Wow. As the rime goes, “water, water” was indeed “everywhere” this month in Calgary. Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes, hundreds of roads and parks were shut, dozens of cars drowned and mandatory water restrictions imposed on everyone…for the first time in memory for many of us, and certainly me.

Since our regular dog walking haunts were underwater, we walked them in the high areas in between. And now, the mosquitos are here with a vengeance having had so many places to breed.

It’s not too often a place that’s infamous for forest fires in summer gets this wet! But as someone who works from home, seldom drives a car, and thankfully can walk to a grocery store, bank and postal outlet within 10 minutes…I didn’t feel the impact a lot.

Back in the days when I used to publish Joy to the Planet (88 ways to enjoy life, and help the planet), I used to think that weather like this is the planet’s way of having a temper tantrum. Letting off steam in the pressure cooker of greenhouse gas…

Although it’s tempting to go back to enjoying summer now that it’s past…at the risk of sounding doomsday-ish, I do wonder what it will be next time.

I’m curious…do you wonder about the increasing dramatic episodes in our planet’s weather? Do you believe it will continue to get more turbulent over the years? Are you making any long term plans to prepare yourself and your families for such things?

Perhaps I should complete the Joy to the Planet project in print book format after all. On recycled paper, of course.
More photos here, including photos of Southland Dog Park (near the bottom) where I usually walk our dogs. Now Vizslas can swim, but golly! http://www.calgaryarea.com/calgary_flood.htm