Tuesday, March 30, 2010

keep calm and carry a bucket



Well, my bedroom project is being postponed this weekend for another: removing contents from my very flooded basement. It's not pretty. We've had a few puddles in the basement before but this time we have at least 4-5 inches of water throughout. Not being fully prepared, I've been on the phone all morning adding my name to long call-back lists for flood control places while my husband attempts to remove some of the water. Meanwhile, the rain continues to pour.



I am trying to Keep Calm and Carry On even telling my husband that we should think of all this as a blessing in disguise. We will finally have to address the basement issues that we had been delaying and some choices about the things we hang on to and store in the basement have been made for us. We have rented a dumpster and that will be the big project this weekend. I do hope to paint our bedroom the following weekend. Still feels a little like April Fools a bit early.

Well, as John Lennon said, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans," right?



xo
elyse

39 comments:

Cindy said...

Elyse..I'm so sorry!! Here I have been complaining about silly things like a crooked header to my new blog..and one of my sister bloggers is flooded.Oh I do hope you own a pair of those cute boots!! Hang in there and let us know what we can do from way off. Prayers will be sent for sure.

Hugs from the South..Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

I sympathise! We have been working on our house for the past few months and keep finding things that stop us from progressing. Still trying to deal with water coming through the roof! I can't wait until all the decorating is done. Something I'm sure you can relate to.

Warm wishes
Isabelle x

GardenOfDaisies said...

Oh dear, what a chore to clean up. I hope that nothing too valuable has been destroyed. Sending you hugs.

debi said...

Oh, how awful! We had that happen many years ago, except it was the sewer that backed up. Now, that's a @#$%%# experience!

I hope the rain stops soon, and that everything is okay. Get yourself some of those cute boots and slosh away!

Unknown said...

Oh Elyse, I am so sorry! It is just awful when that happens. We had that happen here several times when we first bought this house! So much had to be thrown away. I hope you are able to get things taken care of. I love your outlook!!
Hugs,
Amy

koralee said...

Oh dear..hope you get back on track soon...I know how frustrating flooded basements can be. I do love your images today...I think I need those items as we have had rain rain rain...I would love to slip on those boots and go for a walk. Take care sweet friend...and I do love that John Lennon quote! xoxo

Lori said...

Elyse, i am sorry for your troubles...we get a wet basement too when it rains a lot...one of the joys of our very old house...we have never had inches though...that stinks...

Claudia said...

Oh no. I'm so sorry - I know the basement has been an issue before - this endless rain is not helping at all, is it? It is just teeming down today. But you're right, now you can deal with it and maybe get the sump pump, etc. Ours floods all the time, but we don't store anything down there. Everything else that is down there - boiler, hot water heater, dehumidifier - is up on cinder blocks.

Hang in there, my friend!

xoxo
Claudia

Cottage Palette said...

Elyse I'm so very sorry this has happened. Wish I were near enough to help you clean it up. Hugs!! ♥

Free Pretty Things For You said...

:(
!!really praying and singing Rain Rain GO AWAY!!
my poor Elyse :(

Beverly said...

Elyse, congratulations on being featured on Betty Jo's blog today. Her post is wonderful, and so accurately reflects your spirit.

I've missed you on Pink Saturday. I hope you will be able to join us again soon.

I was sad to read about your basement problems. Your positive approach is refreshing.

Theresa said...

Oh Elyse, I am so sorry about the basement. Ya know I know lots about a flooded house, not the basement but my Sisters entire house. It is awful to deal with, nasty to clean up but like you said... you will get it done. It just needs to stop raining!

I'll be praying for all of you!

Theresa

Diva Kreszl said...

I am so sorry to hear you are having to deal with this flooding but happy to see you are embracing this as an opportunity :)

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Well I need to have these gorgeous boots, Elyse! Lovely pictures and words today.
Have a happy day! xo

Brenda Pruitt said...

I love that quote! Sorry for your basement woes. Not many basements here in this region. I hope you didn't lose too many treasures.
Brenda

Scrap for Joy said...

What a frustrating predicament for you! I hate those nasty surprises. I hope you didn't have a lot of damage. Even dealing with a water-logged basement, your post was charming and filled with a can-do spirit. I've thought of the John Lennon quote many times myself.
Take care Elyse.
Joyce

WinnibriggsHouse said...

