Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Hurricanes Irene and lee


On August 28, we were hit fairly hard by Irene. This is not a creek or river. This is part of the garden by the road. At the base of the tree is a 3 foot slope. The waters were flowing quite quickly across the entire 5 acres of our property. Just a week or so later, we were hit by Lee. Not as bad as Irene, but most of the property had flowing flood waters. Our basement was flooded to 4 feet, destroying the sump pump, new boiler system, water softener and damaging water pipes and oil tank. We lost power for 6 days. Had power surges from generator which played havoc with computers and burnt out our stand-up freezer filled with organic food. We lost a lot of our business packaging and raw materials. There was 2 feet of water in the barn and garage. It's been over 4 weeks and we still have no hot water or heat.

However, the surrounding area fared much, much worse! Entire houses were destroyed. Businesses and homes had extensive flood damage. Roads and bridges were washed away. In villages, there were gas and oil spills, sewage problems, etc. They are calling this event a 500-year flood. Let's hope so. Middleburgh School just opened for the year yesterday. There is still extensive damage, but work goes on while students adjust to all.

1 comment:

Marie Alton said...

Dear Betty ... OMG ... it's hard to fathom such powerful destruction that Mother Nature can unleash ... not one but two hurricanes must surely be hard to just about pushing you to the brink ... we who are safe & sound can only feel for your hardships ... and hope your gardens will come back in the spring. Hope springs eternal!

My heart goes out to you ... and remember that "that which does not kill us makes us stronger".

Knowing you ... this will gain you strength ... despite the current painful ordeal.

You are always in my thoughts & prayers.

Hugs ... Marie