A Tempest and Water Spouts

"Leaf Litter" - A stack of palm fronds we collected in the backyard

Since Sunday, 29 May, we've been in a tempest. There have been high winds, hail, and rain falling in heavy sheets. Today is the first day of winter, June 1, the wet season has begun.

Standing water in the lower level

All that heavy rain has resulted in flooding in the house, again. The drain outside our front door gets overwhelmed by heavy rain. Since the floor of the house is lower then the outside entrance, the water comes down into the house and under the garage door. After the water came in on Sunday night, and again on Monday night, I got serious and bought some sandbags and plastic to barricade the front door and the garage. I hope it helps.


Plastic and sandbags barricade the garage and front door

When seen on radar, the clouds are circling around, collecting water from the sea and depositing it directly onto us. There were water spouts reported right next to our house. Here are some photos and a video of the water spout. For photos, click on the links at the words "photo" and "video" in the last sentence.

The collapsed shed roof that probably caused the flood in the girl's room

On Monday morning, I checked the lower level at 7:20am. Everything seemed good. The water outside had receded and there wasn't much standing water on the tiles. I was surprise when Zoe went to her room and reported that it was flooded. Sure enough, the carpet was soaked.

Soaked and smelly carpet in the girls room

I believe it was the shed roof collapsing, presumably with a lot of water on it that caused the flooding in the girls room. That gush of water fell into a place that normally stays dry. It found it's way through the wall of the girls' room. I rented a Wet Vac to help dry the carpet. We have the heat on and a fan blowing to help it too. It smells like an old, wet sneaker. It could be the carpet is ruined.

Clara and Zoe camped out in the dining room. We don't know when we'll be able to move them back downstairs to their room.

Term 2 Off to a Running Start

Term 2 began on April 28th. We've just completed Week 5 of Term 2.

On May 6th, Copa school held their Cross Country Carnival. The track was around the playground and tennis courts 3 times. There was even a parent run, which I participated in.

Zoe had been dreading running CC, but by race day, she was enthusiastic. She came in 5th in the 8 & 9 year old girls race. The top 5 racers in each category represent the school at the District level, Zoe was in.

Tristan ran in the boys under 11 years race. He was in First Place for two laps. On the last lap, he pulled his hamstring and had to sit out the rest of the race. He was very disappointed.

Clara running in the U14 Girls Race at Brisbane Water Zone

At the High School, Clara was also participating in Cross Country and Track and Field Events. She said she couldn't get the hang of the javelin, but she came in 3rd in the shot put. In cross country, Clara came in 6th and was on the reserve list for Brisbane Water District level.

Brisbane Water Zone Cross Country Race

On Monday, May 23rd, Clara ran in the Girls under 14 race at Brisbane Water with 7 or 8 other schools. Clara came in 29th of about 60 runners.

Rylee and Zoe in blue running at the Brisbane Water Zone race

On Friday, Zoe ran in the Brisbane Water District level for the girls ages 8 & 9. There were about 20 schools. She came in 57th with her friend and class mate, Rylee in 56th.

The race days on Monday and Friday were beautiful, sunny days. Which was a relief after the cold, wet, rainy days the rest of the school week.

Rylee and Zoe post race

Crazy Hair Day for Red Cross

Today is Crazy Hair day at Copa School. It's a fund Raiser for the Red Cross. Each child who participates brings in a Gold Coin ($1 or $2) or more. Our kids really got into it!