Monday, July 25th, I made a 280 mile day trip. I've wanted to take a ride down the White Pole Road ever since I read about it while researching the Lincoln Highway.
My trip started out in Marshalltown, down I-80 with a stop at Freedom Rock, back on I-80 a few miles west and north to Adair. That is the first town (from the west) on the White Pole Road.
From Adair, I headed east on the White Pole Road through Casey, Menlo, Stuart and Dexter. The white poles marking the route end in Dexter. From there I took the Dexfield Road north to Redfield. From Redfield, east to Adel. North out of Adel to Perry and from Perry back to Marshalltown.
Terrific day! Would have been nicer if some of the stores, cafes and diners had been open on Monday. I had my heart, and stomach, set on some good small town diner food, but ended up with a ham salad sandwich, a bag of potato chips, RC Cola, and a slice of pizza from a Quick Stop! My sister saved the day by taking me out for a steak sandwich when I got back into town!
Since I'm not sure just when I'll get the entire trip up on the blog, I didn't want you to think I got lost and kept running in circles!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
FREEDOM ROCK
Located just south of Interstate 80 at the Greenfield exit is a large granite boulder that serves as Ray “Bubba” Sorensen’s canvas for patriotic images. In May, every year since 1999, he has painted murals dedicated to war veterans. The unveiling of the annual artwork has become a Memorial Day tradition that draws thousands of people to the rock.
The huge granite boulder came out of the nearby Schillberg Rock Quarry. It weighs about 56 tons and is 12 ft high. For years it was known as "graffiti rock" and was decorated for high school rivalries, love interests and general graffiti. Only once since the tributes began has the rock been vandalized. Sorenson related the incident to an American Forces Press Service report. The vandalism appeared on his tribute painting for the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 2001. “But the perpetrator got a punch in the face from a Viet Nam Veteran for his trouble,’ and the rock has remained undisturbed since.
Iowa Pride Note: The soldier pictured on the rock is Iowa’s own Salvatore Giunta. SSGT Giunta ,Hiawatha IA, earned the Nation’s highest award, the Medal of Honor, for saving the lives of members of his squad on October 25, 2007 during the War in Afghanistan. He received the medal during a ceremony at the White House on November 16, 2010.
After seeing the movie, “Saving Private Ryan,” at the age of 19, Sorenson, a student at Iowa State University in Ames, was motivated to paint the rock. "It was right around Memorial Day, and I was driving by that rock and wondered what it would be like if I actually took the time to go out there and paint it. And so I painted it with the flag-raising at Iwo Jima."
Each year he paints over the previous display with white paint and starts with a blank “canvas.” The designs are drawn freehand on the rock. It takes 1-3 weeks, depending on weather and detail, for him to complete the work. He currently resides in Greenfield with his wife Maria. He is a full-time graphic artist/mural painter/photographer who owns and operates Sorensen Studios with his wife, a photographer. He is not commissioned to paint the rock. The expense comes from his own pocket along with the donations and proceeds from merchandise sold at The Freedom Rock Store on-line.
In 2006, some veterans were traveling to Washington, D.C., to spread ashes of fellow Vietnam vets at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall. Along the way, they passed the rock and asked Sorensen if they could sprinkle some ashes at the base of the rock. He told them that the ashes would just blow away in the wind and suggested that the ashes be sprinkled into the paint and he would paint them directly onto the rock so they would be there forever.
The next year, Sorensen decided to leave the helicopters he painted with the paint containing the ashes. Since then more ashes arrived and the process has become a tradition. That section on the north side of the rock is not painted over. He stated, “I’ve changed the two helicopters into one big one, because I added more ashes. Now we are up to 20 different Vietnam veterans’ ashes are painted into the side of the rock.”
The huge granite boulder came out of the nearby Schillberg Rock Quarry. It weighs about 56 tons and is 12 ft high. For years it was known as "graffiti rock" and was decorated for high school rivalries, love interests and general graffiti. Only once since the tributes began has the rock been vandalized. Sorenson related the incident to an American Forces Press Service report. The vandalism appeared on his tribute painting for the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 2001. “But the perpetrator got a punch in the face from a Viet Nam Veteran for his trouble,’ and the rock has remained undisturbed since.
