Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Another Flood Update.







This is a view out our window today as we camp in the shop window.

Looks a little like a war zone.


This is how it looked the first day, nice and neat, then all hell broke loose.
   Thanks to all the wonderful bloggers that have commented and sent there ,love because of the flood that I am going through right now. It was almost a flash flood. They told us last Wednesday morning the river was going to be  10 feet over flood stage in 3 days. The entire main street, including my Historic Home and Antique Mall are right on the river. It was a scramble. We had to put up flood walls, move out, and up, and sand bag an entire town. It is amazing how people come from everywhere to help. It was  like a fast moving motion picture to watch the sand bags fill and the walls appeared from out of no where. It makes you believe in man kind. It is kind of hard to do that these days with all the bad that goes on in the world. School shootings, stabbings, attacks and on and on. We still live in one of the greatest countries in the world. It sure was proved to me the past few days.
   Our Governor sent the national guard and they have worked endless, They were the best and just took control. There was also an amazing group of young people. Women and men. They looked like teenagers. They were sent by Americore. They were the brains behind the whole thing. They have worked day and night, going with out sleep or showers. In water, on machinery and what ever else was needed. It was a blessing we had them. I just can not believe such young people could do so much. They get very little pay. Sleep on the floor and works hours with no rest.
   The locals here in my town came together and opened a soup kitchen. It was in a church basement right here in down town Clarksville. People have carried in the most amazing food from fired fish, chicken, home made pies, cakes and cookies. The workers have been so spoiled they will never want to leave.When I am not working on sand bags I like to go to the soup kitchen and help out. It is a lot more fun. I made chicken pot pie, pea salad, breakfast eggs  and fried apples. Tomorrow I am making bread pudding.
    We also had two other groups. The men and women from our local prisons. They were amazing. The hardest working people I have ever seen., I worked beside them making sand bags, I learned there names and history. They know they did wrong, but when it was time to help us, there could be no better. One man said he had been in prison for 10 years for killing some one. Another man was in for 2 because he had bought a lot of stolen stuff from a robbery. One lady was called Mary Ann and she was so beautiful and you could tell she had a very good up bringing. I did not ask her story. All the ladies cracked up when I called the sweet pea, sugar plum and honey bun. We laughed as we worked like we had never worked before.I was bad and gave them candy behind the guards back. I tried to give them hugs but that was a no no. I for one am so grateful for them and must find a way to tell them so.,
 Today some of the workers were leaving us and they all gave us hugs and some of us actually cried.
  The flood is far from over. There could be a surge any day. There is usually at least 3 crest. We have only had the first.There is lost of snow up north that still has to melt. We are in this for awhile yet. In the mean time, I have lost a hot water heater. My basement will have to be professionally cleaned so it will not mold. I have lost a large section of side walk. Some of my iron fence was destroyed. They yard is trashes as well as my gravel parking lot. The shop will be closed for at least a month and perhaps more. It is hard to think about as it and my Social Security are my only income.I know some how the Lord will provide and for now I am not going to worry about it.I know the money will come from somewhere just like all these workers came.
   I am glad I had this time to unwind and tell some of my story. This is the second flood I've gone through. The first was in 08, just 2 years after I bought the house. I have to say this one was a lot less stressful., being 5 years older did not actually help. It might be time to think about moving on.
   If you have read my blog ,you know I have this old beautiful home. I love it very much. But, when it starts to take your life, it might be time to think of other options.
   I know I have made some typos, and I am sorry, but with what I have been through. You figure it out. Sissy and I love you all and love hearing from you. When this is all over and the sand bags come down, we would love to have you come for a visit. God bless you all.
This is the riverfront only a few feet outside my shop. The river had not even reached the park at this point. 


 Sissy has gone to bed. She is wore out and mixed up. Our lives have been turned inside out  for the past few days.

19 comments:

Barbara F. said...

Happy to see you are able to post and keep us updated. I have been thinking about you and praying for you and your home and Sissie Dog. Continue to be safe, dry and strong. (((hugs))) xo

Pamela Gordon said...

Oh Richard, I'm sorry you are going through all of this stress with the eminent flood and pray you and your property will be safe from the waters. It sounds like you have met some amazing and wonderful people that have helped your town out at this time. I wish you and your townfolk well. God bless you all. Pamela

Gina @ VictorianWannaBe said...

Sounds like your town has been filled with so much love and dedication lately, I am so glad so many have come to help and that they have been a blessing to you, and I'm sure you have been a blessing to them as well. It just takes a moment to make an impact on someone's life. It is true we do live in a wonderful country, and it is only a wonderful place because of the wonderful people. So sorry you have experienced so much damage, my heart and my prayers go out to you at this time Richard. Sending hugs your way, share them with Sissy too.

