It has been raining all day...

but Buzz and I don't mind. We will both happily walk in the rain. Plus, we've got plenty of inside activities to enjoy: I've got yards and yards of new fabric to play with (there are two great fabric shops near my aunt and uncle in Wisconsin).


Buzz had some TV shows to catch up on (he loves America's Next Top Model).


Plus, the dirt expanse we refer to as "the yard" has been looking might dry and dusty lately...


I have learned, however, that the rain is unlikely to solve this problem. I asked my neighbor if she had any suggestions about my dirtscape (she has the most luscious garden just 2 feet from this mess) and she told me that she had replaced all of the soil in her garden because what we have is far too high in clay content. Somehow I doubt my landlord wants to tear up the yard anytime soon.

Oh well, back to the sewing machine!

10 inches of rain in 24 hours

Last Sunday, after 10+ inches of rain in 24 hours, many of the trees and much of the dirt between my parents' driveway and road slid into the road. As I understand it, in parts, the edge of the driveway was suspended over air.

Here's an old picture of the driveway. This pictures is at least 10 years old. There were many more trees to the left and the driveway had recently been entirely rebuilt. As you can see, the house is built on a bluff and the incline is quite steep.


Here's a sketch of the affected areas....there were two major wash outs.


Pictures from Sunday.








It's five days later and it is still raining. These pictures are of the hill being reinforced. They are using the same process as reinforcing river banks.





Except for a small amount of water in the basement, the house seems to have come through the storms alright. I feel just awful for those who have lost their homes, their crops and their loved ones.

Buzz doesn't know what all the fuss is about...he thinks rain and mud are wonderful!