Iowa Pride Note: The soldier pictured on the rock is Iowa’s own Salvatore Giunta. SSGT Giunta ,Hiawatha IA, earned the Nation’s highest award, the Medal of Honor, for saving the lives of members of his squad on October 25, 2007 during the War in Afghanistan. He received the medal during a ceremony at the White House on November 16, 2010.
After seeing the movie, “Saving Private Ryan,” at the age of 19, Sorenson, a student at Iowa State University in Ames, was motivated to paint the rock. "It was right around Memorial Day, and I was driving by that rock and wondered what it would be like if I actually took the time to go out there and paint it. And so I painted it with the flag-raising at Iwo Jima."
Each year he paints over the previous display with white paint and starts with a blank “canvas.” The designs are drawn freehand on the rock. It takes 1-3 weeks, depending on weather and detail, for him to complete the work. He currently resides in Greenfield with his wife Maria. He is a full-time graphic artist/mural painter/photographer who owns and operates Sorensen Studios with his wife, a photographer. He is not commissioned to paint the rock. The expense comes from his own pocket along with the donations and proceeds from merchandise sold at The Freedom Rock Store on-line.
In 2006, some veterans were traveling to Washington, D.C., to spread ashes of fellow Vietnam vets at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall. Along the way, they passed the rock and asked Sorensen if they could sprinkle some ashes at the base of the rock. He told them that the ashes would just blow away in the wind and suggested that the ashes be sprinkled into the paint and he would paint them directly onto the rock so they would be there forever.
The next year, Sorensen decided to leave the helicopters he painted with the paint containing the ashes. Since then more ashes arrived and the process has become a tradition. That section on the north side of the rock is not painted over. He stated, “I’ve changed the two helicopters into one big one, because I added more ashes. Now we are up to 20 different Vietnam veterans’ ashes are painted into the side of the rock.”
Sunday, July 24, 2011
HOT, HUMID, STICKY - BUT GOOD FOR THE CORN!
The week after the storm was spent waiting for things to recover and get electricity back. Not many places open for a day or two after the storm. Those that had electricity had signs out front "WE'RE OPEN." Some stores were open for business, cash only, since they had no access to validate credit cards, etc. A couple of times Bea and I went out for lunch or supper - no need to worry about what you were wearing - one person was just as hot and sweaty as the next.
Utility companies from as far away as Wisconsin were here working on the utility poles and lines, trying to get them back up and the electricity running again. Excessive heat advisories and warnings were posted to start Sunday the 17th and there were still major sections of the city and the county without electricity. Cooling centers were opened in the little strip malls for people to get out of the heat.
By Sunday nite/Monday AM nearly everyone in this area was back on the grid - and the County Fair got off to a roaring start over the weekend. County Fair means stock car races, demolition derbies and truck and tractor pulls. Shady Oaks is just close enough to the fair grounds to experience the roar of the engines. But that's OK - that's part of Summer In Iowa!
Thanks to my sister, my eye appointment that was rescheduled due to the storm was only postponed by a week. I was concerned about possibly having to wait too late to get a follow up appointment (If needed) before I headed back to Texas in September. Bea can handle anything! And it‘s a good thing she did; I do need a follow-up in a month! Doc pleased that the eye is ‘no worse for the wear’ as he put it and the pressure in the eye had decreased to such a level he took me off of the glaucoma med for one month. Then will recheck the pressure to see if I need to continue it. I’m really hoping that means that there is less ‘active’ infection IN the eye. It was the fluid created by the infection that caused the pressure to increase in the first place. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Starting Sunday 17th, the heat index rapidly rose to the 100+ range. Not much hope for a cooler day when the nite time low only gets to 80 and the wake-up AM temp is 84 or 85 already. I try to accept it as Summer In Iowa and remind myself that all this sun, heat and humidity is good for the corn! And I do love me some good ol' Iowa sweet corn!
Tuesday met some school friends for lunch in Williamsburg. We’ve met at this same restaurant for the last few times and I think they remember us – they keep putting us further back in the corner, immediately set a pitcher of ice tea on the table and then leave us alone after they take and serve our order! Great bunch of folks there at the Landmark Restaurant. Ingrid, Judi, Sherri and I just laugh and giggle and carry on like we were still in high school meeting at the Green Mill for a coke!
