Aerial Flood Photos

Sheyenne Diversion (above)

Water, water everywhere!

The three seater plane that took us up (above)

Viewing the flood waters from the sky was an incredible experience. Here are a few pictures - some of the best, in my opinion. The snow is completely gone, so what you're viewing is all water. The white dots are either sandbags or snow geese. For more pictures, see my facebook page. Mother Nature is scarily awesome.

And one more thing, that I just had to post:
This was Muray's first trip to the park.

Things That Make Me Grateful

Today was a hectic morning. I was ready to fall apart (right after the cat got sick while we were trying to get out the door) until I remembered that sometimes in life we forget to be grateful for our blessings. I've decided to post just a few things that make me smile every day and thank God for all that He has given us. These are in no particular order:

1. Waking up to a new day.
2. Listening to Murray and Craig chatter and sing while we're getting ready in the morning.
3. Family, friends, and faith.
4. The pure joy of the dogs greeting me when I step in the door after being gone.
5. The dogs at my feet while I sleep.
6. A cold beer on a hot day.
7. Water (for drinking or swimming).
8. Shelter, clothes, and food.
9. Fresh socks that match.
10. Craig snoring beside me.
11. The smile on Murray's face when I pick him up from daycare.

Some of these may sound a bit strange, especially number ten, but honestly, when I hear Craig sawing logs next to me, I feel safe and loved and there is no better feeling than that.

This evening I'm going on an adventure. At 5:30, I have an appointment to fly over the region to view the flood water. I hope to get some video footage and still shots to post tomorrow. I'm sure it will be an amazing experience, and one that I hope we never have to repeat!

Cabin Fever

Cabin Fever has hit our household full force. I miss going to the Y, and I even miss sandbagging. although I'm so thankful that the river has crested for the time being. I was stricken with the stomach flu yesterday, so all of the household tasks I wanted to accomplish were put on hold. With all of our belongings on the main floor, 3 large dogs, a cat and a baby, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I can't complain though - this too shall pass. There are worst things in life. At least we are healthy and safe in our home.

Flynn had to have a tracheotomy tube put in yesterday. This was not great news, as she is unable to speak. Our hope is that this will solve her lung troubles so that she can move to Denver very soon. It hurts to not be with them.

Despite the zoo in our home, our temporary addition, Millie (the Murray's dog) has been a joy. She is such a good girl and love to cuddle, and of course, rough house with Rudy, which he desperately needs. He's an active dog, where Nala is not (can't blame her - she's 10 years old), so this extra activity is welcomed. We are more than happy to keep her as long as necessary. They are the best of friends. We've had quite a few laughs with her around.

Murray is teething again (upper molars this time), so we've had a few sleepless nights. Craig finally put the futon in Murray's room last night and slept near him so that we could all rest. It's very uncomfortable - no wonder Casey retreated to his own home! :)

Craig is out snow blowing, since the snow has finally taken a break. I think we're supposed to get more tonight, but as least some of it will be cleared.

I think I'll start a puzzle. I'm bored to tears. Stay warm and dry.

Good News, Bad News

It has been a long, trying, and discouraging week for all of us in the region. It seems as though as I type this entry, most of us are either protected or have moved to higher ground. In our situation, we sit and wait. We moved all important documents and items near and dear to our hearts to the upper level last night. This morning I'm packing bags so that if we need to move quickly, we'll be ready. We pray that we are able to stay in our home and open it to those in need.

With the situation as dire as it is, I'm amazed that our communities are still banding together. Tension runs high, but the commitment to saving our homes and cities is even higher.

I just spoke with Casey and received an update on Flynn. She had a very good day yesterday, using her arms and wrists to sit up, and even took a ride in a wheel chair, visiting the babies. This is awesome news, considering the diagnosis. Unfortunately, she did not sleep well last night due to coughing. Today will be a day of very hard work for her, so we are hoping she will be rested up in time to leave for Denver on Monday. Casey is on flood patrol at his own home, and my hope is, getting some much needed rest as well. My prayers continue to be with them.

My sister and brother- in -law had to make the difficult decision to put their beloved dog, Sammie, down yesterday. It may seem trivial to some during these times of crisis, but he was very special to them and will be greatly missed. He was one of a kind.

