Thursday 31 October 2013

All Hallows Eve 2013



You never know who is going to come over our little bridge these days.
Tonight we are watching for expected visitors to come knocking on the door.

Although this week it's been one of the quietest weeks we have had in the last nine months. Hardly a yellow coat to be seen around here. No large lorries passing our window. No concrete lorry coming and going, no stone mason's, no fencing people, no digging machines, no noise. It's like the good quiet ol days we used to remember.


We have a new front wall, waiting to be painted, a new road outside, a new water relief channel. THAT WORKS.


 Our little Medieval bridge has been fixed TWICE. Best not to ask why it had to be fixed twice.


 Just waiting for Soggibottom to have a whole new coat of paint to make her look clean and bright on the outside, with more rain heading our way over the next few days, that might have to be postponed.


We even survived the big storm last week.

This time last year things around the cottage were looking more than grim.  After being flooded four times last October our flooding problem was getting a bit out of hand.  We weren't the only one's around the village to have water in their door. One thing we know for sure, when you try and fight flooding, you seem as if you are well and truly on your own as you bucket water out of your house.


This October we are more confident that we are going to stay dry inside.


There are still outstanding issues to resolve about the course the stream takes as it passes Soggibottom Cottage. Our new water relief channel is actually taking more water along it than it should, now making it the main water flow of the stream. The old stream has a trickle of water. If the old water course dries up and silts, then we will need a deeper water relief channel. As I said, there are still outstanding issues.  The park at the back of the cottage is still a flood plain. Nothing will change that.


On the whole, things around here are starting to come together at long last.  Which also means more time to get back into the swing of updating Soggibottom's blog, and going back to the usual enjoyable things of life. 


You'll find miss mutt over at Cat flap Cavalier as usual.


Have a great All Hallows Eve.
:-) x x x 

15 comments:

WoolenSails said...

It seems better, but not a perfect solution, sure hope you avoid all floods this week. Love that last photo of freya, she really knows how to pose.

Debbie

Unknown said...

We hope you remain safe and dry. Have a tremendous spine tingling Thursday.
Best wishes Molly

Mary Ann Tate said...

Good to hear that you survived that terrible storm...things are looking up...fingers crossed:)

Ramblingon said...

How very extra good to hear from you today and thank you so much for the visit! I love seeing that things are coming to normal for Soggibottom. Goodness knows all of you really went I through it while waiting. xxoo

Joanna said...

I'm glad the flooding days are behind you and the new thingy is working as it should. Hoping for good things from now on.

WendyCarole said...

That's looking much more peaceful.
Say hi to Soggibottom bear from us all here.

Old Kitty said...

Hoorah for a peaceful Halloween!! Fingers and paws crossed all that work will now pay dividends and you face a less flooded time of it!

But one thing that never changes - Freya looking utterly adorable whatever the season! Take care
x

Beyond the Dog Dish said...

I really hope this year is less challenging for you. You had enough last year I think! Love your coat and besides the wet, you have such a lovely home. The scenery always makes me *sigh*

~ Kirra ~ said...

Stay safe out there and hopefully all will stay dry. -x-

How Sam Sees It said...

We will keep fingers crossed that you stay high and dry!

Monty and Harlow

Jo's World said...

Hi Miss!

Thank you for your good note, we always appreciate your thoughts. Things are looking up for you in your wonderful location. The Smiley Guy working the bridge is plenty cute and from now on I want all rain storms to be nice soft ones for you.

We have had our road torn up since last end of August, and now today it is all paved and looking very fine. The mailman stopped and told me he would start delivering mail again starting Monday, if I'd like! Would I like??? It was all I could do not to plant a kiss on him!

So, you and I are proof that good things come to she who waits!

Cheers and hugs,
Jo, Stella and Zkhat

Tweedles -- that's me said...

We love you
xoxo
tweedles

Al said...

Glad that things are looking up. We get very few, if any, trick-or-treaters at our house as we're too far outside of the city.

Allie said...

Oh Midge it's been way too long since we've chatted - I miss you fiercely - glad to see it's a bit quieter around my favorite English cottage and that my favorite English family is enjoying some peace. Love to the mob and kisses to the furries.

haopee said...

Does this mean you stayed dry?!?

That's good news... We hate floods. We had one a couple of years ago that ruined a lot of homes...