My sister, always worried about her ELDERLY sister, decided in all the heat, it was not a good idea for me to drive to Williamsburg (don’t know how she thinks I get around when I’m in Texas!) So, she drove me down. She had planned on going to the outlet mall across the highway, but the heat was stifling so she ‘hung out’ with us. She had eaten lunch before we left Marshalltown, so I told her I’d buy her dessert. What a banana split!! Even tho it was delivered with 4 extra bowl and spoons, a half-full bowl was still sent back to the kitchen when we were finished!
Later that same week we made a trip back to Maquoketa where we were born and raised. Only family left in town is in the cemetery so we drive through, check the graves, say HI to all of them and come on back home. While in town we had lunch with Barb and Sheila. I haven’t seen Sheila since I left home, about 1962! We had a little catchin’ up to do! Always great visiting with friends.
Li'lBit hasn't been doing well. She has a horribly swollen salivary gland on the left side of her neck. Doc looked at it when we were last thru Gatesville and drained some fluid off. He checked it under the microscope and didn’t see anything abnormal. The neck doesn't seem to be bothering her -- she is just out of energy; sleeps all of the time. She has been having some minor seizures or tremors of some sort. They seem to be worse when a storm is coming so I don't know if she can sense the pressure change in the air with the on-coming storm or if the storm just scares her. There are some small dogs that set on your lap and tremble -- that is what she does. She has never done this before. I swear if she could get under my skin, she would. I'll have Doc Clay take another look at her when we get back to Gatesville in September. I know it's hard on her being blind and the new trailer, etc. I'm hoping that is all it is - but she is close to 15 years old.
Li’lBit loves to be outside and with this heat and humidity, we haven’t been spending much time out there. She loves to lay up under the trailer – I think she has a nice moist cool spot under there, but I don’t like leaving her out by herself on a leash. She’s never had to do that before and no sense in starting it now!
Utility companies from as far away as Wisconsin were here working on the utility poles and lines, trying to get them back up and the electricity running again. Excessive heat advisories and warnings were posted to start Sunday the 17th and there were still major sections of the city and the county without electricity. Cooling centers were opened in the little strip malls for people to get out of the heat.
By Sunday nite/Monday AM nearly everyone in this area was back on the grid - and the County Fair got off to a roaring start over the weekend. County Fair means stock car races, demolition derbies and truck and tractor pulls. Shady Oaks is just close enough to the fair grounds to experience the roar of the engines. But that's OK - that's part of Summer In Iowa!
Thanks to my sister, my eye appointment that was rescheduled due to the storm was only postponed by a week. I was concerned about possibly having to wait too late to get a follow up appointment (If needed) before I headed back to Texas in September. Bea can handle anything! And it‘s a good thing she did; I do need a follow-up in a month! Doc pleased that the eye is ‘no worse for the wear’ as he put it and the pressure in the eye had decreased to such a level he took me off of the glaucoma med for one month. Then will recheck the pressure to see if I need to continue it. I’m really hoping that means that there is less ‘active’ infection IN the eye. It was the fluid created by the infection that caused the pressure to increase in the first place. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Starting Sunday 17th, the heat index rapidly rose to the 100+ range. Not much hope for a cooler day when the nite time low only gets to 80 and the wake-up AM temp is 84 or 85 already. I try to accept it as Summer In Iowa and remind myself that all this sun, heat and humidity is good for the corn! And I do love me some good ol' Iowa sweet corn!
Tuesday met some school friends for lunch in Williamsburg. We’ve met at this same restaurant for the last few times and I think they remember us – they keep putting us further back in the corner, immediately set a pitcher of ice tea on the table and then leave us alone after they take and serve our order! Great bunch of folks there at the Landmark Restaurant. Ingrid, Judi, Sherri and I just laugh and giggle and carry on like we were still in high school meeting at the Green Mill for a coke!
