[ She doesn't understand the sarcasm, either, but he seems disinclined to explain so she lets it go. But her mind starts casting about for a change of topic because this one is giving her that uncomfortable, sick feeling in her stomach that she tries to avoid. ]

It would be better for everybody if we could all just avoid it entirely.

[ She continues in the blandly pleasant tone, like when somebody has to be polite to somebody they don't like, or discuss upsetting topics in the presence of children. ]

Do you know what caused all this flooding? I hope they have a plan to deal with it. Something more involved than press ganging a clean up crew.