More Flooding, More Menagerie, 24th November 2009

Floods

We were up early this morning as Jim was supposed to be going to Shannon airport to catch a flight to the UK. The floods are still everywhere and it's rained some more overnight and was raining this morning. We headed out and took the 'Tulla' road to the main N18 which takes us off to Shannon. The other day when Jim went that way to fetch me the Tulla road was just flooded near the N18 so we kept our fingers crossed. Luckily, the water there had subsided a bit, so we were ok and Jim was early for his plane of course, then it was delayed!

I decided to drop in at 'Sky Court', a local shopping centre and do a little shopping before heading back home. I didn't want to be too long in case the Tulla road was cut off, then I really wouldn't have any way of getting back. I bought myself a great pair of slippers for 5 euros and even picked up a couple of Christmas presents. I also bought Buster a couple of chews to keep him happy while the rain keeps falling and he stays inside.

I thought I'd try the Gort road and see whether that was open - see above! I sat for a while and watched a land rover go through but our Doblo is rather 'low slung' so I turned round and headed to the Tulla Road.

I took this through the window at the same spot as the one above.


And this a bit further along.


This is the Tulla Road and the orange sign says 'Road Flooded', but, as you can see, it was fine. It's a long way along that road but at least it's high up and away from the floods.

Another photo of the floods, although this is a lake, it is much larger than usual.

I drove back to Killanena, the nearest village to us and pulled in to look at the river that runs under the road there. It was really noisy and rushing down in torrents. I made a montage of both sides of the road:

I then drove along to Ann Broderick's as I haven't seen her for a while and we keep leaving messages to each other but not actually connecting. She was out!

So it was back home to a very excited dog. I gave him one of his 'bacon bones' and that kept him happy for ages.

I've been quite busy at home. We had a huge pile of wood left by the carpenter in the middle of the kitchen/diner, so I moved that into my studio. Much better. I guess the carpenter can't reach us as I think he's from the Ennis area, and much of Ennis is under water with many houses flooded. I then did a bit of grouting of the tiles Jim had put down on the step into my studio.

I've sorted and house worked, had a sleep and carried on! Jim rang and he's with his daughter in our Worthing house in the UK, safe and sounds.

Crazy Animals

Sandy came in 2 days ago and just plonked himself on the rug on top of Buster, who looked so surprised!! Jim took some photos:

You can just see to the right that BlackJack is in Buster's bed!

Buster licks Sandy's ear.

Sandy rubs himself on Buster's leg!

Then moves to snuggle under his chin.

Sandy got very excited and was purring like mad!
Buster pleading for help!
Finally, Buster had had enough and gave Sandy a little nip. That ended the games. A dog can only put up with so much.

That's about all the news. I am trying to catch up with blogs - there are so many good ones and not enough time to read them all.

I love my slippers, they're so warm and snuggly.

Happy Wednesday everyone (well,it's gone midnight).