Whenever I feel the Rain on my Face

It's January.
And it's raining...
A lot!
You might say it's raining cats and dogs...
because there is flooding all over Cache Valley.
In January!

I like rain. Except when it threatens to flood.

This morning the bus took 10 more minutes than usual because the roads were covered with a sheet of ice from the rain that froze overnight. The imminent problem with rain in January is that there is nowhere for the water to go. The ground is still frozen underneath and so the water can't percolate through the dirt. The sun isn't out, so it can't evaporate. It just keeps raining. It started as snow yesterday, but all the snow has since been abolished by the rain. There is water standing in fields, barrow pits, and even covering the roads in some places.

Luckily, our home was built above grade and without a basement. We have no need to worry--unless the roads wash out. We live on an island if you think about it... There is the Bear River between us and our schools and stores; there is a canal and drains between us and our church. We could be stuck on an island in a flood! Well, I suppose we could possibly get to Clarkston and over the long divide if we had to get out of the valley--that is IF we can get through the Trenton roads... and who knows what we would find on the other side of the mountain. Plymouth might have just as much flooding. Or more!

Good thing we have food storage. And a water supply. Perhaps we could live on this island for a while. I think I might even enjoy having an excuse to stay home with my family. We could call it our "Island of Paradise" and park beach towels near the wood stove. We can watch the torrents through the windows of our strong, solid, safe sanctuary. And drink our hot cocoa to our souls' delight.

This is the house that Dave built, after all. It has weathered many storms and proven itself strong and steadfast. Hopefully, it will not need to prove itself seaworthy... though it might be fun to live on a houseboat!

That's it! I'm going to enjoy the rain on my face, and cherish the quiet moments of isolation while we have it. I will make a sanctuary for my family. And find the fun in it. Regardless of the weather.

...and rain will make the flowers grow!