Winter Walk~

It's been so Sunny!  So very nice!  We've been experiencing a streak of seven consecutive days of temperatures above 40 this month!  Today, though - it cooled down into the 30's.  With the wind gusting to 20+mph, the feels like temperature was in the teens.

The water tower we see from home~

Nika has been wanting to get out for a walk.  Today, I decided to walk to my friend Doris's house.  She has kindly agreed to watch Nika while Butch & I are away in June.  Nika was also invited to spend some evenings & days while I'm gone this summer & Butch is working.

I was surprised how at ease Nika was, she laid down & yawned while we were there.  Of course Doris had to show her where the cookies were kept too!  Her big immaculate & well fenced backyard will be perfect!

On the way back, we took the big hill!  It's quite a climb to one of the highest points around town.  I still can't get over how huge the deciduous trees grow here.  I think these are Oaks, but I'm not yet familiar enough with them to know for sure.

View to the east~

The hill drops off on all sides. In days of old - there are stories of the speeds kids with sleds or bikes, reached on the way down!

The way we'd come up~

I'd been to the Y earlier in the day. I've been dedicated to three-days a week for almost a year now. Two plus miles on the Elliptical in 30 minutes, with half of that time at a 30% grade.  Now, the hill I used to feel on the way up, was much easier!

We start down Elm~

At the bottom of this very long hill, is the Home Place. There's yet another drop in our backyard to the creek. I was walking in my riding boots, thinking since I used to do all my walking along side Farah, I might as well keep wearing them.

Back home~

The sun was just ready to set over the ridge behind us when we reached home.  Once the sun is down, it doesn't take long for the temperatures to drop!   Our nighttime lows have been running temperatures that are usually daytime highs this time of year!  The weatherman tells us that we have one more day to enjoy before the bottom drops out.  The last weeks of the month we drop back to our average, with nights in the teens...

Now, can I influence the Washington weather out of the rain & into the sun?!

The Flood~

Tinkle Branch was flowing bank to bank on the thirteenth.  It rained most of the following night & the temperatures had warmed.  Keg Creek was already at capacity & woody debris had jammed under the bridge on Vine St.

Vine St. Bridge~

Gavin's Point Dam in SD, started releasing huge amounts of water & everyone downstream was told to take precautions.  Word came Thursday afternoon, the ice on the Niobrara River had caused the Spencer Dam in NE to fail.  That released an eleven-foot wall of water. The Missouri was already running near to flood stage...

Log pulled from Keg Creek at the bridge~

When Butch got home, we drove south of town, following the creek. Water was completely out of the banks & spreading rapidly over the farmland.

Bridge at Kesterson

The wind was blowing bitter cold!  The temperature was around freezing, with the wind was gusting over 30 mph. 

Keg Creek - Looking SW

Friday, the evacuation order went out. Anyone living between Interstate 34 & 29 were told to evacuate.  I hauled what few boxes we could gather & packed books for a friend who's farm was surrounded by creeks & levees.

March 15th water to the top of the Levee.  Iowa side of the Plattsmouth bridge - Photo credit - Silver Cloud Photography

 Levee's, not all repaired since the 2011 flood, started to fail. There was nothing to hold back all the water coming down the river... It was a sunny beautiful day, making it easy to imagine everything was normal. At least in town...

Glenwood Municipal Water Plant

Soon, a call went out for people to fill sandbags!  The City Municipal Water was in the area where the evacuation was in effect.  Over 400 people turned out & worked non-stop.  It wasn't enough...

Saturday, another sunny day.  Butch rented a dump trailer & started hauling rock for the walkway to the cabin & more for that driveway.  On his third trip, after hearing about the water he was seeing, I went along.  We arrived at the gravel company & told they'd been waiting for our arrival, before evacuating.  The road would soon be under water.

By day's end, the scope of the disaster was just too large to believe.  Photos like the one below started appearing on our local Facebook page. 

Photo credit Steven Bogert

Above is Hwy 29 north toward Council Bluffs, with the on ramp from Interstate 34 to the right.  You can see the campground to the right of the ramp.

Campground~

Sunday, since our exit to Interstate 34 was between the two closed sections, we drove west & parked off to the side of 195th, just shy of the bridge.

Steve's photo of 195th, north to Council Bluffs

The road along the hills is the one we took to Council Bluffs. You can see how the elevation of the Loess Hills protect from the Missouri flood basin.

West of 195th & Hwy 34~

Butch had to point it out to me twice, for me to see the railroad crossing sign.

Hwy 34 in the background~

Water was pouring through a culvert & this property on the north side of Interstate 34, was completely flooded.  The road had just opened, but was down to one lane in spots.

By Monday morning, even more water had flowed in...  Schools were open, volunteers were helping out everywhere there was a need.  Our local food bank was in full swing.  We were notified on Tue. to conserve water & by that afternoon, to no longer drink water out of the tap.

