May 10, 2017
I just don’t know what to say
Thank you for your prayers, concerns, hugs, phone calls, emails and comments. It sure has been a most difficult 38 days since we put the girls to rest. So much has transpired, so many emotions have been felt, so many tears shed and it isn’t over.
Yesterday we got to the RV Park about 2PM. We were late as we had first gone to check out an RV Park near our home which a neighbor had relocated to. First thing I saw was how low it was and I even saw one RV already half under water. Turns out that last night that park as well as 600 homes and businesses were put on evacuation alert. So we are happy with our decision to come to this 9 unit tiny and strange RV park. We have 50 amps which we don’t need and good wifi. Sadly the SPCA is across the street from us and we hear dogs barking night and day. We so miss our girls but this is not a situation that we would want them to be in. There is nowhere to walk them and we would have to drive somewhere. In fact once my compression stockings come off Sunday I will have to drive somewhere to walk. There is the constant sound of traffic as we are less than 1/2 block from a major intersection but at least we have a place. The RV parks are full.
Once we parked, hooked up the electric and put out the slides we headed over to the Emergency Social Services to sign in. They told us that we were better off staying in a hotel that would be paid for as they did not pay for RV’s. You also got $45.00 each per day to eat in restaurants. No gracias. We will stay in our RV where eventually we will each have a desk and can keep our business operating. I can’t imagine carting our two desktop computers and all of the camera equipment back and forth from the car every day. So we are getting $45.00 per day for the two of us in groceries. Vouchers are given out for a three day period so we have to check in again on Friday. I think that $135.00 every three days for the two of us is more than sufficient. However the vouchers can ‘t be used for alcohol 😯
After registering with ESS we went over to West Kelowna to pick up my car where Colin had left it Monday when he drove to to Freightliner to pick up the RV. Back to the RV where we made the bed and set out some towels and organized the bathroom. Next stop was to head out for dinner where we ate a lot of great Chinese food. We were very hungry. My head had been spinning all day, I seemed to not really be in the present. I will admit to crying as we left our home.
Already I have discovered that I left all my recipes behind but the worst was my library items that are due to be returned. I presume that a state of emergency will help with the situation.
A few readers mentioned that it was fortunate that we had insurance. Sadly flooding is not covered under insurance. There is a new fresh waster flood insurance that just came out late last year after we had already renewed our policy and by then we were headed to Mexico. However because we are in an official state of emergency the government will pays 80% of claims from $1000.00 up to $300,000.00 which will help if the house if affected. This does not cover patios or landscaping or bicycles, canoes, etc, of which ours are mostly under water at this point.
Sadly the weather and the Universe have conspired to create what is being called the Perfect Storm. It is forecast to be the worst storm in over 200 years in this area and they say that what we endured last week was a mere dress rehearsal for the next two days. Because of the heat of the past two days which is creating spring run off and the fact that all vessels of water are at their maximum height and that all the ground is saturated we are in for some major flooding in the next 48 hours. Sometime tomorrow we are in for a huge rain storm which will dump at least 20mm on the ground and up to 40mm in the hills each day. If true than our lake will go up at least 5 inches. The news this evening says that they are expecting up to 3000 evacuees in the coming days. Tragically the hotels are full this weekend and next weekend. They are asking people to come forth and volunteer to take the displaced into their homes. They ( the powers that be ) say it will likely be a two week emergency situation. I hope that the storm will somehow bypass us and that things will get better rather than worse. We are so fortunate to have our home on wheels. Of course we only have somewhere to stay until June 1st. There is one RV park that we will check out tomorrow that has space till June 29th but they charge $65.00 per night plus tax.
Colin worked today while I went and had my hair done, the appointment made long ago. Tana, my hairdresser has become a friend over the years and of course I cried off and on as I caught her up on my last six months. I then went and spent our $135.00 on groceries and only filled 3 bags.
So Colin is back and just dumped, first time since Vegas, a while back and hooked up our water. We are good to weather the coming storm.
I am too tired to do photos. Thanks for reading my long ramble. I appreciate you all for always being there for me.
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Good to hear that you’re all set up and dry. The storms will pass,the water will recede and you will recover…the good times will be back.
