The Pasture Inbetween Flood Waters

I stopped by the pasture on my way home from Wichita.  Grandma and Grandpa were there also so we inspected things and took some pictures. Grandma and I walked down as there was a path we could stay dry on.  In an hours time the water rose so there was no dry path anymore from the dike and you could hear the water moving.  It is amazing how fast it can come and what damage it can do.  However, the bad news is the water will be higher the next time we look! 

We lost this tree to the north of the kids cabin.The one behind it is leaning and roots are showing so think it maybe next.

Kids cabin with lattes gone.

Looking across to the bathroom.

The shed door was pushed open by the water, the propane tank was carried to the tree and the frame of the sandbox was carried down east by the standing birdhouse.

Site from the swing.

You can see how high the water was on the side of the shed wall.

The downed tree.

The sandbox frame.

The pond has risen also.  Grandpa says this is underflow. 

Family Reunion and Flood

This past week-end was busy and a bit unique.  First the Kinast family reunion which was held at Dillon
Nature Center.  I love that place I just wish I was small enough to play in the kids area.  Oh well, we had
31 people attend and a lot of good food.  Everyone seemed to enjoy it  and the "original 4" were
all in attendance.  That evening we had a big thunder storm and a lot of rain  (between 6 and 7 inches) which fell in about 30 minutes.  When we looked out the next morning our street was all under water.
More water than we have had for years!!  Of course our first thought was "is it going to flood at the pasture"  There had been a lot of flood warnings out from rain earlier in the week.  As the day went on and the river began to rise we made our way to the pasture to check it out.  10 feet is flood stage and
it was 9.66.  Some water was just coming into the area we mow but by evening it had leveled out at 11 feet and we got word that the flood committee felt we were safe this time.  Thank goodness!

Hail, cars and Gotcha Day oh my...
Hello Family:

What a week it has been.  The whole week actually overshadows most everything else that has gone before.
Anyway, summer camps are winding down and it appears we might have survived another year.  Whew-it seems I begin to question my sanity each summer earlier and earlier in the year.  Tim has a couple of interesting new customers that has kept him busy.  He has been to Hays a few times for one of those and unfortunately in one day on one of the trips picked up a warning ticket and an actuallspeeding ticket.  As good as the bank is, they don't pay for tickets.

This week started out like always.  On Monday, I did my swimming class.  It is pretty good although I decided that I really like water Zumba the best.  Anyway, Monday nights class is good, except for the weeks she gets out this little paddle board and I know we are going to do laps.  Tuesday, Kate and I headed to dog class.  Mandalay had hurt her paws so didn't go and Tim stayed home also.  About 30 minutes into class the bad hail storm hit.  We didn't fair so well.  Two cars got hit with one ending up being totaled.

Back Window

Front Window Driver's Side

With two cars down and out, we planned the rest of the week.  All was well, until Thursday when Kate and I were driving Bailey the old Buick and noticed steam coming out of the hood.  3 cars are now down and out.  We knew that Bailey would probably need to be replaced soon but why now....So Saturday morning, Tim and I spent all morning at the car dealers.  We are now in the process of purchasing a 2008 Toyota Van.  It is very roomy if anyone needs a ride.  Oh, it is white and unnamed as yet.  Suggestions?

We ended the week on a fun note.  We kicked up our heels and partied with Benny.  It was his one year gotcha day!  Please be sure and notice the dog bowls.  They were our dishes.  I was just so tickled with myself over that one.  Benny loved his party and we love what he has done for Kate in the last year.

Birthday Celebrations–July 19

We celebrated 3 more birthdays on Friday night/Saturday morning! We aren’t sure which day, so we are going with the 19th

I had to laugh because Betty only makes one face just like we do!

The two on the left are boys (they have got to be identical twins! Their markings are the same.) And the one on the right is a girl. It’s been a long time since I’ve had kittens, but it all comes back to you like riding a bike. They – along with Momma kitty - are living in a crate the Givan family is letting us borrow. Betty comes out a few times each day, but the second a kitten makes a peep, she’s right back inside.

Bella is not a happy camper and hisses at Betty every time she sees her. Bruce is slightly curious about them, but mostly ignores them.

(I was holding one of the boys when this picture was taken.) We brought them upstairs and out of the crate so we could spray it out and give Betty a bath. Adelynn thinks they are very sweet and gently pets them with one finger. She is looking forward to holding them when they are bigger.