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Living on the River – a celebration

July 25, 2015 By Claire Annette Noland 17 Comments

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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.

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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.

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This is my first time reading this river classic:

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“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

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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.

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Jet Skis are fun, too:

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Easton is happiest in the water. Aren’t all Labs?

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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.

 

Filed Under: Books, Celebrate, Places Tagged With: Celebrate This Week Link Up, children's books set near a river, King's River, Kingsburg, The Wind in the Willows

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linda Baie says

    July 25, 2015 at 10:57 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Claire Annette Noland says

      July 25, 2015 at 11:20 pm

      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.

      Reply
  2. Julieanne says

    July 25, 2015 at 11:03 pm

    I feel like water is a thing we humans crave/need. Dogs too!
    Wind in the Willows is a favorite read. ENJOY!

    Reply
    • Claire Annette Noland says

      July 25, 2015 at 11:18 pm

      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.

      Reply
  3. Michelle Haseltine says

    July 26, 2015 at 12:16 am

    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!!!

    Reply
    • Claire Annette Noland says

      August 10, 2015 at 8:07 pm

      Hi Michelle, Thanks for stopping by. I am enjoying Wind in the Willows. It is an old fashioned book that is perfect for summer.

      Reply
  4. Leigh Anne says

    July 26, 2015 at 1:31 am

    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.
    Leigh Anne recently posted…Celebrate Turn #22My Profile

    Reply
    • Claire Annette Noland says

      August 10, 2015 at 8:08 pm

      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.

      Reply
  5. Loralee says

    July 26, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    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.
    Loralee recently posted…Sunday’s Photograph | Summer ViewMy Profile

    Reply
    • Claire Annette Noland says

      August 10, 2015 at 8:09 pm

      Hi Loralee – thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
      • Claire Annette Noland says

        August 10, 2015 at 8:14 pm

        I visited your beautiful blog but couldn’t find a place to comment.

        Reply
  6. Ramona says

    July 27, 2015 at 2:34 am

    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.

    Reply
  7. Tina Cho says

    July 27, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    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!

    Reply
  8. Joan Schoettler says

    July 27, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    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.

    Reply
  9. Carol Varsalona says

    July 28, 2015 at 5:19 am

    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.

    Reply
  10. evelyneholingue says

    July 28, 2015 at 7:55 pm

    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.
    evelyneholingue recently posted…Five Photos Five StoriesMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Cynthia says

    August 2, 2015 at 2:58 am

    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!

    Reply

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Hello. I’m Claire Annette - reader, writer, teacher, and field trip planner extraordinaire. Here at A Field Trip Life you will find ideas for adventures large and small and the kids’ books that inspire them. Sign your permission slip. Let's go!

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