We've had a busy morning, and then the camera batteries died so we didn't get as many high water pictures as we'd hoped. However, we have enough to let those of you who are away from the pond know that first, we're all ok up here, just a little soggy and still trying to sort things out.

I've made a short slide show of the pictures we took this morning and there is a little explanation on some of them: High Water, Aug. 29, 2011









I mentioned yesterday that the top of our mystery tree had split - three ways, actually. With the top mostly gone, it was clear the tree would probably not survive and if it did, it would be unsightly, so I reluctantly let Fred cut it. There it is in the two pictures above - Fred is out there now cutting it up to haul it away. Also, when I was out on the deck this morning I noticed the cherry tree (that had also sprung up by itself a few years ago) was rocking dangerously in the morning breeze. I tested it and just by pushing on it a little it moved as if to tip over, so we took that down, too. Fred is pretty pleased - we have a view again; but I know I'm going to miss both those trees. This picture is the top of the cherry tree lodged against a maple that will soon fill the bare space, but not as close to the deck or the house.

The trees made our deck seem like it was a tree house. When I was out there, I could peek through the branches to see people walking or driving by, but I'm pretty sure nobody could see onto the deck. Not that it matters - in a few short weeks we won't be out on the deck anyway.

Woody is complaining because Fred brought him into the house while he's working with the chain saw. Woody likes to be in the middle of whatever we're doing, especially if we're working outside. I'll take him out with me when I go in a few minutes. He is so trusting of us, he wouldn't understand that the noisy saw could hurt him - just as he saunters up to our car without fear, so one of us always checks to see where he is before we move the car in or out. If it's a strange car, he is very skittish, but unfortunately, he isn't as careful when he knows it's one of us.

We're finding out it isn't "business as usual" in some places today. With Charter lines on the fritz over a wide area, many businesses, including banks, don't have internet, and that is not a good thing. It's amazing how crippling no internet service is once you've made it such a big part of your life. But the regular mail came on time and lots of places are functioning very well. Bill called this morning to let us know the family is fine out in Waterford, but they had high water at Thurston and Dimick Auto, but no damage. They'd wisely moved all their cars to higher ground. He said lots of buildings in the St. Johnsbury Center area have water damage, though.

One of my cousins contacted us today to see if we were ok - they had been on a family vacation in Delaware and were told to evacuate on Friday. They made it home to Shrewsbury, MA just fine, and weathered the storm there ok. It cut their vacation time with children and grandchildren short, though.

We're all very fortunate this time. Having earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes piling up like this makes one wonder, though - what's next?