It is actually pretty decent, temperaturewise today. I have turned off all heat, the wind is still out of the north but not as strong as before. I have not unwrapped any outside faucets and will not until I’m sure the cold weather is really gone.
I went to an Assumption Parish water board meeting recently and was pleasantly surprised to find I was not the only one who did not suffer any dire effects from the temperatures. I fully expected to hear them say how many people called for help with broken lines, etc. I think people were more cautious this time. The last cold weather we had was accompanied by much snow and everybody was pretty alarmed by that. I know I was. Snow is pretty but it’s cold.
It was interesting to hear a representative from Badger Meter speak at the water board meeting. I don’t completely understand the whole thing but I did learn that a water company reads customer’s meters by driving along the roads and marking down the meter readings. An analog procedure. Badger Meter offers a cellular system where all customer meters can be read in the office (sort of). A live meter reader wouldn’t be needed. And the Badger meter features ways to let the water office know of any leak, where it is and how much and it’s possible, I think, for a customer to have the same advantage. Pretty amazing. Around here there are water customers who have camps and don’t actually live in them so they could have a leak for a long time before finding out. I guess the Badger meter features can save everyone lots of money.
Anyway, the sun is shining now, it’s quiet with no machinery running. The only problem I have along with a lot of other people is the Belle River bridge. I don’t know for certain but pretty sure the pontoon is resting on the river bottom and not coming up to match the highway approaches. This morning only one lane of traffic was allowed to pass at a time. I’m not sure what that was supposed to accomplish. The pontoon isn’t going anywhere so it’s not as if the level was fragile. My car can still pass but the nose of the vehicle must be almost touching the metal surface. And I’m going less than 5mph! No boats are passing, except maybe small ones which can pass under the pilings on the side. The barge isn’t moving!
I’ve heard that the Assumption Parish Jury is seeking advice from the state on the bridge situation, but I cant imagine what might be done other than build an entirely new, raised bridge. Or I guess replace the pontoon with one wider for more displacement. Something has to be done. This low river issue may not be a one-time thing anymore and this bridge gets a lot of traffic.
Regardless of any difficulties, there were almost 30 people at Bingo on Tuesday, Feb. 3 and I’m expecting half a dozen or more for Chair Yoga tonight. I think many are just glad to be out of their houses.
The projected rain hasn’t happened yet. Today, it did rain a little but barely enough to wet the deck and certainly didn’t help the bridge situation. Maybe the cessation of the north wind will help.
An acquaintance told me when she passes onto the bridge in her car she drives on an angle down and up the ramps. I think I might try that.
The sun is out now and at least it looks warm. Yoga this morning possibly. Some in my classes are going to Bingo elsewhere. Several are on a cruise. One is babysitting. It’s good that people are keeping busy.
Teche News’ Lower St. Martin correspondent, Linda Cooke, can be emailed at lindacooke1939@ gmail.com.
