Celebrating Life on the River
A number of years ago we moved from the country to a home on the Kings River in Central California. We’ve enjoyed hours floating, boating, swimming, bird watching, and daydreaming. Even when the river slows in winter, we appreciate even the little stream of water that flows past our house.
As you probably know, we are experiencing a very intense drought here in California. For months this year there was no water in the river. The river bed was a giant sandbox. As Joni Mitchell sings, “You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone…”
We rejoiced when water was finally released from Pine Flat Dam to help irrigate the orchards and farms which surround us. I’m writing today in celebration of the river.
Jana and I celebrating as the river finally makes it to our neighborhood.
If you’re looking for me in the next few weeks, you can find me reading down by the riverside.
This is my first time reading this river classic:
“So-this-is-a-River.”
“The River,” corrected the Rat.
“And you really live by the river? What a jolly life!”
“By it and with it and on it and in it,” said the Rat.
Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham
It is a jolly life when there’s water – we are all hoping and praying for a rainy season ahead.
Floating is a wonderful way to get unplugged and spend time with family and friends. We even have a floating club – The King’s Queens.
Jet Skis are fun, too:
Easton is happiest in the water. Aren’t all Labs?
Do you have a favorite spot to read?
This post was inspired by Ruth Ayres as part of Celebrate This Week . Check out the celebration posts from other bloggers. You can join the celebration by adding your own.
Oh, I’m happy for you to get your river back. I have taught Wind In The Willows in a book group. It really is for older students & adults I think, although many think it’s a child’s book. What a treasure of a story. I hope you enjoy every page, Claire. Love all the pics, but especially the one of you!Good luck with the drought.
Hi Linda, I agree that it probably is for older students – lots of big thoughts to think about! We are trying hard to get by on less water. Thanks for stopping by.
I feel like water is a thing we humans crave/need. Dogs too!
Wind in the Willows is a favorite read. ENJOY!
Hi Julieanne, Life just seems calmer when there’s water near. I can’t believe I haven’t read Wind in the Willows. I think it will be a perfect summer book.
Water calms me, it centers me. Love this post about all things water. I confess, I haven’t read Wind in the Willows either. It’s on my list now! Enjoy!!!
Hi Michelle, Thanks for stopping by. I am enjoying Wind in the Willows. It is an old fashioned book that is perfect for summer.
You have droughts and we have floods here in Indiana. Our river has been above flood stage for most of the summer. Hope you get the much needed rain.
Hi Leigh Anne, Too bad we can’t figure out a way to get the proper amounts of water where and when it’s needed. Be careful with all that flooding.
What a lovely post! I so enjoyed reading about your river and the joys it brings to your life! The photos and books were wonderful touches.
Hi Loralee – thanks for stopping by.
I visited your beautiful blog but couldn’t find a place to comment.
Love your river pics – especially your floating club. Enjoy those books by the river. Wind in the Willows is in my summer stack. I’ve never read it, but have a beautifully illustrated copy.
How ironic that you’re experiencing a drought, and we’re experiencing Korea’s rainy, muggy season. It’s rained every day for 2 wks. Before we moved in June, we, too, lived next to a river. I loved walking down by the river, clearing my thoughts or thinking of book ideas. Glad you have some of your river back! Happy reading!
I remember lunch in your garden by the river and am so happy water is flowing again. You are reading a perfect book to celebrate the joys of the river.
It seems so unbelievable to me that a river is not a river due to the drought. Being here in the East, the drought doesn’t seem real. Enjoy your treasured time floating on by and reading.
It is great to see the water again, isn’t Claire? I feel fortunate to be in Maine where water is not an issue. Living near water is inspiring. Love your photos and book selection.
I remember reading The Wind in the Willows years ago and enjoying it.
I’m glad you have some water back in your area. Being in California as well I certainly hope that we’ll get more rain later in the year..
I’m going to send you a private email….so stay tuned for it!