Iowa Quilters

I managed to get a note to Louise and she answered that they are safe and dry. Her computer access is 'iffy' and they are having to limit their water so their city can share with flooded areas. She reports non-stop depressing news coverage and was concerned about KJ's home. Has anyone heard from her? Polly

We need to proceed with caution on this one. It was so sickening to see donations wet and dirty strewed across municipal and church parking lots because there simply was not sufficient staff to care for them after Katrina. I'm hoping that our Hug Lady Kate can figure this out for us. Polly

"Polly Esther" I managed to get a note to Louise and she answered that they are safe and

I was worried about KJ, when I heard about the floods on our news, and saw some awful pictures. But, she is away at the moment at her mother's place (I think in Texas). So, I guess she herself is OK; but I don't know about her home (and her DH). . In message , Polly Esther writes

As Polly said, we're safe and dry. We did have some flash flooding here in town on one day, but other than that, the majority of the problem has been in downtown Cedar Rapids (which adjoins our town) and on down the road in Iowa City/Coralville (where KJ is from). The devastation is just unbelievable, and people and businesses are just now starting to be allowed to go back into their homes and offices. They have to be examined by a strike team first to ensure they are stable, and then only three members of a family can go in to collect items and see the damage. It's a slow process, and very frustrating for the homeowners, I'm sure.

There has been a lot of damage to the University of Iowa, but due to a dam or levee break downstream, the water didn't get as high there as anticipated. However, the water level is going down much more slowly than the Cedar River here.

As you've probably read, this is the worst flood ever experienced in this area. A 6-mile stretch of I-380 between here and Iowa City had to be closed due to water. With all the other roads and highways that were closed, as well, what is normally a 30 or so mile trip required a detour of 281 miles! You almost literally couldn't get there from here!

The news coverage has been outstanding as far as keeping people informed and aware of what's happening, and the volunteer effort for sandbagging and other areas of need has been just unbelievable. Yes, it did get depressing to get 24/7 coverage of what was going on around us and even though we weren't directly affected (other than being asked to conserve water, which was not a big deal at all!), we started feeling like we were, but it was a necessary service that was being provided, and I'm grateful to all those people who were working so tirelessly. The newscasters on the channel I watch were within the flood zone - they were working without power (generator only), no air conditioning, no water, no restrooms - but they carried on and did a great job.

So far I haven't heard of any quilter's relief efforts, but if I do or if the guild starts to coordinate anything (meeting is later this month), I'll post and let you know.

Thanks for everyone's concern.

I'm home!! I got home late last Friday but I haven't had any internet due to flooding. Our home is high and dry but I can't say the same for two of my small group quilting buddies. Both have had their homes totally flooded out. The destruction around here is terrible....as it is in many towns here in the state. We own another small house that my kids lived in while attending the university. It hasn't been flooded, but it does have some dampness issues in the basement when it rains as much as it has been. I'm trying to get it all cleaned up so we can offer it to my displaced friends. It's a big job. I went down by the river yesterday to take some pictures and there were crews from CNN and other news networks doing reports while standing in the water. Ick. The University of Iowa has sustained water damage in 18 buildings, with the arts campus particularly devastated. I'm so glad both my kids have finished their degrees (art and music) as the disruption to those students will be awful come Fall semester.

There are some aerial views here. I live in Coralville....but up high on the outskirts of town. DH has had some challenges getting to work at the university. The water is receding slowly...it will be a couple weeks before it's back to "normal". Then the cleanup mess begins. Other pictures can been seen at Or some from the Cedar Rapids area where Louise lives at Frightening and fascinating.

Some good news though. I made it to Texas as back with little problem (just a storm on the way down that I waited out). It's a 900 mile trip one way and I drove it all in a day each time. (I think I'm part trucker.) My mother was about as good as I've seen her for quite some time. Yea! I guess the night on the floor and a few days in the hospital gave her just the right chirpractic adjustment. She was pulling the chain on her cookoo clock and lost her balance. She fell behind a recliner chair and a lamp table. She pinned her arm under her and could not wiggle out. She was there from evening until early the next afternoon when a neighbor came to check on her. (I had called several times and was just about to call a neighbor to check on her.) She now has a Lifeline necklace to push for help if something like that ever happens again. But she said that even if she had one that night, the position she was in wouldn't have let her move her arms to push the button. Sigh. It's a worry. But I did feel better about her mobility and independence when I left. She has wonderful friends and neighbors who call and help out.

My email hijacking issues have slowed down some. I hope they just dwindle away.

It's good to be back home. And also sad to see in person what I'd been watching on television while away. I wish we could funnel the rain to places that so need it.

So very glad to hear all is reasonably well, Kathyl. I knew you were going to be away for about two weeks, but (of course!) couldn't remember exactly when you went away >gmy small group quilting buddies. Both have had their homes totally flooded

So glad you and Louise are safe. Please keep us posted. Once things slow a bit, you may have a better idea what's needed. If quilts are needed for displaced persons, as they were for Katrina, speak up. I agree with Polly, not to send things till there's a place for them. The waste from well-meaning people is terrible. Gen

I tried replying to a message about this earlier today and it didn't go through (yet), so we'll see if this one does!

KJ, It's good to know you're home safe - from the map it looked like your home should be fine, but I'm glad to have you confirm it!

We have had three co-workers who likely lost everything in their homes. Another had to be evacuated, but the water damage is minimal - will probably just have to have carpeting replaced.

The water is receding much more quickly here than in Iowa City, but now people are starting to see the effects - many broken windows in downtown business, mud and slime in their offices and homes, basement walls that have caved in. It's going to be a long recovery period, I'm afraid.

In the midst of all this devastation, we have found a few things to smile about. First, there's the detour between our house and KJ's - it's normally about a 30 mile trip, but due to the number of road/highway closures, the recommended detour was 281 miles! Over the weekend they announced that the Sheriff's office would be relocating due to the flooding, and they would temporarily suspend some of their normal operations. The TV announcer said (not her exact words, but close!), "If you're scheduled to turn yourself in to the Sherriff's office, you don't need to do so." She stopped for a minute and then said, "I guess that's good news for you!"

Thanks to all who have expressed their concern. I understand that some of the church and other volunteer groups who were in the state to help out with the recovery efforts from the Parkersburg tornados are just going to stay to help with the flood work too.

Linda PATCHogue, NY