Michelle Alton, flying low over Bucks County (Photo by David Lewis) |
The Mid-Atlantic States were hit with a deluge (10 inches in this area) this past weekend. And since there were no fresh stories to post, I thought the soggy saga below was an apt story for the occasion. This will set the scene for the REAL relentsess part of the story, coming next week!
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There’s nothing meek about a leak
Especially when its source you seek.
It could be here, it could be there,
it could be almost anywhere
Overhead
Or near your bed
Away for a while
But Never Dead.
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Michelle Alton
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This past weekend our area was super drenched with nearly 10-inches of incredibly hard-driven rain. So what could be a better time for a story about Leaks?
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Water Torture!
From Day One, it has always been about the LEAKS!
Probably many of you aren’t aware of this, but the national symbol of the country of Wales is the rather lowly LEEK. Never mind that at a produce fair in South Wales, I once saw a six-foot long prize-winning leek that definitely had an attitude! Generally speaking, though, leeks are sort of meek and unassuming vegetables.
But, as almost any homeowner will tell you, “There is NOTHING meek about a L-E-A-K!
Leeks (from Google Images) |
We moved into this house in August of 1995, and have just passed our 16th year here.
House in April |
But the dam had long since failed, and what remained of the pond was basically muck—occasionally a large puddle if it rained long and hard enough.
Soon after moving in we thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to return the pond to its former glory? “Yes,” we both agreed whole-heartedly. A waterfall would be nice too, wouldn’t it? First of all, the failed dam would have to be repaired. OK. I’ll return to this part of the saga iater.
Now, to understand the second leak story, take a look at the photo below.
Deer Sentries |
On the lower floor is a large family room, a wet bar, the garage, laundry room, two large bedrooms and two large bathrooms. The family room, with its “ancient” slate floor, and the front bedroom sit just below the veranda -- the veranda from which it was obvious that water had leaked into the rooms below in the past -- leaks that we would RELENTLESSLY chase over the course of the next sixteen years. And they, too, have been LEAKS with attitudes!
There was evidence of the leaks from the start-- rust on the baseboard radiators, and other clues that would surface later. Once upon a time the “veranda” had been an enclosed sunroom. We had seen a photo of the dilapidated structure when we were negotiating the house. It was long gone, however; the first leaks must have appeared when the enclosure was removed.
We thought of building a new glass conservatory there. But the cost to beautifully enclose a 12 foot by 50 foot area would have been prohibitive.. Still, wouldn’t a Lindal Cedar Sunroom look brilliant on this house?
But I digress.
Winter view, from Bedroom, looking Upward |
Spring view, from Bedroom looking downward |
So now we had a leaking dam and a leaking veranda. Between the two, the challenges to our psyches and pockets would come to be EPIC! Yes, dear readers, we had on our unsuspecting hands a modern-day “MONEY PIT.”
I’m tempted to keep going here, but I know I’ll lose your attention if this meanders on much longer. So, stay tuned for the hilarious second part of this wet saga, in which you learn how this story got its title. (Oh...and it WILL get to the "Relentless Pursuit Part," I assure you!)
(to be continued)
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--Except where otherwise noted,, all photographs by Michelle Alton
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Some Bonus Shots (from my recent flight over Bucks County)
[Click on photos to enlarge them in another window.]
The Piper Cub, coming in over the grass air strip at Van Sant Airport |
Us and Our Shadow |
Delaware River Meanders |
Field "Hieroglyphics" |
Bridge to Lambertville, NJ |
The River Runs |
Near New Hope, PA. The low dam that provided water power for the old saw mill (now luxury condos) |
Your guess is as good as mine! |
Crossing the River |
Controversial Quarry, Solebury, PA |
Life among the Trees |
Another Crossing |
A biplane, done for the day. ___________________ Please Note: *** This Blog Needs Your Story! *** { I'm Serious!} If you have a story to post on this theme, contact me, please! We haven't a single story on tap. I'm working on Part 3 of "Dark Places for Shining Stars" but it won't be ready for next week. Give your imagination a stretch--your story can be about any sort of Relentless Pursuit, fact, fiction, poignant, or humorous. And I'd be appreciative if you also take a look at my Photography site. I'd love to hear from you and work with you on your story! ___________________ [Click on the green SU icon below to recommend this blog to Stumble Upon Members] __________________________________ |
8 comments:
Can't wait to read the rest of this story!!
Love your air photo's :)
What, no upside down aerial shots??? Interesting first part, Michelle - look forward to reading the rest!
Can't wait to read the rest of the story!!
Nice segue with the 'leek'...had no idea it was the Welsh national symbol...beautifully written and looking forward to episode deux...
Robert B
Michelle I thought it most intertaining, after all It made me feel good to know that someone other than myself have these problems. I finally crawed under the house this year after ten years to change and put in a new outside water spikit. As hot as it was it felt good wallering around in the wet mud. Lets hope the realiter doesn't post this story LOL.
RON
I like the story but I hate leaks too. They drive me mad. Big or small, I hate them all. They make me jump and shout and a big leak can be so severe that it can wash you out. On to part two. I hope there is a happy ending. Your home and the grounds are beautiful. You look cool in Piper Cub. Bet that was a fun day.
The picture marked "Your guess is as good as mine" is the old Stover Mill in Erwinna, PA. I believe the house across the street (in the background) belongs to Sally Jesse Raphael.
It has been 50 years since I livd in Lumberville, but I would recognize it anywhere. So, I verified it on Google Maps, and it is.
Thanks for the great ID info on the "Your Guess..." photo. Much appreciated! Michelle Alton
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