I hadn’t intended to have a short break from our wonderful blogging community, but life suddenly became a bit overwhelming. Partly it is the season; a particularly tough one for grievers even more than 2 years later. There are almost daily triggers and so you find yourself going into protect mode.

However it has also been a busy couple of weeks and I just lost track of time. This week I decided I had to do something so over the past 48 hours I have been trying to get on top of ‘life admin’ to help make things less overwhelming. I have also been making sure I include time every day for either gardening or walking. You will recall from my walking squares how much getting outside helps me. I must admit though the win in my compensation battle with British Airways may have had the biggest impact on my mood! The recent gorgeous sunrises have helped enormously too.

I nearly kept this for January geometry

Not every day has begun so wonderfully though. Challenging weather has been the norm for the past few weeks, and is also not looking great for the weekend. Another named storm is on its way – Storm Darragh. Just hope the forecasters are right and it doesn’t bring as much rain as Storm Bert the weekend before last. Look what that Bert did to my beautiful town.

I was fine I am half way up a very large hill, but the bottom of my hill was a very different story. The video below was taken mid morning on the 25th, hours before the river levels peaked. So goodness knows what the current looked like later.

It was one of the worst floods since the 1960s, and caught many unawares. The town was cut in half for a day, and one of our bridges is still out of action. For others businesses it was their second flood this year, and your heart goes out to them. There are no flood defences, it is up to individuals to do the best they can and what they can afford. It is just isn’t right, and our town council are seeking answers and action from those responsible for flood defences. Hopefully things will improve in the long term, but in the short term I guess we can only cross our fingers.

24 hours after my video, the river levels dropped sufficiently for me to cross the main bridge

44 thoughts

  2. Those floods look dreadful – I always feel for people when I see homes, shops etc ruined by water, it must be so daunting to face the work needed to put things right while knowing all the while that it could happen again! And Bradford (from what I remember from decades ago!) is such a pretty town 🙂

    I’m glad you’re finding ways to lift your spirits and that the compensation came through. Let’s hope Storm Darragh doesn’t cause too much harm, and that there are more beautiful sunrises on the way to give all of us a boost!

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    1. I am in awe of the businesses that are keeping going despite the odds. As you say it must be so daunting for them. And I am with you on sunrises, managed to catch another lovely one this morning.

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  3. Life can certainly be overwhelming at times, but it’s inspiring to see you finding balance with walks, gardening, and managing what you can.
    I’m glad your mood lifted with some wins, and I hope Storm Darragh is kinder than predicted.

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  4. Wow! That’s some awful flooding there. Looks like the town is underwater. I hope the sun comes out for you, metaphorically and in reality.

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  5. Wow, that’s a lot of water. I would have thought it was Venice — the one in Italy. I think the holiday has become a giant trigger for many people and it sometimes feels overwhelming. I try not to let myself get too crazy and it works, sometimes. If they wouldn’t start the celebrating in October, THAT would help too!

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  6. Becky, can I blame the heatwave on my last comment mistakes 😉 Good grief, “it certainly” was supposed to have been removed. I need another iced water.

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  7. Wow, it certainly your town certainly looks different from when we visited. Those pesky weather events are taking everyone by surprise even down in NZ. Walks and gardening are so healing and give us all a boost.

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  8. Becky, I’ve been thinking about you as I know holidays and special dates like birthdays, anniversary are hard on grievers. I’m glad you won your battle with BA. I hope your town recovers from the flood and you will find your balance. Take care.

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  9. Oh my, the devastation from that storm is awful. I hope the next storm is not as bad. Fingers crossed and hoping you are safe.

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  10. Wow that is some storm, Becky! All that water looks scary…weather is definitely a seasonal trigger for those with SAD (me), and plays havoc with our normal thoughts and self-esteem. The holidays really don’t help at all in dealing with grief Your first image looks gorgeous with that sunshine (something we are lacking now). Wishing you calm and peace throughout these days, my friend!

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  11. I’ve been absent on the blogging front too while we’ve been on an amazing adventure to Antarctica. Just starting to catch up now. Yesterday I was watching an episode of Escape to the Country and the buyers were looking for a home close to BoA where their daughter lives. I thought of you. ❤️

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  13. You are definitely having to deal with a lot right now on top of the holiday season and feeling of grief. You are doing well and take whatever time you need for keep yourself safe and protected and surrounded with love from your friends and Robert. 😀

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  14. Am  comforted when you feel overwhelmed with  it all, that a walk or the garden helps you a little but it’s a tough time for you and we all need day to day sunshine to help  us a little.

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    1. thanks Mum, looking forward to seeing you next weekend. Seeing you is even better than walking and gardening xx

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  15. I hope the town is starting to recover and that Darragh keeps his distance. Well done on the BA victory! And I also hope you are starting to feel a little more on an even keel – apart from everything else you have probably exhausted yourself with pesky visitors 😄.

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  18. Your poor town! The aftermath must be awful, and the indications are that it won’t get better. The run up to Christmas is such an emotional time, Becky. I can understand it hitting you hard. Are you with family on Christmas day? xx

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  19. I saw that BoA had suffered in the storm and I am glad that your home was not affected. Today would have been Alex’s 45th birthday and it is still hard to realise he’s not out there, somewhere, enjoying life. So I understand how difficult this time of year can be as you remember other Christmases. I hope you will find your equilibrium and that you might post more about your recent USA trip. Meanwhile, look after yourself Becky and keep safe and warm. Jude xx

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  20. Your town’s really suffered, and having taken it to my heart in our brief visit, I can only hope that money can be found somewhere to offer long term protection. As for you, Becky, I hope you’re looking after yourself and can find ways of regaining your positivity. As you say, compensation payments can be helpful!

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