flooded

We are in the midst of flood season here in Manitoba. Winnipeg is located where two rivers meet, the Red River and the Assiniboine River. Both rivers are really high at the moment. There is a wonderful system of ditches and diversions, known as the Red River Floodway or "Duff's Ditch," that keep large parts of the city from being flooded each time there is a lot of winter melt and precipitation. At this time of year, it can be bright and sunny, but the melt off of the snow can cause a flood at the same time.

The professor was driving to the university earlier this week when he took some time to rubberneck at the river near where he parks his car. (Everyone does, the rivers are mammoth this time of year...) What did he see but two hawks! He pulled over his car and whipped out his camera. Others immediately slowed down their cars, and a couple even got out their cameras. Here are a couple of photos of what the professor saw by the river...he knew they were hawks, but not what kind. He brought his photos to one of his colleagues, who told him they were mates--a pair of Cooper's Hawks. Pretty amazing sighting!

The new roof and attic insulation are all finished at this point. (We now have more than the original 1912 wood shavings in the attic.) The professor also took photos of this event--it was quite a scene while it took place. While the outside "fixes" are now complete, we're still going to have some more painting inside next week. The plaster, dust, and noise are still messy, but there is hope in sight. The dogs and I enjoy every quiet moment in between repair jobs. Who knew ice dams would cause so much damage and so much expense?!

These days I have to spend a lot of time with my feet up to reduce swelling. I'm also doing a lot of resting...Since my hands are also swollen, knitting, cooking, and other pursuits requiring dexterity have to remain limited. To fill up the time, I've been reading a book by E.B. White called One Man's Meat. It was published in the early 1940's and is still in print. Each essay is a jewel. I can see why, in a new time of war around the world, there is much to cherish about this depiction of life during another war and time. I hope to finish it soon so I can write more about it. It's well worth reading.

Hope you're well and dry, wherever you live!