The tap has been turned off - for now anyway

Meaning, it has finally stopped raining! From Sunday evening to 12.15p.m. Tuesday 26/8 we had 165ml of rain and then another 10ml on top of that. There are slips everywhere on the road out to the main highway and yesterday we were isolated completely. All clear to get through now though, thank goodness. I have never seen rain like it before.

This latest rainfall also flooded the Motunau River for the second time.

The first deluge of rain fell at the end of July and we thought that was pretty huge at 110ml. This gave a much needed flood to the River as prior to that you couldn't launch a boat at the boat ramp but had to have a tractor or 4 wheel drive to launch near the river mouth.

Before these rainfalls you at least knew the river layout but now it is an unknown factor until everything settles down.

It seems that North Canterbury has been badly hit both times, causing road closures north of here with huge slips on the main highway, no trains running because of slips. This must affect people of all walks of life.

A Sad Day

Last night my little 15 yr old foxy, Peggy passed away at the vets. She had been suffering for a week with an immune system crash. Nobody knows why this happens. The red blood cells are attacked as they enter the blood stream.

She was put onto steroids and initially she seemed to respond and become alert at what was happening around her. However, the following day she just vomited and vomited. I took her back to the vet on Thursday who told me that she was reaching near the end of her life span and I had 2 options - to say goodbye to her there and then or see if she responded to the steroids and other meds via an IV drip, which meant leaving her with vet. After consultation by phone with my husband, Jock, we made the joint decision to give her a go.

Sadly, this was not to be and she has now gone to doggy heaven where she will feel no more pain.

Peggy, we will never forget you. You have shown us love and affection, given me kisses, made me laugh, made me cry, made us go for exercise every day. You had such funny traits and today, the first day without you I miss your little bell rattling as you shake your head, your little yelps as you dream, you weren't there waiting for a biscuit as I made my cup of coffee and these are just the start of my missing you. Lady wonders where you are, she has lost her canine friend as well

Little girl, look out for me so that we can cross The Rainbow Bridge together........

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again. just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eys are intent; her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you are your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross The Rainbow Bridge, together..............
(autor unknown)