How I wish I had some magic words that would offer great comfort. You have sorted out the blessings you have and are handling all the other stuff. You, Contessa and Colin, are a pair of troupers. Praying for blue skies, sunshine and no rain for your area
Thanks for the update. I’m so sorry this is happening to you. I’m shocked than anyone thought you might be insured for this, especially considering how it’s been all over the news that Canadian insurance is crap and generally doesn’t cover act of god flooding. I’m happy there is a government program to help you. I am appalled that you would be covered for a hotel room and not an RV. If you have any energy left at the end of this, it’s something you might want to fight. You are definitely better off in the RV. I had to smile that you got your hair done. It’s important to stay human in such circumstances. *HUGS*
I am still hoping that the storm they have predicted is nothing like what they think it will be and soon you will be able to start piecing your life back together. Difficult for you and Colin to think about work right now but when you are self-employed not much choice, I know how it is. Hugs to you both
I think it is ridiculas that you can not be given money for staying in your rv. You can easily provide proof that you are indeed staying there. Not ideal where you are but at least you have your own space.
When things calm done it would be interesting to pursue why rv’s are not covered.
Hoping for the best Contessa, regards to Colin.
hopefully the next storm weakens and things begin to dry up. Hard to evacuate and remember what got left behind. We’re thinking of and praying for you. Thank goodness for the RV.
Other than the red tape the Canadian government might put you through, it is wonderful that they provide at least a small safety net to help with the flooding and groceries. I hate to say this, but it’s mostly sink or swim here in the US for those things. Private organizations do help, like the Red Cross and churches, and you can purchase Federal flood insurance to tack on to your homeowner’s insurance, which is supplemented slightly by the US government in the form of a small premium reduction. Also, Federal Emergency Management Administratiion (FEMA) sets up shop in disaster areas to dish out low-cost and low-interest loans for people to rebuild. By the way, I remember when Air Canada flew into our little airport with a disaster crew to help us clear our roads after Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
Again, I am so sorry to hear about your situation, especially so soon after the girls were gone. That is so tough mentally. It does sound like you are making the best of the situation. There is not much you can do but prepare and then ride the wave when mother nature is involved. No pictures are needed on your blog, I am just happy to read a short update or two but only when you have the time and the urge. Don’t feel obligated to blog during this time. Hang in there and if you need anything, just email me … even if it just to talk.
I feel so bad about your situation but I’m glad you have a place to live until this mess can be cleaned up. We appreciate the updates and knowing that you guys are safe. Hugs.
So sorry to hear what you are going through. At least the $45 per day for food (which you would have to pay for anyway) should pay for the RV parking. Small mercies.
When we had the bank behind us slide from rain a couple of years ago the disaster relief paid nothing. They do not cover outbuildings, gardening tools or supplies, landscaping, gardens, trees, patio furnature, BBQ’s etc. and that is where all our damage was.
Contessa and Colin,
I just wanted to say that there is no way in, (excuse the language), Hell that I could have had Jim and I up and ready to go Like the two of you did. You’re amazing, for sure, and don’t you forget it. Our prayer are with you, God Bless, and push on.
The universe is watching over you. I admire your choices that you are being given. I wish we could be there to do something even if it´s hand holding. This too will pass and you both have weathered bigger storms. Isn´t it great that you have the motorhome? You can be displaced temporarily but still be at home.
“When flood comes, fish eat ants. When the flood recedes, ants eat fish. Only time matters. Just hold on, the universe gives opportunity to everyone”
So glad you posted, very concerned, glad you are safe. Your newest home might not be Vida Loca, but you are warm, safe and dry in your second home. It has been a wild ride! Hope that the coming storm is not as severe as the forecast. Here is a pat on the back and a hug- bring on the Vino!
Feel so bad for you guys, hope things do get better… Day by day.
OMG I have been working and on the run day and night and sat tonight to catch up on your blog…I’m so sorry to see you are in flood zone and evacuated…holy moses what next…I was thinking of you all day at work…(and I didn’t know what was even going on)…and sat this evening to catch up..see if there was news on C’s mom etc…
So sorry you guys are displaced…bless your hearts..praying for you on the east coast of Canada…
xoxoxooxoxox