-)

Anonymous said...

I know what you mean about raining all around you. Neat that you can use the lake water.

Purple Pam said...

Yes, I agree. All those things would improve the 'tude of the rain gods. And even if it didn't, it would improve your 'tude, right?

Anonymous said...

Being able to stitch by the lake sounds like a dream come true.... but the flooding issues sound like no fun! So sorry the begging didn't fix your pump. That cracked me up by the way. x

Claremont First Ward said...

A sacrifice in your honor should definitely be in order. :)

I appreciate you taking the time to visit my blog when I was featured on SITS. I look forward to many more visits. Off to read more.

Anonymous said...

Hi Marlene,

Thanks for your sweet comment on those floral arrangements! ;) I really appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.