My sister, always worried about her ELDERLY sister, decided in all the heat, it was not a good idea for me to drive to Williamsburg (don’t know how she thinks I get around when I’m in Texas!) So, she drove me down. She had planned on going to the outlet mall across the highway, but the heat was stifling so she ‘hung out’ with us. She had eaten lunch before we left Marshalltown, so I told her I’d buy her dessert. What a banana split!! Even tho it was delivered with 4 extra bowl and spoons, a half-full bowl was still sent back to the kitchen when we were finished!
Later that same week we made a trip back to Maquoketa where we were born and raised. Only family left in town is in the cemetery so we drive through, check the graves, say HI to all of them and come on back home. While in town we had lunch with Barb and Sheila. I haven’t seen Sheila since I left home, about 1962! We had a little catchin’ up to do! Always great visiting with friends.
Li'lBit hasn't been doing well. She has a horribly swollen salivary gland on the left side of her neck. Doc looked at it when we were last thru Gatesville and drained some fluid off. He checked it under the microscope and didn’t see anything abnormal. The neck doesn't seem to be bothering her -- she is just out of energy; sleeps all of the time. She has been having some minor seizures or tremors of some sort. They seem to be worse when a storm is coming so I don't know if she can sense the pressure change in the air with the on-coming storm or if the storm just scares her. There are some small dogs that set on your lap and tremble -- that is what she does. She has never done this before. I swear if she could get under my skin, she would. I'll have Doc Clay take another look at her when we get back to Gatesville in September. I know it's hard on her being blind and the new trailer, etc. I'm hoping that is all it is - but she is close to 15 years old.
Li’lBit loves to be outside and with this heat and humidity, we haven’t been spending much time out there. She loves to lay up under the trailer – I think she has a nice moist cool spot under there, but I don’t like leaving her out by herself on a leash. She’s never had to do that before and no sense in starting it now!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
I Learned A New Word Today! DERECHO
It's always nice to know what comes around and kicks you in the backside - what kicked my backside this past week was a DERECHO.
According to the National Weather Service, a derecho is a band of storms that have winds at least 58 miles per hour along the entire length of the storm which is at least 240 miles long and lasts a minimum of 6 hours. This storm must also have high or rapidly increasing forward speed. There can be winds in excess of 100 mph within the storm causing damage equivalent to a tornado.
Wind speed is not constant and varies along the line of the storm. The stronger winds, called downbursts, often occur in clusters. The rotor-downburst causes damage in a circular pattern. Although the winds are non-tornadic, tornadoes can accompany a derecho. They are difficult to confirm due to the damage caused by straight-line winds. The winds are not simply gusts or bursts of wind, they are sustained.
Derechos usually evolve from a bow echo formation. They are a widespread, long-lived, violent, fast-moving band in the form of a squall line. They blow in the direction of the storm's movement. They are similar to a gust front, except the wind is sustained and they increase in strength behind a front hundreds of miles long. The storm sweeps across a very large area, both wide and long causing extensive damage.
They usually occur from May to August and peak during the end of June into July. Most common in the Ohio Valley, Upper Mississippi Valley and the Great Lakes region, they occur during periods of extreme heat, forming along the north side of stationary fronts where the most intense heat and humidity is located.
The term “derecho” was first used by Gustavus Hinrichs in 1888 in paper describing the storms. It was later revived by Robert Johns and William Hirt in 1987. It comes from the Spanish word meaning "straight.”
Having been thru a recent derecho, I believe the correct spelling should be DE-WRECK-OH!
According to the National Weather Service, a derecho is a band of storms that have winds at least 58 miles per hour along the entire length of the storm which is at least 240 miles long and lasts a minimum of 6 hours. This storm must also have high or rapidly increasing forward speed. There can be winds in excess of 100 mph within the storm causing damage equivalent to a tornado.
Wind speed is not constant and varies along the line of the storm. The stronger winds, called downbursts, often occur in clusters. The rotor-downburst causes damage in a circular pattern. Although the winds are non-tornadic, tornadoes can accompany a derecho. They are difficult to confirm due to the damage caused by straight-line winds. The winds are not simply gusts or bursts of wind, they are sustained.
Derechos usually evolve from a bow echo formation. They are a widespread, long-lived, violent, fast-moving band in the form of a squall line. They blow in the direction of the storm's movement. They are similar to a gust front, except the wind is sustained and they increase in strength behind a front hundreds of miles long. The storm sweeps across a very large area, both wide and long causing extensive damage.
