It’s not enough that we have the fallout from the election and the very real fears that go along with it, but we’re also in a drought here. It’s estimated that normal rainfall level is down 10-12 inches. That is shocking. Yesterday, we stopped in at the library and then took the back roads home. This road runs along one of our rivers.
All of what you see here, except for the areas with trees, is normally covered with water. The small rocks are the river bed. The brown area in the center is always completely covered. Except for now.
Right by where we were standing. This brown vegetation has been exposed as have all the brown patches – normally covered with water.
The width of the river would normally be from the branch in the foreground to the edge of the trees in the upper part of the photo. We saw geese sitting in the water, but the water didn’t even cover their bottoms. It was as if they had deliberately perched on a rock, but they hadn’t. I wonder how the fish are doing.
We have two rivers right by our house and it gets even more shocking across the street from us. This is our 20th year here, and we have never seen it like this. We’re supposed to get rain on my birthday – which is Thursday. I will be grateful to see it, but it will be just a drop in the bucket. We need so much more.
We’re trying to stay positive, but let’s face it, it’s almost impossible to stay in that place longer than a moment or two. Yes, we express our gratitude – we’re both very big on saying what we’re grateful for out loud – but sometimes the stupidity of the vile sh*tshow going on right now is too much.
So we work at maintaining some sort of balance, trying to occupy ourselves with chores and creative pursuits.
I know all of us are attempting to maintain some balance. Let’s help each other as we move forward.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
We are getting three days of rain this week and I wish it would head your way too, Claudia.
One minute I’m feeling more positive and then the next minute I’m worrying and feeling down again. Emotions so up and down right now and thoughts of “what to do – what will help – what’s going to happen”… You are right to focus on gratitude and be thankful for all I have but some times it’s hard not to be afraid.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Claudia. It does help.
Oh my goodness, sometimes I’m in a panic! I go back and forth. But for me, it’s about deep breaths and finding something to occupy my attention in a positive way. I understand, Ellen.
Stay safe.
Claudia, your photos show the unfortunate effects of climate change…which, yes, is actually occurring! It’s amazing looking at your pictures and trying to understand how some people deny it. I wonder about the fish, too. Balance in our lives is so very important.
I don’t know why people are so troubled by scientific and visual evidence. Ignorance, I guess.
Stay safe, Barrie.
our rivers are similar … very worrisome and very sad. may we all get the rain and other things we need.
same efforts being made for balance here … chores, creative interests, reading, time with family and praying … thanks for the encouragement.
claudia, i try not to bring my sadness here because i know we all have troubles and stress. plus i plain have trouble talking about some stuff (running was a great way to deal with it, but you know what happened to that [everyone, please get yourbone density checked!]). i will say that in the past four years i’ve lost three friends and, recently, a cousin to cancer and suicide (like sam, the man in the apartment next to mine). i try not to think about that. some members of my family have serious ongoing health problems. i pray and help as i can and fight my own depression, too. all that to say i hope you know that you and everyone else here do help me with every post and every comment. sharing parts of your life, your thoughts and heart helps me in many ways … i relate to things, find out about other things that are new to me, see beautiful photos, hear (read) kind voices, found friends i hope to someday meet in real life …. you are a blessing, claudia. so is everyone else here and don, too. thank you very much from my heart and may God bless you all. love you.
thanks for listening. stay safe.
kathy
I’m so sorry for your losses, Kathy. We have lost several friends in the past few years. It’s heartbreaking, isn’t it?
I’m so glad you’re a part of the family here – good, good people who care about others.
Hang in there, my friend.
Stay safe.
I’m so sorry to hear that, Claudia. We’re experiencing a drought here in Illinois, too. Very scary. We’ve had some rain lately and there’s more in the forecast, but I’m not sure how much difference that will make. I’m amazed at how well my mums are doing considering, and in addition, I have a hanging pot of geraniums that are still going strong, which I’ve never had this late in the season. Weird.
Anyway, deep breathing is a very good idea and I’m going to try more of it.
Take good care,
~Jenny
Sometimes, when I get very anxious, deep breathing helps ground me. Deep breath in, hold for a second, and then release it very slowly.
Stay safe, Jenny.
So sorry to hear about the drought. We take water for granted sometimes. Even some snow would help. I try not to listen to the news these days. I’m focusing on getting ready for Christmas. This morning I’m making a cranberry/orange loaf. Stay hopeful. Hugs, Elaine
Trying to, Elaine.
Stay safe.
The drought is terrible here in North Jersey as well. One more thing to be worried about! I was up at 4:30 this morning, just too much on my mind. I’ve been reading more than usual as it seems to occupy my mind for a few hours every day. Trying not to watch too much news. I’ve kept a gratitude journal for years, but most of the time I am just afraid.
I bet it’s just as bad in NJ as it is here, Judy.
Hopefully, we can manage our fears going forward. Feel free to let it out here on the blog.
Stay safe.
Those river pictures are troubling….that was our area last year. We are supposed to get four days of precipitation, and hopefully that will continue our forward progress. Hope this rain/snow goes eastward to you.
I was talking to my friend yesterday about this helpless feeling I have regarding the future. I can’t control what I can’t control. But, I can control my response to the madness. I can help my kids in their pursuits. And I can control my own pursuits and diversions. Hopefully, there will be a positive movement I can get behind from my own little corner of the world. Until then, I’ll just do the best I can. I’m not giving up…I’m just lying in wait.
Enjoy your day! ;)
I want to be active as a resistor, but I also have to protect myself.
Hang in there, Donnamae.