This past week, we had a flood here in York. One of the most popular pictures going around on Facebook was Clifford’s Tower, our last particularly visible remnant of York’s two castles, surrounded with water. Here’s one of them, which was shared by English Heritage earlier this week:
photo from English Heritage
York floods frequently as a result of being in a valley and situated in between two rivers, the Fosse and the Ouse. In short, the reason for the town’s location and, in the past, prosperity, results in the flood which threaten it. usually it’s the Ouse that floods. Usually the floods don’t get far enough to do much other than overflow the river’s banks and get in the racecourse and the gardens, but this one was worse than usual. We were fortunately unaffected, although some drains overflowed just two streets away from ours and did get into people’s houses and a local pub’s cellar, but it served as a stark reminder that we’re never too far from Mother Nature’s wrath, even in a country which doesn’t suffer from the natural phenomenons that plague so many others. The flood is now receding, and I’m hoping the recovery for the people and livelihoods harmed by it is smooth and quick.
In reading news, I’ve spent most of the week buried in Blackout by Mira Grant. It’s been strange to read this straight after reading Ashes of Honor, which is written by the same author under her real name. The books have very different feels to them, except for a few things, one of which is the way both main characters absolutely crave a particular caffeinated drink. For one, it’s coffee, for the other, it’s Coke – and I don’t really remember reading too many main characters with such obvious addictions. Definitely curious, but both are fantastic books and well worth your time.
I’m now about halfway through Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor and hoping to finish today to round off this month’s reading. Can’t believe, as usual, that tomorrow is October, and we are well and truly into fall, but at least this season is perfect for curling up under a blanket with a great book.
How was your week? Anything exciting coming up for you in October?
I saw the picture earlier this week and have been wondering about you. Really glad to hear your house was unaffected, though of course it still sucks for all the people who weren’t so lucky :\ York is such a lovely city – fingers crossed that everything returns to normal there soon.
Ana @ things mean a lot´s last post …The Sunday Salon – Distilling the TBR Pile
It’s scary how many floods we’ve had in the UK recently. Glad you guys are ok, though like Ana said, not good for those it effected. Interesting the addictions, that’s quite a stand-out element to have included in both books, especially if they’re separated by pseudonym.
Charlie´s last post …Robin Shulman – Eat The City
C.J. and I spent several days in York on our tour of the U.K. several years ago. We loved the city, but never thought it could flood. I hope the waters receed soon, though I do kind of like the picture. Makes it look like the tower has a moat.
cbjames´s last post …Sunday Salon: Book vs. Movie
Floods are scary because water can do so much damage. I need to get caught up with the Newsflesh trilogy.
bermudaonion(Kathy)´s last post …Weekend Cooking: I Love Cinnamon Rolls!
Glad to hear your home wasn’t affected by the flooding. We have had a lot of flooding here in my hometown too as it is built where two rivers meet, but we do have a flood plain so it is rare it affects anything more than walk-ways and paths, sometimes roads. Here’s hoping for some drying days to come in Autumn.
jessicabookworm´s last post …Weekly Reflection #7: After My Holiday
We’re also having problems with flooding thanks to burn scars from forest fires that happened in the summer. If it’s not one thing, it’s another.
heidenkind´s last post …Bloggiesta Day 3 and Finish Line
Yikes! So glad you weren’t affected, but it doesn’t look pleasant for many people.
Beth F´s last post …Review: Blackberry Winter by Sarah Jio