They usually occur from May to August and peak during the end of June into July. Most common in the Ohio Valley, Upper Mississippi Valley and the Great Lakes region, they occur during periods of extreme heat, forming along the north side of stationary fronts where the most intense heat and humidity is located.
The term “derecho” was first used by Gustavus Hinrichs in 1888 in paper describing the storms. It was later revived by Robert Johns and William Hirt in 1987. It comes from the Spanish word meaning "straight.”
Having been thru a recent derecho, I believe the correct spelling should be DE-WRECK-OH!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Some Summer Recipes
CUCUMBERS IN SOUR CREAM
4 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 Tsp salt
1/2 Cup sour cream
1/2 Tsp sugar
1/2 Tsp vinegar
1 TBSP dill weed (more or less to taste)
Place cucumbers in a bowl and add salt. Mix and cover with heavy plate. Drain off juices. Add vinegar and sour cream. Add sugar and dill. Refrigerate
CHICKEN, BARLEY AND CORN SALAD
Main dish salad
1 Cup medium pearl barley
2 Cups chicken broth
2 Cups frozen corn, thawed and drained
2 Cups small tomatoes
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 Cups chicken, cooked and chopped
1/4 Cup sliced green onions
2 TBSP Dijon mustard
1/3 Cup olive oil
1/3 Cup lemon juice
1/4 Cup chopped cilantro or basil
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cook barley the amount of time directed on the package, using chicken broth for the liquid, drain if necessary after cooked.
Mix with corn, tomatoes, peppers, chicken, and green onions.
Combine remaining ingredients in small bowl with a whisk. Pour over salad and toss gently. Chill before serving.
NOTE: I add chopped cucumber, summer squash or any other fresh vegetables from the garden. Cut back on the amount of red and green pepper if adding additional vegetables.
BEAN SALAD
Two 15 oz cans pinto beans with Mexican spices, drained
One 15 oz can garbanzos, drained
1/4 Cup green onion, sliced
oil and vinegar dressing
Herbs and spices of your choice.
Combine beans and green onion.
Toss with enough oil and vinegar dressing to coat, about 1/4 cup.
NOTE: This is really good topped with some small tomatoes and avocado slices.
4 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 Tsp salt
1/2 Cup sour cream
1/2 Tsp sugar
1/2 Tsp vinegar
1 TBSP dill weed (more or less to taste)
Place cucumbers in a bowl and add salt. Mix and cover with heavy plate. Drain off juices. Add vinegar and sour cream. Add sugar and dill. Refrigerate
CHICKEN, BARLEY AND CORN SALAD
Main dish salad
1 Cup medium pearl barley
2 Cups chicken broth
2 Cups frozen corn, thawed and drained
2 Cups small tomatoes
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 Cups chicken, cooked and chopped
1/4 Cup sliced green onions
2 TBSP Dijon mustard
1/3 Cup olive oil
1/3 Cup lemon juice
1/4 Cup chopped cilantro or basil
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cook barley the amount of time directed on the package, using chicken broth for the liquid, drain if necessary after cooked.
Mix with corn, tomatoes, peppers, chicken, and green onions.
Combine remaining ingredients in small bowl with a whisk. Pour over salad and toss gently. Chill before serving.
NOTE: I add chopped cucumber, summer squash or any other fresh vegetables from the garden. Cut back on the amount of red and green pepper if adding additional vegetables.
BEAN SALAD
Two 15 oz cans pinto beans with Mexican spices, drained
One 15 oz can garbanzos, drained
1/4 Cup green onion, sliced
oil and vinegar dressing
Herbs and spices of your choice.
Combine beans and green onion.
Toss with enough oil and vinegar dressing to coat, about 1/4 cup.
NOTE: This is really good topped with some small tomatoes and avocado slices.
Lucky Charms
Judy Garland, as Dorothy, received ruby slippers from the Good Witch of the North, Glinda. The slippers were magical, by clicking the heels three times and repeating "There's no place like home," she could return home to Kansas.
Of course, returning to Kansas would only get me half way back home to Texas, but in the several years I've had the "red slippers" they have surrounded me with their 'magic powers!'
