IT'S RAINING, IT'S POURING ……...

We've had tidal, fluvial, groundwater and flash flooding ….. the whole gamut, over the past eight weeks.

We've had disruptions with trains , flooded homes, landslips, livelihood's under threat and even deaths.

Everyone has been blamed from the Government to God. The Ministry of Defence is deploying equipment and manpower to help those in affected areas by delivering food, transporting people and distributing sandbags.

Even if it stops raining tomorrow, the effects of the floods will continue to be felt for weeks …. months and years for some.

We have been blown to bits with rain and winds of over 100 mph and, more storms are forecast for the coming days.

These horses had to be rescued from rising flood waters near Christchurch, Dorset. Just one example of animals in distress because of the floods.

I cannot imagine what having a flooded home must be like. Thinking of all those who have been affected by so much devastation.

Here's hoping that the rain will stop sooner rather than later.

XXXX

image 1: via dianne documents, image 2: via bbc, image 3: via the daily mail, image 4: via western morning news, image 5: via the guardian, image 6: via the independent, image 7: via bayanablogspot, image 8: via night tattoo, image 9: via we heart it

BY INVITATION ….. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ? ……….

What a question ?!!!!

I do believe that I'm either lucky, boring or just plain lazy !!! I seem to skip through life without many challenges coming my way …… maybe I duck and dive my way around them ? I don't set myself challenges either ….. I simply don't feel the need !! 

For me, my life seems full enough .

I have never swum the channel …..

….. never flown solo around the world …..

….. or composed a symphony.

I have avoided marathons,

and climbing mountains !!

….. and, on a more serious note, I have never had to face the challenge of war

or the challenge of living with a disability. Millions face challenges so big everyday and accept and cope with it. They are brave, scared, sometimes in pain { mentally and physically } and just get on with it. 

Of course, you could say that bringing up children is a challenge but, millions do it everyday.

I think that the little challenges that affect us all everyday are just things that we all accept and get on with. 

Therefore, I really don't think that I can quantify anything that I do as a challenge.

But, here are a few challenges that might make you smile !!!

HANG ON !!!!  

 I've just thought of one major challenge in my life at the moment …..

Playing trains with our grandson for eight hours is a pretty big challenge !!!!!

There are only so many scrapes that Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends can get into !!!!

….. although, crashing is his favourite ….. we have a lot of crashes !!

To hear what challenges other members of the By Invitation group, please pop over to Marsha's  where she has all of the links.

OH ….. and thanks so much for all of your birthday wishes. It's means a lot, even more so when you get to my age !!!!!

XXXX

images 1 & 11: via night tattoo, image 2: via styler, image 3: via a dozen eggs, image 4: via inspiring and dreamy, image 5: via the policy shop, image 6: via burgess-shale, image 7: via dada4yu, image 8: via the telegraph, images 9, 10 & 12: via zsa zsa bellagio, 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME !!!! ……….

Another year, another birthday.

63 !!

I think that it's back views from now on ….. it's better that way !!!!!

XXXX