I think you already have the right attitude so things will work out! We once had a flash flood here which like you filled our basement. The necessary work afterwards improved our property greatly. Every cloud has a silver lining, but I'd still buy the boots!
Jenny x

Vicki said...

Oh, Elyse, I am so sorry. I saw on the evening news where you all had been getting buckets of rain and flooding everywhere. I hope you can get everything taken care of without too much worry. Thinking of you and sending Easter week blessings your way! Vicki

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Oh my goodness Elyse! I am so sorry about the flooding in your basement! Not fun. Wish I was their to give you a helping hand. Hope it gets all taken care of and you can get back to your bedroom. Yes, things happen! Love the John Lennon saying!

Love you,
Maryjane
xox

Phyllis said...

Oh brother, what a mess that's got to be!! Be sure to run a dehumidifier when you get most of the water sucked out!

Unknown said...

Goodness gracious...call out the bucket squad. This is not good. I have a pair of those boots too because we are always flooding in Washington State. Stopping by again tonight to check in and say hi to my new friend.

Lisa said...

I hate that! It seems bad in your parts! I hope it can be fixed easy!
Hugs, Lisa

Melinda said...

Uh oh--sorry to hear this is happening to you guys.
I hope all turns out well for you!
Good Luck!

Melinda

Melinda said...

Uh oh--sorry to hear this is happening to you guys.
I hope all turns out well for you!
Good Luck!

Melinda

Unknown said...

What a mess! Ugh! I am wondering where I can get those cute wellies and umbrella, though! LOL!
Despite the crisis you are chipper and lovely to your blogger friends and I do appreciate your coming by to celebrate my blogoversary with me!

Oh, I hope it will have desired results in the end somehow!

(((Hugs)))
~TattingChic ♥

caroline joy said...

i have relatives back East and i hear it's just been a terrible winter, and now spring! sending our warmth and dryness your way!

LiLi M. said...

A few years ago I bought a vacuum cleaner that could also 'take in' water. My husband thought that it was a waste of money until that very same week our basement was flooded too. Now we could use that thing that costed less than 100 dollars and it worked perfect! We had our basement flooded a couple of times since then and I hated each and every time. I'm thinking of you and I feel sorry for you. But I would advise such a 'Kärcher' water vacuumcleaner. Hugs LiLi

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Oh my. I'm up late watching the news and had to come check on you. Hang in there Sweetie. Big hugs.
p.s. save the sewing machine and every issue of RH and Cath Kidston catalogs!And your favorite popcorn pan ;-)

Sherry from Alabama said...

You poor thing. What memories you'll have of this time. Glad you are still keeping your chin up and going forward.

Sherry @ A Happy Valentine

stefanie said...

oh, I hope it doesn't get worse..take care and stay safe!

Dumpster Decorators said...

Hope not eveyrhing was damaged beyond repair.

Anonymous said...

Love your positive attitude, Elyse! Sending hugs. ~ Zuzu

Karen said...

Oh no! OK, take a deep breath and just know - this too shall pass. It's just a little inconvenient right now.
But sunny days are ahead, and lots of time for you to do your bedroom. And it'll be GORGEOUS when you do get it done.
Big hugs from So Cal where we are praying for rain!!!
:) Karen

Patty said...

Oh no I'm so sorry to hear that you're flooded! But on the bright side you can wear adorable rain boots ;)

Cindy@Cutepinkstuff said...

I saw the news about flooding in NH and thought of you, Elyse. Sad to hear you have basement flooding, but grateful to hear you and your family are safe. Cute post. Sweet boots and umbrella are easier on the eyes than 4-5 inches of water in your basement! Stay dry. . . . thinking of you....

Deb said...

So sorry about the flooding. Hope the clean up goes quickly for you and that you can enjoy the Easter weekend a little!

Amy C said...

oh gosh I was wondering how you were doing in all that rain.
Hope everything is alright, here's to a speedy clean up and a mega lovely new basement.
Love the wellies and brolly!

Bethany said...

Oh Elyse, I didn't realize you had such flooding. Really sorry. Glad hubby got his groove on. No fun though, eh?
I hope these Strawberry Sundae pansies I've started, grow so I can give you a plant.

Online shopping said...

Those pair of blue boots is beautiful.