A couple of years ago, I found a yard ornament, a bunny with angel wings with paws folded in prayer. 'Angel Bunny" has been with me since. But I think this storm just about exhausted her!
She has been cleaned up and is back on duty protecting my trailer.
Between my ruby slippers and my Angel Bunny, along with some truly sincere prayers, I've been one lucky camper when it comes to storms.
Too bad I can't say the same thing for this nest of baby birds! Of all of the damage, seeing this perfectly formed nest, no damage, just fallen from the tree and the three babies dead along side, breaks my heart! I so enjoy the birds and hang my feeders as soon as I get to Iowa. To walk out the morning after the storm and see this in front of my trailer seemed so sad.
Of course, returning to Kansas would only get me half way back home to Texas, but in the several years I've had the "red slippers" they have surrounded me with their 'magic powers!'
A couple of years ago, I found a yard ornament, a bunny with angel wings with paws folded in prayer. 'Angel Bunny" has been with me since. But I think this storm just about exhausted her!
She has been cleaned up and is back on duty protecting my trailer.
Between my ruby slippers and my Angel Bunny, along with some truly sincere prayers, I've been one lucky camper when it comes to storms.
Too bad I can't say the same thing for this nest of baby birds! Of all of the damage, seeing this perfectly formed nest, no damage, just fallen from the tree and the three babies dead along side, breaks my heart! I so enjoy the birds and hang my feeders as soon as I get to Iowa. To walk out the morning after the storm and see this in front of my trailer seemed so sad.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
I'll Admit It! I Was "Shakin'" Scared!
Monday July 11 I survived Round 1! Winds in excess of 60 mph. It hit before I could get to the 'safe place' so rode it out in the RV. All I could think of was: Let's get this over with -- right now I think I'm scared! Li'lBit was having a seizure -- guess she is my 'storm alert!' Lost power. Without power, I don’t have water.
Computer battery good for 2 hours; wifi battery for about 1 hour. Weather radio and transistor radio have back up batteries. Both power pals have lost some ‘juice’ just setting, but should be able to get a couple of hours out of each if needed. Fridge goes to propane; lights in trailer are 12 Volt but only one storage battery. Not sure how long that would last.
The storm was a goodie! I could tell by the headlights of the vehicles going down the road that trees and power lines were down. A big branch from the tree behind my trailer decided to fall, fortunately away from my trailer. Park owners came by to check on everyone and said winds in excess of 70 mph when it came thru. South side of Marshalltown took the big hit - no tornado reported at that time-- just winds. Semis blown over.
Later we would find out that the winds were 80 - 110 mph and a tornado did ‘dip down’ in the area, just didn’t touch down. Which probably accounts for the way so many trees were twisted off about mid-way on the trunk and long stretches of utility poles were just snapped off.
Just a little humor in all this mess – it was trash collection day in Grimes. Trash bags and trash cans blown all over – not a pretty mess! Don't imagine it was humorous to the people in Grimes. But when I heard about it on the radio, I really needed a good chuckle.
Just before sun-up we were hit with a second round of winds.
As soon as it was light enough, I was out looking for damage, missing plants and bird feeders! Supposed to have had an eye appointment but without power in the city all appointments were to be rescheduled. Trees down all over in the park - truck across from me took a hit when a huge branch fell. The guys are out with the chain saws trying to clean up as soon as there was enough light. Prayers and my ruby red slippers and my new ‘lucky charm,’ my bunny angle garden statue, saved me one more time!
After my first year up here and surviving a string of tornados and high winds, my sister gave me a pair of little girls red sequined dress shoes so I'd have some ruby red slippers! They are my "lucky slippers!" They go with me everywhere!
Later in the day Bea and I took a drive around the area. Gave me a chance to recharge my computer battery in her car! Can't believe the damage. Trees not only twisted off but also uprooted, roofs gone, trees into buildings, outbuildings completely missing in the country - only a concrete pad and some 'junk' left. An entire roof in a ditch. Metal out buildings didn’t seem to stand a chance. More places are using those canvas/tarp covered hoop buildings and they are also all over the fields and on the ground.
Not sure if there will be any more corn. It is all laying FLAT in the fields. Not a good year - too wet to plant, then to cold to grow, finally gets started with a late harvest and now it is laying flat in the field. Glad I'm not farming this year!