The City of Red Oak sent trucks full of water for the town.  Bottles of water started coming in from businesses in Council Bluffs.  As this week has progressed, the strength & resiliency of the mid-west people has been demonstrated again & again.  Homes around town, on wells, have offered water to anyone who needs it.  They have also put together a color coded plan - offering to do laundry!  The schools have had porta potty's delivered & all water conserving measures are in effect.

The latest news is that it will be at least 30-days before we again have drinkable water coming through the faucets.

The Melt~

On the seventh, it snowed again, overnight into early morning, maybe 4 inches total.  The snow was light & dry as dust. Yesterday, even though overcast, the temperature climbed well into the low 40's!  Everyone was out talking about how nice it felt & it did!

North, deep drifts everywhere~

With the warming temperatures, the snow on the ground has started melting. Even the ice began to melt & water was running down the streets. The weather report was calling for rain & lots of it. Flooding became a huge concern.

Last night, I could hear an occasional chunk of ice dislodging down a gutter. This morning, it was raining, over a half-inch so far. Butch drove kids over three-hours away today, so I continued my first quilt type project. We'll see how far I get.

East across the marsh~

Mid-afternoon I put on my boots & started off across the yard. Over a foot of snow/slush! Under that was a layer at least an inch thick of ice. I could hardly get the lower gate open. Later this afternoon the winds came up. They've been whipping the poor trees for a few hours now.

Back deck~

It's been decent enough - 30's - to sit out with Nika again sometime during the day. It's the one time I invite her to sit on my lap - she keeps me warm!

Nika~

Such a beautiful dog, if it wasn't for the daily barking & shedding...  If the temperature continues to warm, we'll be breaking out the furinator before too long.  We're both missing our daily walks in the timber.  Too much deep snow & now soaking wet too.  

West side of the town square, yesterday~

City crews were out clearing big chunks of ice from the storm drains.  County Road Crews have been plowing almost non-stop for months now.  The scene of the square & all the snow would look festive if it was December rather than March! 

March 8,2018

 It's hard to believe that a year ago, we were busily getting the barn ready for Farah & enjoying shirt-sleeve weather! 

Our First Weather "Event"!

We were sitting out, a little later than normal.  I mentioned to Butch that it seemed to be getting dark early.  It was quiet, no wind - but we were expecting rain & thunderstorms.  We were just cleaning up from dinner - when our phones went off with a screech!  The first time we'd heard a weather warning alert & within another second - the emergency sirens in town were going off.

Within minutes the storm Hit!  We stood in the living room, looking out the windows & watching as the wind drove the rain in blowing sheets across the landscape!  The thunder was booming, with lightening strikes moving sideways across the entire skyline.  Video below was after the storm moved off.  You can just hear the three "all-clear" signals at the very end~

I texted both daughters & was on the phone with Courtney, so didn't think to take video.  We watched as the big Walnut tree started loosing branches!  Courtney stuck it out with me - it was good to have her on the other end of the line :-)  Just this morning we'd been talking with Sharon, who said that she never worried unless the sky turned green.  Well, the next thing I heard - was Butch saying;  "The sky's green."  Sure enough it was...  We heard a transformer blow & the power went out.  We both said some prayers & it was a great relief when the storm finally moved away.

Campground~

It wasn't long before our local Facebook page was getting posts & photos of what damage the town & surrounding area has sustained.  The campground is out at the intersection of I-29 & I-34.  It was one we had considered staying at when we first arrived.

RV's tossed everywhere~

It's out in the wide-open, the Harley Davidson Dealership on the other side of I-29 lost it's roof.  (Thank you to the local photographers who took these photos!)

Old Antique Building~

I think most of the debris along the highway came from here.

Along I-29

The power stayed out - the temperature had dropped rapidly from the high 80's, down into the 70's as the storm passed, but muggy didn't even describe it!  A neighbor called after 10 p.m. asking Butch to come help a lady who was trapped in her electric chair.  By the time they got there - the emergency personnel arrived & extracted her.  We went to bed & boy did I ever realize how much difference the ceiling fans make!

Great Minds :-)

We didn't even think of leaving when the storm was at it's worst.  This morning when Linus called we both laughed at ourselves, since he & Kay have a finished basement where we could have gone :-)  We drove to the Gathering Place, Butch wanted to check out the damage to the the sign.  I posted the last photo of it intact to Facebook just yesterday afternoon.

Tree on the roof~

Almost half of town is still without power - with the NW corner taking the brunt of the storm.  Many trees were either down or had lost huge limbs everywhere.  It seemed like everyone  in town was out & about this morning, chain saws, rakes, trucks full of limbs - all headed to the ball field where the city is collecting the debris.

