Bobbi and Berkeley's Nomadic Weekend

Don't let them fool you; they are hooligans. Mason and Tucker finally resting.

This is my newest Grand-dog, Mason.

Friday afternoon I saw that the WSDOT web page said Hwy 7 was open! I could escape! I gathered some clothes, Berkeley's leash, and called Teena and Tyler and left messages I was on my way to town and would be staying with one of them! I ended up staying Friday night with Mark and Teena in Tacoma, and Saturday night I stayed with Jessie and Tyler in Olympia/Lacey/Yelm. It was wonderful!!!! Berkeley was thinking we were homeless.

On the one mile up the hill hike on the way back to the house this afternoon, several thoughts crossed my mind: How nice everyone was to take us in this week; how loyal Berks has been; and how I wished I had bought fewer apples and oranges.

When I got home, I called Direct-TV to tell them about my dish problem and remind them that I am a loyal customer in good standing, and that I could "bundle and save" if I were to switch providers. He agreed to send a technician out on January 20 for FREE! And hopefully I'll score a free dish! He asked if there should be any notations on the work order. I said yes, tell the driver to ignore the "road closed" sign. ;)

Friday---Dawns Sunny and Cold

Berkeley and I decided to walk to the road this morning after I spent a bit of time looking at condominiums in Olympia and Seattle. Wow, pricey. And then who would buy this little piece of heaven? No one could get up here to see it let alone move furniture in. And with the market so bad...so I looked at four-wheelers instead. Not that I object to the occasional trek up the hill, but it would be nice for hauling groceries and maybe my little propane tank. If I wait six years, I can move into Jubliee in Lacey. :)

My friend Ken just called from Spokane to see what was going on. Since misery does love company, I asked him how they were holding up with all the snow. He said it's all gone; sunny and clear is the weather today. I guess he didn't get the memo about misery loving company. He could have lied.

These were all taken from the house the road. It is pretty here. But it's so dang remote...even on a good day. It's kind of spooky now with no cars on the road.

I woke up grateful that the Findley's and I hadn't become a duplex in the night.

Oh Deer! Update!

Remember the little deer Berkeley gummed the other day? Well I spent the rest of the day worrying and asked Tod (who lives across the street from the school) if we could find it and feed it. He said no, it wasn't good to feed it...So I fretted and worried, even thought about putting him in the bus garage (but I don't have a key and couldn't maneuver him over the razor wired at the top of the fence). Then Monday night, Tod, Darla and Forest Service guy Brian and I went out for dinner and I asked them to help me help the deer. Tod said I was obsessing over a "stupid deer" that was meant to die. Again, no takers.

Well, yesterday morning I got a phone call from Tod telling me my deer was in his carport hiding in his wood pile!!!!! I told him it was a message from God that we were to take care of him. Forest Service Brian was waiting out the flood at Tod's and said he couldn't believe it...well believe it! This morning Tod said the deer was gone, but now he knows where to go that's safe. I'll sleep better tonight!

January 7-8: My Evacuation Vacation

First of all, thank you to Jessie and Denise for your comments. They make me feel a bit less alone. And thanks to all the people who have been so wonderful. I am blessed.

Just after I got back to the house after dropping off my car, the sheriff called to say our road was unsafe and going to be shut down. I asked (trying unsuccessfully to keep the panic out of my voice), "What do I do?" and he said, "Get out of there. We're worried about the whole hillside." He told me to get to a shelter in Packwood. I told him I am not shelter people. He told me to get somewhere off the hill. To prove I wasn't panicked, I called Kelli and asked her how was I to get my rolly-bag down the hill? She said under no uncertain terms to take my rolly bag, just put some stuff in my backpack and get the hell out. Then she told me what her mom had packed to go to her house. I called Barb, the bravest woman I know, to ask if I could go to her house and she said come on over! Best of all she said be sure and bring Berkeley!

Nick Creighton, Suzie's husband (their family was staying with Barb as well) said he'd come pick me up. So I put on my too-big-for-me-boots, my jacket, my Discovery Team summer emergency Big Bird rain gear, my back pack, picked up my other bag and the end of Berkeley's leash and headed down to the highway. I did not take pictures as the camera was not easy to get to and I was on a mission. I passed Susie Magnussen and she said be careful of falling trees. Wow. When I got to pavement where Leroy Rd. meets Long & Winding, there was Nick in his big grey truck. He told me to hurry up and get in as he felt the road shifting under his truck as he came up. I crammed Berkeley in the back and jumped in backpack still on my back. I was shoved up to the dashboard with my face practically in the windshield...I said, "Just sec. I don't want to die with my backpack on" (never mind about the rest of the get up).

This is little Alex Creighton carving fish from soap. He showed Barb, who is not only brave but very honest, one of his fish and she said it was a very good squid.

Barb rooted through her cabinets to find us some alcohol. I owe her a bottle of Kahlua. Suzie and I used it as our coping agent...that and the kids' milk.

Here's Suzie on the couch with Molly. She was worried about her house as they live about a mile from the Cowlitz in the valley. But good news! It didn't get in the house! Don't let the coffee cup fool you, either.