Water and electric back about 7:30 PM. The only damage I have found (so far!) - one shattered bathroom skylight. A little duct tape will keep that until I can get back to TX to get it repaired. Thanks Matt for coming to my rescue. I do NOT get up on ladders and trailer roofs!
I’ll admit it - I was damn scarfed as I was laying huddled on the couch with a quilt over my head, hanging onto Li'lBit have a seizure. Not sure which of us was shaking more! I've ridden out some goodies, but this one just wouldn't quit – then when it did, it came around again! Fortunately I took the wind hits on the rear end of the trailer. Not sure I would have stayed up if the wind had hit me on the side.
Another round of storms predicted for late Monday nite/early Tuesday AM but ‘split’ and circled north and south. A full nite of sleep without weather radio alarms going off or having to get up and watch weather radar! Could have slept all day -- cool with a breeze in the AM (but heat advisory and more storms in afternoon-ICK!) The sound of chain saws and wood choppers work me about 6AM! And, you know, I just cannot hear or see a wood chopper without thinking of the movie Fargo and seeing that guy feed that body into the chopper with only the legs and feet sticking out! But I do love that movie!
Next batch of storms was just about 40 miles down the road and headed this way -- but all was well with the world -- no dark red or bright orange on the radar.
But when it hit, it came with winds and pounding rain. I didn't know those high basket cranes could lower so rapidly! They were trimming out the trees and using one of those basket cranes – never saw so many workers disappear for cover so fast! All that rain, then the sun followed by the heat and humidity . Not good for me, but, oh, that corn loves it! Can you tell I really want my Iowa sweet corn!
Repotted all of my plants Tuesday. As they were cleaning up the park, when they found a empty flower pot, they sat it on my table. All of my plants were left potless laying on the ground around the trailer. Wrapped the roots in paper to try to keep them moist until I could get new pots. Now they have all been repotted -- awaiting the next storm!
My big tote box found its way home. I had stored it (empty) under the trailer, It was missing after the storm. The lid was right there - hadn't moved except it wasn't ON the box! Mick found it down in the creek - over a barbed wire fence. That thing had to have been airborne to get thru all of these old oak trees, over a fence and down to the creek. There isn't a scratch on it! The wind does amazing things!
Wednesday the 13th, major portions of the city still without power. Most popular vehicles in town are those belonging to tree service companies and power companies. Electric crews from Wisconsin seen in town today. Took a chance that a Laundromat would be open so headed off to my regular spot first thing in the morning and, a sight for sore eyes! There it was - doors open and lights on! Within a few minutes every machine, washer and dryer was in use. Folks were bringing trash bags full of wet and moldy smelling clothes, blankets, bedding, and rugs. Watching them, listening to them tell their tales of the storm, again I realize just how lucky I was!
From the sounds of the stories, three small towns near Marshalltown are trying to recover. Haverhill, Garwin and Clutier took major hits. It’s so hard for small communities to bounce back.
Computer battery good for 2 hours; wifi battery for about 1 hour. Weather radio and transistor radio have back up batteries. Both power pals have lost some ‘juice’ just setting, but should be able to get a couple of hours out of each if needed. Fridge goes to propane; lights in trailer are 12 Volt but only one storage battery. Not sure how long that would last.
The storm was a goodie! I could tell by the headlights of the vehicles going down the road that trees and power lines were down. A big branch from the tree behind my trailer decided to fall, fortunately away from my trailer. Park owners came by to check on everyone and said winds in excess of 70 mph when it came thru. South side of Marshalltown took the big hit - no tornado reported at that time-- just winds. Semis blown over.
Later we would find out that the winds were 80 - 110 mph and a tornado did ‘dip down’ in the area, just didn’t touch down. Which probably accounts for the way so many trees were twisted off about mid-way on the trunk and long stretches of utility poles were just snapped off.
Just a little humor in all this mess – it was trash collection day in Grimes. Trash bags and trash cans blown all over – not a pretty mess! Don't imagine it was humorous to the people in Grimes. But when I heard about it on the radio, I really needed a good chuckle.
Just before sun-up we were hit with a second round of winds.