I'm off to do some housework and pack a few things. I'm feeling a pull to nest - I'm quite sure I'm not the only one to feel this way right now. God Bless, stay safe.

Raising the Roof (or the Dikes, in This Instance)

I could not move this morning, and my eyes refused to open - literally. I almost collapsed yesterday (much to my embarrassment), so had to call it quits with flood patrol. I just pushed myself too hard and my body was telling me to rest. I finally was able to move again this afternoon, and after hearing that we needed to raise the dikes another foot, went to help again today. Craig made me promise not to do any sandbagging and help in the house. So that's what we did. We cleaned, organized and helped with food. We want Jim and Lisa to have less to worry about, and when you have hundreds of people traipising through your home, it gets messy, which is an understatement. If your home is semi-clean and your bed made when you need to collapse into it, it helps tremendously. Please, don't take this as patting myself on the back -I'm not. I was feeling guilty for not being outside today, but it helped to be in the house, busy. We also moved everything up from the basement to the safety of the main floor. Hopefully, this will be safe too.

Casey is home today and as soon as they returned from the long, treacherous journey, went to a neighbor's home, along with my aunt, uncle and grandpa to help sand bag. They are amazing.

Check out the latest on Flynn's caring bridge site - her beloved dog, Layla, was able to visit her in the hospital. Her smile is incredible.

God Bless.

A Few More Notes

Before I type anymore text, I would like to let readers know that this is not a solicitation. This post is simply to provide information. There is a trust fund for Flynn Murray set up at any of the State Bank and Trust locations. There are several - Fargo, Moorhead, Detroit Lakes, Wahpeton, Pelican Rapids, and Fergus Falls. In these very difficult economical times, the Murray family will understand if you are unable to send a donation. Prayers are just as much if not more, welcome than money. I just thought it would be nice to get the word out. I do hope I haven't offended anyone or overstepped my boundaries.

On another note, the flood situation here is still dire. I will be sandbagging again tomorrow and hope that all volunteers stay safe and keep positive attitudes.

Here's to not floating away -or, as my friend Danny says: "Mother Nature is not getting a mother's day card this year". I laughed so hard at this comment that I almost cried. It's good to be humorous in times of fear and tragedy.
Love to all,
Ree

Stuck in the Mud

This is going to be a quick post as I am exhausted. I'm sure thousands of other community members are feeling the same. We sandbagged for hours and hours today and it is probably the most rewarding work I've ever experienced besides child birth. It has been a trying day and spirits are still strong, though we were all getting a bit cranky toward the end. Our "crews" from the colleges didn't arrive until around lunch time (which was not their fault - they had to wait 2 hours for a bus), and we cheered for all of them when they arrived. The students amaze me. I didn't hear one complaint (except from myself) from any of them and they worked tirelessly with great attitudes. They continually thanked anyone who would listen for the food and bathrooms. How cool is that? They were a load of fun to work with. Maggie brought a crew as well, and by the time I finally had to give in, we had protected about 4 homes at 42 feet.

I'm going to rest. Tomorrow brings another harrowing, yet positive day. The community support is awesome - I met some amazing people today.

God bless all of you who are helping in any way possible to protect our communities. May you stay warm, dry, and safe.

Thank You

First, I would like to say a huge thank you for everyone's prayers. Flynn has a challenging road ahead of her, but with her strength and tenacity, I have no doubt that she will exceed all expectations. Because I want to keep her dignity and rehabilitaion private for her, I have chosen not to post the Caringbridge site. I will however, post small updates on her recovery.

Flynn will be transferred to a world renowned Spinal Rehabilition Institute on Tuesday. She will likely be there for 3-6 months. I am very, very proud of her and her family for their strength during this most devasting time. I believe in miracles, and we sure need one right now. Thank you again for your continued thoughts and prayers for our family.

On another note, since Moorhead is now considered code red, I'm off in a bit to help sand bag for a close friend of mine. No need for the Y today - I'll get my workout sandbagging. Murray will be with G & G B.

Murray is awake, so I need to pack him up. I will post more later. Again keep sending positive thoughts and prayers to Flynn and her family - they are greatly appreciated.