Here is one of the many mud slides along Highway 12. Before Nick went to work this morning, he told me I wouldn't have to walk as far to my house; it might be right on the highway. Very amusing, Nick.

Here are some more slides. The truck is Elyssa's. She and her son Zach were out taking pictures. Elyssa and Suzie said they'd walk me to my house be with me in case there was any damage.

Here was fish along the gutter. I said he didn't look native. Elyssa said he was; she said she checked his passport; I think it was a forgery. Later I talked to a neighbor who said Buck lost all his gold fish (poor guy: first he lost his pigeons; then his rabbits got out; now his fish) from his pond...I think this is one of Buck's. Unless he's wild...and very dead.

Susie and Elyssa at the sign at the top of Leroy Road telling us the road is closed (duh); they say it's "hollow" under the road. Only a half mile more to go up hill to the house. Boy will I be in shape by spring!

This is the shoulder of the Long and Winding Road. Nice.

It's now 9:09 pm. My Internet just came on an hour ago. The arm of my satellite dish broke off when some big wad of snow and ice fell and hit it. I realized tonight there is no way the propane man can bring me propane in the next few weeks. So, tonight I read a book and combed Berkeley's hair and sat under the warm and wonderful blanket Jessie made me so I wouldn't use as much propane.

We here in Randle are trapped...actually, I can't even get to Randle. The National Guard turns us back. I guess I can get to Morton, but nowhere from there. A condo in Seattle or Olympia is sounding very good to me right now. I know, I am weak.

As for my traveling mercies:

I am trying to enjoy my journey; I know God is with me; and I am home safe and sound tonight with no damage to my house...

Being Bobbi Soaked and Scared

It's flooding here on the Long and Winding Road today. Flooding is a bit of an understatement; it's more apocalyptic than that to look at it. This is just after my driveway (top) meets the Long and Winding Road. Pictured is Berkeley trying to shake the water off him. This was on our way back up the road to the house after joining with the neighbors to put cars down on the highway since all the roads, including Leroy seem to be washing away. This is Suzie's husband trying to divert the water flowing down the Long & Winding that's going right under his mother-in-law's house. Suzie and Rick live up on a little hill.

Below is Berkeley enjoying a water feature in the middle of the road. We were trudging the mile back up from the car. I was holding my pick ax in 0ne hand and Berkeley's leash in the other. I was also wearing my too-big-for-me muck boots and my socks kept sliding off inside them...dang I hated that as a kid, too.

Below is Suzie and I in front of her place. I am sure Rick appreciated us taking photos of ourselves as he bulldozed.

This is where the Long and Winding Road meets the paved (and soon to be collapsed) Leroy Road at Buck's house. Berkeley did not appreciate having to wade through the moving water, but we had no options, as I was not going to carry him.

Below is a sign on the steep part of Leroy Road...made to seem even steeper by driving rain, an awkward pick ax, Berkeley tugging, my socks falling off inside my too-big-for-me muck boots, and constant worry that the hillside and road would give way while I was on it. I was debating which scenario was true: "It sounded like a giant freight train"...which is the sound attributed to hurricanes, tornados, giant freight trains...or "You never hear the one that gets you."....or does that only apply to bullets, hand grenades, and again, giant freight trains?

Here is Suzie where my driveway meets the L & W. She and Rick came up to my house to help me when the culvert was blocked and the Occasional Creek re-routed itself down my driveway. What nice neighbors I have. In the mean time, Steve Bloomstrom and Jim Judd were trying to get to me to help, but they were turned back by mud slides all over highway 12.

Rick, Elliot, and Suzie, and Steve way down the road, on our way to put cars down before the road goes. They all came to help me clear the clogged culvert.

Below is Adam Roberts, another kind neighbor who came to help.

This is the sight I saw when light broke and I stepped outside. I panicked! I was on the phone to Laurie Judd, who was stuck in Yakima trying to find a way to Kirkland for Jocelyn's knee surgery tomorrow. I hung up and my phone went dead. I called Steve and Kelly Bloomstrom and Steve said he'd try and get up here. I called Elliot, but Kim said they had tons of water aiming for their house and he was stuck; I then called the strongest woman I know, Barb West. She was stuck in behind a slide, but calmed me down as I sobbed into the phone. I tried to be brave, but I just can't anymore. I went out on my own, found a hoe and a pick ax and tried diverting it. Next think I knew, Elliot and Adam Roberts were there and Rick and Suzy. By then the culvert was unclogged and we all moved cars to the highway.

Steve Roberts said he thinks the worst is over for us here on "the hill". I pray he's right.

Being Bobbi Sucks Right Now--January 4

New Years Eve should have been a hint that 2009 was not going to be "my good year". Of course, I have never been so presumptuous to have even a "my good week" or "my good month"...I stick with a "my good day" like when the sophomores are on a field trip or it's senior skip day...which they should have more of. So far 2009 has been a tad disappointing. I'll just highlight today.

It's Sunday and Cris (cousin) may come back tonight, so I thought I'd clean. Hey the best thing that sucks in my life is my new pink Dyson! So I cleaned and decided to snowshoe at Woods Creek where I usually run.