As soon as it was light enough, I was out looking for damage, missing plants and bird feeders! Supposed to have had an eye appointment but without power in the city all appointments were to be rescheduled. Trees down all over in the park - truck across from me took a hit when a huge branch fell. The guys are out with the chain saws trying to clean up as soon as there was enough light. Prayers and my ruby red slippers and my new ‘lucky charm,’ my bunny angle garden statue, saved me one more time!
After my first year up here and surviving a string of tornados and high winds, my sister gave me a pair of little girls red sequined dress shoes so I'd have some ruby red slippers! They are my "lucky slippers!" They go with me everywhere!
Later in the day Bea and I took a drive around the area. Gave me a chance to recharge my computer battery in her car! Can't believe the damage. Trees not only twisted off but also uprooted, roofs gone, trees into buildings, outbuildings completely missing in the country - only a concrete pad and some 'junk' left. An entire roof in a ditch. Metal out buildings didn’t seem to stand a chance. More places are using those canvas/tarp covered hoop buildings and they are also all over the fields and on the ground.
Not sure if there will be any more corn. It is all laying FLAT in the fields. Not a good year - too wet to plant, then to cold to grow, finally gets started with a late harvest and now it is laying flat in the field. Glad I'm not farming this year!
Water and electric back about 7:30 PM. The only damage I have found (so far!) - one shattered bathroom skylight. A little duct tape will keep that until I can get back to TX to get it repaired. Thanks Matt for coming to my rescue. I do NOT get up on ladders and trailer roofs!
I’ll admit it - I was damn scarfed as I was laying huddled on the couch with a quilt over my head, hanging onto Li'lBit have a seizure. Not sure which of us was shaking more! I've ridden out some goodies, but this one just wouldn't quit – then when it did, it came around again! Fortunately I took the wind hits on the rear end of the trailer. Not sure I would have stayed up if the wind had hit me on the side.
Another round of storms predicted for late Monday nite/early Tuesday AM but ‘split’ and circled north and south. A full nite of sleep without weather radio alarms going off or having to get up and watch weather radar! Could have slept all day -- cool with a breeze in the AM (but heat advisory and more storms in afternoon-ICK!) The sound of chain saws and wood choppers work me about 6AM! And, you know, I just cannot hear or see a wood chopper without thinking of the movie Fargo and seeing that guy feed that body into the chopper with only the legs and feet sticking out! But I do love that movie!
Next batch of storms was just about 40 miles down the road and headed this way -- but all was well with the world -- no dark red or bright orange on the radar.
But when it hit, it came with winds and pounding rain. I didn't know those high basket cranes could lower so rapidly! They were trimming out the trees and using one of those basket cranes – never saw so many workers disappear for cover so fast! All that rain, then the sun followed by the heat and humidity . Not good for me, but, oh, that corn loves it! Can you tell I really want my Iowa sweet corn!
Repotted all of my plants Tuesday. As they were cleaning up the park, when they found a empty flower pot, they sat it on my table. All of my plants were left potless laying on the ground around the trailer. Wrapped the roots in paper to try to keep them moist until I could get new pots. Now they have all been repotted -- awaiting the next storm!
My big tote box found its way home. I had stored it (empty) under the trailer, It was missing after the storm. The lid was right there - hadn't moved except it wasn't ON the box! Mick found it down in the creek - over a barbed wire fence. That thing had to have been airborne to get thru all of these old oak trees, over a fence and down to the creek. There isn't a scratch on it! The wind does amazing things!
Wednesday the 13th, major portions of the city still without power. Most popular vehicles in town are those belonging to tree service companies and power companies. Electric crews from Wisconsin seen in town today. Took a chance that a Laundromat would be open so headed off to my regular spot first thing in the morning and, a sight for sore eyes! There it was - doors open and lights on! Within a few minutes every machine, washer and dryer was in use. Folks were bringing trash bags full of wet and moldy smelling clothes, blankets, bedding, and rugs. Watching them, listening to them tell their tales of the storm, again I realize just how lucky I was!
From the sounds of the stories, three small towns near Marshalltown are trying to recover. Haverhill, Garwin and Clutier took major hits. It’s so hard for small communities to bounce back.
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