I have mixed feelings about this flood going on back home. No doubt I want everyone to be safe . . . but those of you who really know me understand how much I LOVE storms and pouring rain, etc. This year just seems to be a winner for natural disasters in Iowa and the surrounding states. Seth and I both have close family that are in danger of the water. I am from Iowa City, we live on a hill so my family isn't too worried. Dad's Dental Lab is down by a creek at the bottom of that hill we live on. . . but it's still not in too much danger. My siblings have been out bagging sand since Sunday. It should 'crest' in Iowa City/Coralville next Monday. The spillway went over last night at the Coralville Reservoir, and is about 7" over right now (according to their local newspaper) - so now the water is moving along into Iowa City. Some stores are selling everything 50% off expecting that the waters will seep into their building in the next few days!!
In an e-mail from Seth's Aunt Chris and Uncle Steve, who live in Waterloo, IA (1 1/2 hours north of IC), it looks they are in a lot more trouble. They live out in the country and have a river that is maybe 1/2 mile from the house in their back yard. We'd go out 4wheeling on that land and It's crazy to think of how much space that was to roam around and weave between all the trees in their grove back there. And now - the water is just feet from their house, all that land is full of water! They have their basement prepared if it rises more. And have helped bag sand for many of their neighbors who already have flooded basements. I'm sure they are the biggest comfort and greatest neighbors to have around at a time like this! They also put all of their furniture, etc in the basement on bricks. Seth's grandparents live just across the street from them, but luckily it is a long drive way up a huge hill - I think they'll be okay!
We both have family in Wisconsin. . . Seth's Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jim just moved there last year after rough times in Michigan. They have a dam north of them that is threatening to collapse (like another one did in WI). . . If that happens - it will be very very sad. We are praying for you!!! So Grandma and Grandpa Oesterle are counting their lucky charms, Chris and Steve are starting to sweat, and Jim and Kathy are crapping their pants. . .
And my sister and bro-n-law Tim (who happens to be Seth's cousin too) live in Prairie Du Chein, WI. . . the Mississippi River is 1/2 mile away but they haven't been hit bad so far. Lots of bridges in IC/Waterloo/Cedar Falls, IA have all been closed and they're drilling holes in them so the water passes through and hopefully keeps them from breaking. This flood has already surpassed the worst of 1993 and has set new records.
We will be driving home to Iowa for a quick weekend getaway next week. There is a small family reunion on Seth's side and is a long awaited short visit home for me. I look forward to driving around to see the destruction - I know how horrible that sounds, and it is so sad that all this is happening. but I am curious to see it all. We are praying for you all though, and have you in our thoughts.
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