When we got back to the marina, the first thing that really stood out was the water level, which had risen considerably in the two days we’ve been away.
Although not as high yet as it had been at the beginning of the year (these pictures were taken in January), the bank has almost disappeared and the gantry has only a slight incline.
There is more rain to come, and after the weather forecast this morning, the next news item was the fact that the Number One record in the charts is the charity record by the NHS choir singing Bridge Over Troubled Water.
My thoughts are with the families in Cumbria and the north of the UK who have already faced disaster, loss and ruin to floods three times in as many weeks and are now preparing for a fourth. Over 300 flood warnings were issued by midday.
What comes on the radio but Band Aid singing Do They Know It’s Christmas.
Yes, these people know it’s Christmas, one they will probably never fully recover from, but unlike the starving kids of Africa who had nothing (to lose), these people have lost everything.
It is indeed sad that there are so many needy people worldwide who are supported by our charities, be it recordings of popular songs, collections on the streets, or donations by our caring population to whatever charity or disaster fund.
What help or disaster fund is apparent for our own citizens?
Refugees and migrants are trying to come to Britain, to a life of plenty, where they will be given homes, money, food, clothes, and not have to worry about paying any bills.
What do the stricken flood victims have to look forward to?
In the cottage, I got twitchy when we had heavy rain and high winds.
We came within inches of our threshold being breached, but once we’d sorted out our drainage, we were OK.
Living on a boat, high water doesn’t worry us, but high winds do bash us around, so we ensure our ropes are in good condition and we are secure on our mooring.
We have spent a lovely Christmas with MOH. I enjoyed cooking for those I care about.
Outside the wind whipped around his property, and rain pelted down.
But we were warm and dry.
We are safely back at the house, again the wind is whipping around the property at a constant 32 mph. The forecast here is for periods of rain over the next two hours.
In the North of the country, it was predicted that seven inches of rain will fall in 12 hours.
Hubby has been down to check on the boat. All is well, and our home is safe.
A lot of people no longer have homes, and even if they do, they are uninhabitable.
Cumbria 4 days ago, BBC image via google
pensitivity101 
Hey Di ……. While I always feel for any part of the world that is suffering as a result of war or nature, to make the statement “unlike the starving kids of Africa who had nothing (to lose)” surprises me. Those “starving kids of Africa” are losing their lives. Whether that is more, or less, value than losing ones home I guess is matter of perspective, but I would suggest that nothing could possibly be worse than losing ones life as a result of war, starvation or sickness.
Canada is also taking in many refugees at a significant cost. Can the inherent costs (in all senses of the word) be covered? Not really, especially when we have unemployment etc here but do we have the right to refuse entry to people who have fled from their homeland due to life threatening circumstances. Many refugees risk their lives trying to escape (note so many examples of drowning from overloaded boats). If they are so desperate as to risk their (and their childrens) lives, it would seem fair to assume that their conditions were really bad and that we should help and make sacrifices, as necessary, to do so.
My sincere apologies if I misunderstood something in your Post.
I didn’t word it very well Colin, and understand your reaction and very valid points here. I got involved in arranging food and clothes parcels for those desperately in need through the company I worked for. Little things like toiletries, sanitary products, razors, sweets and toys, blankets, vests, socks, all things we take for granted.
No-one can put a price on someone’s Life, and to suggest that was certainly not my intention. I meant it as a comparison to a Way Of Life (ie material things) and thus should have said that.
Sometimes the brain isn’t quite in gear when I write, even when I re-read it. It is indeed a case of reader/writer perspective and interpretation, and I apologise if I have offended you or anyone else by this post.
Not a problem Di. As I often told my kids “I’ll expect perfection as soon as I can set the example.” (Everybody is quite safe!) 🙂
🙂
I have been following this. I pray for the people of the UK that are affected. So glad you have a boat as your home.
It certainly makes us appreciate what we have.
Thoughts that rain swollen rivers will little or none to your area.
There was severe flooding here in 2007 and again in 2010, both before our arrival. The river is high today, but nothing like they are experiencing in the north of the country.
The Seattle area has floods most winters. When we left the area the state was buying back the flood areas and now you find nurseries and other plants throughout the flood valleys instead of cattle.
Unfortunately they continue to build on flood plains here without providing alternatives and new flood defences are proving to be inadequate.
Goodness! Awful storms in the UK, houses being lost. Terrible bushfires in Oz houses being lost. I agree we are blessed but when I see the devastation it is truly heartbreaking.
Although I am staunchly behind immigration and helping the refugees I do wonder what long term help will be given to those both in UK and Oz. I recall the Govt gave a one off payment to families during the last bushfires but no long term assistance. Refugees get long term assistance don’t they?
Hmm where do you draw the line?
I hope you and your little home stay safe! Happy New Year to you and yours.
I’ve been watching the coverage of the bushfires, such a contrast to the floods here, but devastation nonetheless.
I hope they can get some means of support.
Thanks Janey for your kind wishes. You too.
These floods are devastating to the poor home owners. Thank goodness your boat house is still safe.