I packed my stuff to take to the car, gathered Berkeley's leash, and walked to the car. I called Darla to tell her where I'd be, then the phone died. I couldn't get to Woods Creek because so much snow was on the 25 road. So I manuevered my new car around and came back down. I started up the 23 road, thinking I could snowshoe on the Valley Trail, but there was a lot of snow and debris and then wondered where I'd park up there and no one would know I was there, so I aborted that mission and went to the school to run down Silverbrook Road and then work out.

I got to the school and let Berkeley out while I changed from my hiking boots to running shoes. I kept calling him and all the sudden he shot across the road after a deer. The deer was stuck or tangled on the side hill (steep) and Berkeley caught it...I took off after him and when I left the asphalt of the road to the ditch, I was up to my hips in snow. The deer managed to run toward Berkekey and he grabbed it again by the back leg. At first I worried he'd rip its leg off but then remembered his broken jaw and six missing teeth (and if he was the "fittest" animal in the fray, that did not say much for the deer). I got him away after wading in the snow but then the deer took off across the ICY street, and there went Berkeley, so I followed, nearly biffing it on the asphalt. Thought racing through my mind: Is Tod home and will he come help me?; Am I liable if my dog kills a deer?; Will Tod come put the deer, Berkeley and me out of our misery? By the time I caught up with them again, Berkeley had the deer's leg in his mouth and was gumming it. I got him away and the deer walked off; no blood, no limp, hopefully no problems. I'll recite the prayer of St. Francis. It has nothing to do with animals, but he's their patron saint and I need to remember to be more forgiving.

I decided to abort the run and just go home. On the way home Berkeley threw up all over the back of my car; yes, I had a blanket down, but of course he had scuffed it up so some is on the carpet. I got it out and wiped up as best I could, now it looks like my car vomitted dog kibble out its dual exhausts. It's all over the snow; the neighbors are going to wonder when they go unwedge their cars from the parking area.

Now I just checked the weather. Another storm warning: high winds; eight more inches of snow; and rain...whoo-hoo.

Happy New Year 2009

Already the year is one of anticipation. In an hour or so, Elliot will bring the three male puppies down so Tyler can get pick-of-the-litter. We've never had pick-of-the-litter, just pick of the pound. Then we'll have a little golden romping around the house for a couple of days. Ugh, and peeing and poohing.

Darla and I are going snow shoeing this afternoon. Actually, I think I am snow shoeing and Darla will wait for me in the yurt. What a nice friend. By the time I am done, Darla will have the life stories of everyone in the yurt. Before that Berkeley and I will run again today (three miles) and then I'll work out in the weight room. Kelli, if you read this before I call you, give me a call! No more "bingo arms" in '09.

As I reflect on 2008, maybe there was not more bad than good, but more traumatic than euphoric. On the down side: my car was broken into and my wallet stolen at the trail head where I run; my ex remarried (why am I so easily replaceable?); Berkeley got hit by the logging truck; a student passed away; Teena and Brian both moved away, gutting the district office of two of my favorite people on earth. Teena lives in Spanaway now. Brian and Trish are in Nine Mile Falls. And most recently, Lily, my little angel, moved to Orlando...abandonment issues, people! What are you thinking?

The good of 2008, though is pretty incredible. My friend Cheeseman and I started riding our bikes on the most beautiful 30 mile loop this summer. What a good friend he has been. He was the first person I met here in Randle. He even came and changed my flat tire this summer, and then took the spare to get air when we discovered it, too, was flat (a recurring theme). Best of all, he's still my friend after last Thanksgiving and the mashed potato fiasco. You see, he's county cop who works odd shifts. Ever since I've known him we (Bill and I ) have invited him to Thanksgiving. So, it's kind of a tradition. He says "bah, humbug" then if the shift works out right, he stops by.

So last year he came to dinner. I tried to be fancy (for me) and put all the food in nice bowls, even if it was just Tyler, Kelly, Cheeseman, and I. Well, Tyler had requested lots of mashed potatoes, so I had a huge pile...but no bowl. I looked down and saw the dog's water dish that Darla had repeatedly told me was too beautiful for a dog dish. She told me if I was going to use it for a dog dish to give it to her, but I hadn't gotten around to it. So I picked up the dish, washed it in very, very hot water then a cool bleach water (it has to be cool or it negates the bleach effect. I have a health card; I know this.) Then I rinsed it again...Well, we were sitting down to dinner, passing the food when Tyler asked (as only Tyler can), "Is this the f(*&n dog dish?"...I froze. Of course Kelly had to chime in , "Yes, look!" and point to the empty spot on the kitchen floor. Let's just say we had lots of left over mashed potatoes. And then I became the target of all the pot luck jokes at school (aren't cops sworn to confidentiality?).

Also, there are the other people in my life I've already mentioned. And then there are some who I have yet to. I haven't talked about my amazing students who make my life's work a joy, most days. Just know they are appreciated.

Day hasn't dawned here on the Long and Winding Road. I am looking foreward to it.

Peace on your journeys in 2009 and traveling mercies.