Sunday 25 November 2012

New flood gate


Flooded twice in one week, it's probably not going to break any records as it seems most of the South West have had their own share of water. Every flooding has it's own story. I don't think being flooded three times in seven weeks breaks any records either. Well, the cottage is called Soggibottom.


After 350 years she is still standing. Same scene, different day.


We would like to thank everyone who has left a comment of best wishes over the last few weeks.
All good thoughts help, there are times when we really have been standing on an island surrounded by water.
The island being Soggibottom cottage. It's helped us to be able to share, and know we aren't alone, most of all you have helped to encourage us to try and be back, up and running as normal.
All good intentions of getting around to thanking you all personally went out of the window last Wednesday, as water gushed around in the corner of the cottage again. We dried our small hall way out. The water never got any further than our hall way.
It was ready and dry enough in here to have a new floor on Thursday.
Sand bags and flood gate were still in, so the guys had to climb over the defenses.


You have to start putting things back at some time, even when the weather forecast tells you there are flood warnings. Living with a concrete floor isn't a good experience. It might have been better if we had had some furniture. But as that went out of the door when we were flooded in October, Freya, Frank and I set up camp on the floor in front of the fireplace.Frank gave his garden chair that he normally sits on outside to Tony. You do what you have to do, you make the best of what you have, we are thankfull it wasn't worse.
This photo is from last night, when the water once again started to come through the door. Not sure if Frank thought he was going to help.


Quilts came off of beds, towels, curtains, cushions, blankets, in fact anything that might help us keep the water at bay. My half empty linen cupboard is now completely bare. Once again the water made it to the door of our living room. We started to bail water from the hall in the end, and then the water level went down. As it did before.


Our new flood gate came yesterday morning, as it was raining so much it wasn't possible to take down the flood defenses that were already in place and replace them with our new flood gate. But here it is, it might have a good test tonight as water tables are high and it's raining heavily again. WE ARE ALL ON WATER WATCH AGAIN.


It clips to the inside of the door frame and the screws at each clip tighten to form a water tight seal.. we hope.


This morning the new flood gate seemed to be the talk of the village. I thought you might like to see some of our passing traffic.


There has been so much devastation from flooding here in the South West this weekend, as I said before, back in October, it all dries out. The best thing to do if you start to lose the battle of keeping your home dry is to head to another level, thankfully we didn't have to do that, but we would have done if we had to. 

Never drive into flood water. Never think by walking through the water you will be safe. You can't see what is under your feet and most flood waters have strong currents that can knock you off of your feet and sweep you away. Never be fooled into thinking it's clean water, it isn't, it's full of nasty bugs and other things that will make you ill.  

Where ever you are keep dry and safe this week.
Thanks again guys, we know your out there. x x x





15 comments:

Caroline B said...

I was just about to look up what exactly a flood gate looked like - now I know! I really hope it does the business because enough is certainly enough - you must be exhausted!

WoolenSails said...

I sure hope the rains stop and the waters go down. I always wanted to live near the water, but that is a bit much;) Bill wants to know where Freya goes to the bathroom with the yard flooded, lol.

Debbie

Soggibottom said...

Hi Debbie :-)
Freya is, and has been such a little star over the last few weeks. She holds it.
From Freya to Bill :-) Bet he can't do that... well maybe he can, but not for so long :-) Luvs x
:-) xxx

Old Kitty said...

Oh my stars!! :-(

I am so sorry!! We are sending you all lots of support hugs and good thoughts for calm, calm, calm weather!

Hang on in there lovely Frank, Freya and all at Soggibottom cottage!! Take care
x

MyCretanlife said...

Oh Midge I have just been watching the news and straight away thought of you's. I must be really rough on you all at the moment. Stay safe. love and hugs to all. xxx

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We are just so sorry you have to go through all of this again. We don't know how you cope. We have our paws crossed and Mom will say special prayers to hope things improve soon.

Hugs and Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom

Faye Henry said...

Sending you dear things blessings..
What a great spirit you have..
God bless..xo

Tweedles -- that's me said...

If we could we would be there in a flash to help you. If we could we would bail water and keep watch so that all of you can get some rest.
We would bring you tea and food, and give you hugs,,, oh we wish we could stop the rain, stop the flood.
You are trying to be strong,,,
we know that,,,
Remember we all care and love you.
love
tweedles

Lynda (Granny K) said...

Thinking of you guys every time we watch the news on TV. Thank goodness your floodgate is now in place and that your beautiful new floor stayed dry. Love and hugs, xx

Unknown said...

We have been thinking of you. Stay safe and warm. Over here the park is like a marsh but we are lucky compared to you. We have your package ready to post on Wednesday. Have a good Monday if you can.
Best wishes Molly

Molly the Airedale said...

Oh my gosh - not again!
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Chatty Crone said...

My heart just breaks for you. Have not got to your letter yet but I will. sandie

Allie said...

I'm hoping your new flood gate continues to hold - love the passing traffic!

Christine said...

Thinking about you dear Midge and hope everything is back to normal real soon. Hugs to you all!

Beyond the Dog Dish said...

Just checking in to see things have stayed safe. Your new flood gate looks very sturdy and if the floods have the bad luck to find you again, I hope it holds.