Suzan said...

I can't help you from here - but know thoughts and prayers are flying your way!! Pray that you stay dry!

Heirloom treasures said...

So sorry to here of such a devastating time for you Richard. It's amazing really how many good people there are in the world. We only ever here about all the bad.
It will be a shame if you have to part with your beautiful home,but hey,there maybe one out there just as beautiful just waiting for you to rescue it. Take care x

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Poor Sissy. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Twyla (a Missouri friend)

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

You and Sissie have had a rough few days. I am sure that Sissie picks up on all of the stress and worry and it wears her out.

I always wonder how people who live in homes that are hit by floods have the gumption to stay in them year after year. It seems like it would be very difficult and stressful. For me it's stressful to even have to have Roto Rooter occasionally come for those dreaded backups. I can't imagine having the Mississippi up in my house.

Best wishes to you and I hope the river gets back in its banks soon.

Susie @ Persimmon Moon Cottage

Pearl said...

Oh Richard and Sissy stay safe! Thank God for all the help you have been getting. Hugs, Pearl

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

Richard, I sure have been thinking about you. Any news from Clarksville I watch with anticipation praying that you and the shop are safe. I pray you and Sissy Dog make it through this without any water reaching you.

zooperson said...

I'm so glad you, Sissy, and your neighbors had such wonderful help, but I know it is stressful. You have put so much into your lovely home and shop I know it is worrisome; but you are right, leave it with the Lord.

Lottie said...

Richard, even though I have never met you,(although I have seen you on TV)what you show is so real. The little blips on the flood that we see on TV are so insignificant as compared to your real life story. I am glad that you are able to keep us posted on the news from Clarksville and keep a sense of humor in the middle of this crisis.

Lottie's husband

molly- See you downtown said...

It's heartbreaking, Richard, I am so sorry for the damage and duress. Hoping for no more water and quick as possible recovery.

Curtains in My Tree said...

Richard
I want you to know I am thinking about you and Sissy and your beautiful historic old house that you love

I will be over when the water goes down and your open for tours

Janice

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Oh Richard I know you and Sissy are exhausted-I pray that you will not have any more damage. I know you love your home, but as we get older things just get to be too much to care for, don't they? I say as long as you have Sissy, you can live most anywhere and be happy. I am so glad that so many caring people have been there to help.

Tea in Texas said...

I'm glad you and Sissy are ok but tired! The damage from the flooding is terrible but the spirit of people to help is wonderul. I hope you can find some time to rest and God will bless you with no more flooding! We will be praying for you and your beautiful town! Hug Sissy and give her an extra treat for she is a sweet pup!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Richard, I am so sorry to hear all of this. As I mentioned before, my area is no stranger to flooding and there was a terrible one here only a 2 years ago when the Susquehanna River overflowed it's banks. I have seen the destruction flood water can do. 40 years ago, the water went right over the roof of my sister's ranch home that she had bought only 3 months prior. Such heartache. When I got older and married, I vowed I would never live in the flood plain as it is called here and I don't.
The one good thing that has come from this awful experience for you , is maybe a renewed appreciation of all the Good that there is in the world. Lately, things have been so very bad. But in times of need, humanity always seems to rise to the occasion no matter what it's past is....

My thoughts and prayers are with you...

Hugs,
Debbie

Rose Broadway said...

Hi,Richard
I used to read and enjoy your blog every day. My computer blew up and I lost you! I couldn't think of the name of your blog until tonight I read your name on someone's blog. Now I have you again! Yay!

I am so sorry for what you are going through with the flood. I know something like that turns things topsy-turvy. It's very hard for everyone, including pets that don't know which way to go.

It sounds like you are among wonderful people and have made some deep friendships. Isn't it amazing that beautiful people pass through our lives. Some we never see again, and some we have for a lifetime.

Hug Sissy for me!
Rosie in Raymore MO

Anonymous said...

I've been away, but just checked in to see what you've written lately in your lovely blog. I'm so sorry to hear about the flooding and how hard you've been working to avert disaster.

Your stories about the National Guard and prisoners touched my heart. You have a real gift for getting to know people, to find the best in them.

I hope you can get the basement cleared and avoid mold. That can be a devastating problem, as I well know. Meanwhile, you and Sissy hang on. As soon as your house and community are completely out of danger, get some rest. You'll know best what to do once you're rested and thinking clearly.

Good luck and God bless!
Deb

Unknown said...

Despite what happened to your town and to your shop, you can truly say that there is still good in this world. Those who helped barricading the town with sandbags did a good job. And everyone who gave them food to eat were all kind enough to appreciate their service. Onto your basement, I believe you'd need a professional to have a look-see and explain what needs to be done to bring back its good condition.

Yang Farnham @More Floods, Inc.