April showers bring...FLOODS!

Erin and Jason were on their way to Midway to join us for Easter, so we decided to meet them halfway at Anam Cara to check out how all the rain affected our little run-off stream and the areas we want to develop for the retreat.  I don't think any of us were prepared for the extent of the flooding!  

Judy, Jason, and Erin at Anam Cara Creek

This is our "little" stepping stone stream we dubbed "Anam Cara Creek".  It typically has such a small amount of water in it that you can step across on stones without getting your feet wet!  There literally was no way to cross!  As we got closer to  Eagle Creek, the stream just continued to widen out.  We are exceedingly grateful that we built the house on a high knoll!

Our planned outdoor chapel area

The deer stand you see in the background (looks like a ladder leaned against the tree) is...was!...going to be the location of the labyrinth.  The area in front of the stand with all the water was going to be the location of our outdoor chapel/fire pit.  For a frame of reference, this area is at least 12-15 feet above the usual water line of Eagle Creek.  Anam Cara Creek flows into Eagle Creek and this is the point of merger.  There is about a 6 foot bank next to the creek, a plateau of land, and then at least another 6-8 foot high bank and plateau where this pic is taken.  We knew the first plateau flooded, but never dreamed this 2nd plateau would flood this badly!  Time to reassess our plans!

EAGLE CREEK

With more severe storms predicted for the middle of this week, it will probably be a while before we're able to get back there and develop a new plan.  Mark is already brainstorming some bridge ideas for Anam Cara Creek so that we are able to get across during flood season, but we'll definitely have to come up with an alternative trail then the one we had developed before all this rain.  Our current trail is completely under water!

Windows!

The windows are starting to go in and it has made such a difference in the appearance of the house!  Almost all of the smaller windows are in place and the two larger windows in the front of the house should go in sometime this week.  Next, the stairs to the fellowship area in the basement will be built.  Framing is already underway for the bathrooms delineating water closet and shower areas.  Once the stairs are in, we'll do a walk-through with the electrician to decide where we want lights.  The time is drawing near when all those overwhelming decisions have to be made: front door, light fixtures, bathroom fixtures, flooring, paint colors, ...  Egad!  I'm trying to keep ahead of the game, but oh my goodness!  We're pretty set on our flooring and finally made a decision on the master bath tile.  Casey also gave us a great site where we can "practice" designing our front door (thermatru), so I guess things are rolling along about as well as they could.  It won't be long before we're ready to consult with our personal John Deer representative, Erin's dad Jerry Muck, to outfit the garden garage!  Can't wait!

The roof is done!

After church on Palm Sunday, Mark, Claire and I went hiking.  Claire had a ball in the little stream, and if Mark and I would have had a hammock or porch swing I don't think we ever would have left our spot along Eagle Creek!

The little creek has been transformed from all the rain.  It's probably Claire's favorite spot...just shallow enough to wade across with little pools big enough to splash around!

The roof is completed and the windows are suppose to arrive on Monday.  

I'm going to have a hard time staying away until Friday!