Water Water Everywhere

Today Bill and I went to early church so that we could head back to Dale and Becky's house for the day. We did not realize the adventure we would have to get to their farm! It took us two hours to get there due to flooded roads. It usually takes us 50 minutes from Amenia to the farm. Ugh! Roads were washed out that I have never seen water on before. The Nome-Kathryn road was the biggest surprise for Bill and I to see...

Looking East, 1 mile northeast of my mom and dad's farm

Another Shot looking East

Two miles West of my mom and dad's farm
Looking South

This is what has happened to the road west of my mom and dad's farm.
Looking South again

After I emptied a few rounds on the 22 we decided to head back to the farm. My dad, Dale, suggested we go down in the valley so we could see the water between Kathryn and Valley City. The river boundaries were non-existent. I have never seen this amount of water spill over in this way. It was sad to hear the stories of the loss of cattle and the families who have lived in homes for over one hundred years and now their home is surrounded by water.
Here are a few pictures of the Sheyenne.

The River

First bridge north of Kathryn. This is the one just north of the big hill.


The Steven's Ranch, North of Kathryn, South of VC.


More of the Steven's Ranch.

To get from the house to the road, they ride in the tractor bucket and park their vehicles on the east side of the road.



Another farm completely consumed by the water. All of the cattle are now up in the hills to the east.

This is the bridge by Pastor Brad Eden's farm. We were not able to go any further north towards Valley City because we were not brave enough to go across the bridge. That or we were too smart and knew it was way to dangerous.



This is the Kathryn Dam...mmm...where is the dam?????????


This is the Droptine Lodge down by Little Yellowstone. My grandma and grandpa Maasjo used to own the store down there!


After a day running and playing at the farm, Gus was exhausted! He slept the entire way home, hopped in the tub for a shower, and went back to sleep.

Kayaking at Clausen Springs...Not This Year

Last year at this time I was out on Clausen Springs checking out the scenery and floating down the creek (crick...hehe). It is sad to hear that one of my favorite places is eroding away and in a total disastrous form. Throughout my entire life I have spent time fishing, swimming, sledding, enjoying the view, spending time with Bill, cruisin' with Raven, camping, and overall having a good time down there. It was a hop, skip, and jump away from my parent's farm. My dad has spent many hours on the parks board making Clausen's a better place for all to enjoy. I hope and pray it will be back in form this summer or at least next year for all to enjoy!

Here are a few pics of last Spring kayaking at Clausen's.

Leaving

Our friends at Martin's are leaving tomorrow and I understand it will be good for them to go home and get back to "normal" but I will miss them. Our community has grown and those involved either at the school, at St. Leo's, or at Martin's have grown as well. All of the social status BS was set aside, the rudeness was gone, and people were helping people simply to help people. The true ND human spirit was at its best. I am praying that when things in C-town get back to normal we all remember our new friends and the lessons they have taught us. I also pray that we all visit them in their home.

Today I learned a few more things about the residents and myself...

Jean WAS an English teacher. Now this probably means nothing to those who do not know her but to those who do, it is hilarious! She can be a bit demanding and a bit blunt. I have a feeling that Jean's entire life was spent giving orders and I highly doubt everyone did not jump when she gave them. She is a woman who should not be reckoned with and I hope she can be comfortable back home. Aaron learned that Jean's husband was in the Navy and she traveled all over the world.

I find it fascinating and sad that memory care patients can be totally clear one second and totally not the next.

Nelson does not have family or friends that visit him. I know that he will now have visitors that will swing in to see him! I also learned that Nelson was a Walmart Greeter for ten years. He looked so familiar to me and now I know why.

I love puzzles. I absolutely LOVE doing puzzles:)

I wish I could talk with all of the residents' families and tell them their loved ones are truly amazing and I have enjoyed every puzzle, coloring page, game, discussion, back rub, and walk with them. Maybe when I visit the residents I will be able to meet their family and find out more about them.

I know that I feel that through this flood I have been on a journey of self discovery.

I feel as though I have had a real helping purpose these past days.

I hope that by going back to normal I do not loose the lessons or direction I have acquired.

I am content with my life and where it is going.

Those are the things I have learned from this crazy flood and all that has happened because of it.