I know… it could be worse. I heard from blogger friend “B” in GB that it was even hotter than here in the Low Lands. I wish I could send him some cooler weather so he can get out and photograph more beautiful butterflies!
Yes, it is the hottest, driest summer I have ever experienced in The Netherlands. We were off to pick up some bargain fencing for our garden when I realized on our drive how bad things really are here with the drought.



The Lek was the other river we crossed over yesterday, it also was so low that the locks that lead from a smaller river into the Lek were open completely as the water levels were the same. Not something that we normally see here.

Hummmm… when are we getting rain for my garden?

We finally got (only in the very West of the country) rain yesterday. About 2 cm or just under a inch. Not enough to not have to haul more water to fill the barrels this morning but enough that I don’t have to water plants today.
Hummm… I have finally insects in the garden.



With all the things we have on our plate recently from the drought, heat, water shortages, high gas prices, higher food prices, Ukraine/Russian war, possible nuclear holocaust if either side gets really stupid, we were hit with a totally new one yesterday…wait for it… solar flares! Yup, we were given 12 hours notice that solar flares could disrupt our electric grid, cell phone service, gps navigation systems! But, not to worry, don’t panic, the government has it all under control!!!
Which both the Hubby and I looked at each other and started laughing so hard I started to cry! Really?!
It is enough to make all the therapists in this country rich from all the new patients they will have streaming in their doors.
So if you don’t hear from us for awhile…maybe we got zapped with gamma rays from the solar flares…
Stay safe friends!🤨
Hummm…© The Cedar Journal, 2022, all rights reserved.
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I’ve heard a lot about solar flares….but I’m sure that would have happened in 2020…
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🤨
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Cooler now CJ just low 20’s c. We had a heavy shower two days ago which did nothing to help yet a few miles away there was flash floods! We really need a few days of steady moderate rain but in the forecast only next Monday might be damp. All we can do is keep watering from the tap, the barrels are long since dry and I have to top up the pond once a week. Our water bill is going to be as shocking as our energy bill!
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I think you can join the rest of Europe as we are wondering and brainstorming how we can better conserve our resources. We have always been thrifty with energy and water but… now… we are very concerned. Nothing like pillow talk on how we can reuse our water within the house.🤨 Very romantic!
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At least you do not have any forest fires in the Netherlands.
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Not yet, thankfully.
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Oh, goodness, Paula, where do I begin? You packed so much into this post. Drought, war, that image on the back of the truck… This was a totally entertaining, and insightful, post. Thank you for sharing your part of the world.
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😂🤣 That is the Hummm…for you! You just never know what the universe will throw my way for everyone’s entertainment. 😂🪐
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These are very stressful times for so many people! I’m so sorry about the drought in the Netherlands. Parts of the US are also experiencing drought and heat, but we’re lucky in that our bad weather finally broke a couple of weeks ago. I’ve also heard that parts of California, Arizona, New Mexico (some of which has gotten soaking rains and some still in drought) and Nevada are going to have to implement strict water restrictions if the drought doesn’t break soon. Hang in there, my friend!
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Thanks Ann! All these weather events are very concerning but…the sliver lining…I could become the first Dutch cotton farmer! 😂
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Love your Hmmm posts!
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Thanks Peg! From the world of strange and unusual or sometimes normal.😊
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Those conditions really do look dry–I actually developed a dry spot in my throat, just looking at the photos. And solar flare warnings–wow–didn’t see that one coming. Stay safe!
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😂🤣🥃
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Maybe the solar flares will lead to northern lights… One can always hope!
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It should, and they say far South too.
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I heard if you wrap your head in tin-foil you will make it through safely – at least that is what my government says. I must say, I am liking your road/semi shots – more please hehehe. As they say, great minds think alike, I also thought of Queen when I saw the ummm, let’s go with horizontally challenged bathers.
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Sorry to hear your in a drought, that must be because this side of the world is flooding. Australia is having the worst flooding on record and we’re told it’s going to be the third year in a row. Three years ago we had worst bushfires in years. Makes me wonder if next year will be normal
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We finally have gotten some rain to soak the very dry soil. Still about 20cm under our normal but enough now that I haven’t had to haul water to the thirsty garden.
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