After the raging storm

My sincere thanks to everyone who expressed concern during the recent atrocious storms that have hit our Lake District region. I was extremely touched that so many of you got in touch.

We were warned in advance that we would get 'heavy rain' in my county of Cumbria (Lake District) but no one was prepared for the ferocity and speed with which the water came down. The amounts broke all known records for UK rainfall (over 12 inches - 30cm fell in one day). The water rushed down the hillsides and into the rivers and lakes and on through the towns and villages and of course disaster struck. Many of you will have seen news bulletins of our small towns awash with muddy water that in some places was above head height. Helicopters airlifted people from their roof tops and boats travelled the streets looking for stranded householders. The water is subsiding now and leaving behind it a trail of devastation. Many schools and places of work are closed and many hundreds of people, unable to return to their homes for several months, are now living in temporary shelters. Shops have lost their entire stock and ..... Well, need I continue? I'm sure you will by now be able to visualise the horrific scene.

The thoughts of everyone are especially with the family of the policeman who was guiding people off a road bridge that suddenly collapsed due to the force of fast flowing water. He tragically lost his life and leaves a wife and four children. I can't begin to imagine how the family must be feeling right now. Since then many more bridges have collapsed but thankfully there has been no further loss of life.

As for me; I am fortunate enough to live on a hill and so have not experienced any flooding. The low ground below the house has been completely under water. The lake level quickly rose and covered the roads and so I have had no choice but to remain indoors and consider myself lucky.

This morning I braved the rain (yes it is still falling) and walked up the lane to post a letter.

There was no one about, the skies were leaden and everywhere was gloomy.

In the wood I picked my way across the many streams of water criss-crossing the carpets of sodden leaves.

The garden is of course a shadow of its summer self and I could only view with dismay the amount of clearing up that will be required when spring comes round again.

I noticed that dozens of toadstools have appeared on the lawn over the past few days and so I decided I would end with a smile. This adorable picture of a little girl gathering mushrooms is by Mabel Lucie Attwell. Don't you just love the title? 

PLEASE DON'T PICK OUR HOUSES

However, although it makes me smile, this cute scene will forever remind me of the time when torrential rain in our region devastated so many people's homes and lives. My thoughts are with them all.

Until next time
Eli

Comments

[Helen]

How awful! Glad you are safe and sound but feel so bad for those who lost loved ones and homes.

We have not had rain here but we have has unseasonably warm weather. Coincidentally, I put a photo of mushrooms in my own blog today.

Thank you for letting us know how you are. You were in my thoughts, too.

[Jenny]

So glad you are OK. I haven't seen the news for weeks so I had no idea. We are heading into bushfire season here with homes already lost to fire. The ferocity of nature, floods or bush fires or devastating winds,and more, is truly frightening.

[Linda]

Glad to hear you're ok. I don't watch the news so I was unaware of what was happening. It sounds pretty awful. I love the Lake District region. I went through there on a tour and was sorry we couldn't stay longer. I sorry to hear about all the damage. Thankfully you were on a hill, but was it windy. You're pictures are beautiful. Linda

[Wee Cute Treasures]

Hi Eli,

Have been thinking of you a lot over the last few days. The West of Ireland and Cork are in a dreadful state too. The floods have broken all previous records - as well as breaking the hearts of many families whose homes and businesses are destroyed.

Unfortunately the situation is still worsening in the West of Ireland. I am so thankful I live on the East coast.

Keep well Eli, and I love your positive attitude. Carol xox

[Janine Worthington]

Oh honey I am so glad you are okay, we have even been getting report here about all the flooding and I was wondering if you were all right, thank you so much for posting and letting us all know - you have the sweetest posts, I love it dont pick our houses - even thru all the storms you have the most amazing sense of fun!!