It's all how you look at it

One day I walked into the kitchen and my son had taken out every pot, pan and lid. He was sitting on the floor banging the heck out of them. . .The floor was a mess, it was loud and I sighed, just as I prepared to yell. But, my son turned to me and said, " Mom, it's all how you look at it."

This is how Memorial Day weekend began this year. We woke to our road completely washed out on both ends. No way in, or out. Culverts to driveways, most of the way up the hill destroyed. Our friends, Dobie and Sandy, at the horse stable were flooded once again (in 2011 during Spring flooding the water came up so quickly they had no time to move equipment), and we could not get to them.  We knew they were evacuating horses. . . we knew rains were coming, and being flooded once causes you to listen carefully to the weather, so most of their equipment was up at our place, on high ground. But, we could not offer help. 

The 4th of July brings similar forecasts. Dobie and Sandy have been gone on a 2 week vacation. We thought while they were gone we could get some hay in for them. It's been a tough year so far. We looked forward with anticipation to the joy they would have on their faces when they returned and saw hay in their barn. But after nearly 2 weeks of rain everyday. . .this was not to be. . . As a matter of fact, their main hay field is now. . . Lake Dobie. 

We began our 4th of July festivities as most do! 

Gary took the kids to the parade. Cedric is not pictured. Must be because he didn't have the matchy, matchy outfit and hair thingys. Or maybe he took the picture. Anyhow, it was nice enough for the parade to take place. This met their parade needs. . .their candy bags were filled and Gary saw enough old tractors and trucks to last him awhile. I warmed up corn dogs in the oven, being the great mom that I am. . .and everyone ate them . . . even the cereal lover, Ella. . .And then it happened. This earth changed in a moment, from a lovely family gathering, to a down pour that was begging for Noah to show up with his Ark.

 After chores were finished. . . we ventured down the road to a neighbors for a cookout. . .while we were there we kept noticing the shimmering of the river becoming more and more visible .(yes in a moment the weather had turned nice, actually really sunny and humid. . .I am not kidding)  That shimmering is pretty, but from where we were sitting. . .we should not have been able to see that shimmering. . .at this moment, Dobie and Sandy pull in. They had returned from their journey. I kid you not.  Dobie drove the motor home into his yard. Turned it around. Parked it in the driveway up on high ground. . . just as the river skipped it's banks. . .again. . .for the second time this year. 

Gary and Dan rushed (Ok, Dan rushed, Gary sauntered) down to try to help. . .Carole Ann, and Linda and I decided we should go and see how Sandy is. We helped her and her daughter secure the horse barn, getting all things off the floor. . Others have come to help. They are prepared. . .they know how to do this. . .But how do you help stop an angry swelling river? This is how it's done Vermont style. Dobie in the skid steer and Gary on the Valtra.

. . .They built a berm. . .and you know what? They stopped the over flowing of that river. . .this time. . .

And this is how we finished the evening. Wishing Ella a very happy birthday. And being reminded, "It is all how you look at it."

I Corinthians 13:12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.