Shattered tree~

As we drove around, it was really amazing that as many huge trees as there are - most missed the houses.  I think the Loess Hills act as something of a wind break for the town.  The campground is out to the west, in the open.  So far we haven't heard reports of anyone being seriously hurt.  I'm hoping that this is the last time I see that green sky!

Something about Glenwood~

The temperatures took a nose dive yesterday.  With a wind of 10-15 mph., chilly would sure describe it.  At 8 a.m. this morning, it was ten-degrees, snowing & the air was full of small flakes going every direction!

From the front porch~

 Just a couple hours later, the sun broke through - sky turned blue & it was gorgeous!  Butch went out with a broom & started working his way up the sidewalk!  You can just see him across from the car on the road.  When I described Butch's outfit to a neighbor, she described hers & I may have to venture out to get some photos of the unusual garb worn!  Definitely Not REI!  :-)

This weeks quote in front of The Gathering Place~

At least one day a week, we go here for a late breakfast or early lunch!  :-)  Everyone has learned our names!  We try to make progress remembering the names of all our new friends too, but after all, we  have more to remember than they do!  :-) For a while we were;  The Coolidge Couple - but Linus & Kaye make sure we're introduced to one & all!

Over 1,700 miles~

Who but us - would decide on a cross-country move - then a whole house remodel?  :-)  Our list of projects is still a long one & Butch finds things to add to it.  Like yesterday when he said;  "This wall could be out another couple inches - I think I'll do it now so the tile will look better!"  I've found it easier to agree - as I'm sure his crews have over the years :-)

Guest Room~

 Going from two-bedrooms - to four has been Great!  It gave me room to incorporate some of Mom's things.  Her beautiful brass bed, little dresser & plant stand all seem happy to have found a spot.  The Tree of Life quilt Mom bought as a kit, then asked my Grandmother to put together.  I remember Grandma giving her grief over all the work it involved.  The cross-stitch was done by hand, as was the quilting.  Grandma never used a long-arm, her huge quilt frame sat in the downstairs hall.  

We've been told the town has been on a decline for many years.  The new highway was built around town, diverting travelers from local businesses.  With too many rental properties, high taxes & no industry it's now a bedroom community to Omaha.  Butch has been looking local, commute is not a nice word in his vocabulary.  In the meanwhile - we're enjoying our longest together time in years.

Winterscape~

From a cold & overcast morning - by 4 p.m. the sun had appeared.  On Thursday's, I've been invited to a bible study with several friends.  We all bring dishes to share for our lunch break, I'd made an apple cake!  It was mid-afternoon by the time I returned home & already the the temperature was dropping.

Windmill on the hill~

Butch was ready for a break from his projects.  With the thermometer showing below 30 & a good breeze making it feel even colder, we took the truck & drove out almost due east from town. 

Plumb of steam from the big power plant~

The gravel roads are in pretty bad shape, this last snow was a wet one, the wettest we've had so far this Winter.  More like a Washington snow - than the powder dry ones we've had.  Even the school buses had a tough time, a couple had to call the tow truck.  We took it easy - it was sloppy, slippery - but oh so pretty out there!

Glenwood Water Tower~

After having lived with trees for so long - it's easy for me to get back to loving the wide-open spaces!  I'd forgotten how claustrophobic I was my first couple years in WA.  Even after years there - I had days when riding on heavily forested trails, where I would feel too confined.  That doesn't happen here!

Late afternoon, blues & grays~

I didn't realize until we'd gotten home & I looked at the map - that if we'd gone north a block & then turned east again - we would have come up on the Wabash Trace Trail!  Once the roads get better,  can bring Farah out here & probably ride for miles, maybe even access the trail.  I've heard so many say they wouldn't ride it - so of course I want to!  I'm anxious to see it for myself - even if we have to get the bikes out there first!  :-)

We'd just drawn the drapes when there was a knock at the door.  One of our neighbors had gotten stuck in his driveway, so Butch got the tow straps & went over to pull him out.  Nika took the opportunity to sneak out the door.  Butch said it was a little embarrassing, as she would fly by every so often, but wouldn't come to him...  He parked the truck & was ready to shut the front door - when she came running up!  :-)  Even a Buhund thinks it's too cold to spend a night out!  (There's a reason they're only the 170th most popular dog!)

Lookin' like Snow~

We've been spoiled - again...  No two ways about it!  That sunshine & warmth was deceptive.  So glad we got out & enjoyed it while it lasted!  Today, the clouds were back & we were back into the low 30's.

I met with Sue & for lunch in Council Bluffs & am very excited to be helping with the formation of a SW Iowa Chapter of BCHIA!  It will take some work, but state wide - we have one hundred members!  It's a start!  We're looking forward to the opportunity to meet other horsemen in our area!  This will also help me to get a start on what advocacy work I can do here for the AERC.

The Home Place ~

Butch was ready to walk by the time I got home, so out we went.  This is one of the prettiest parts we've found so far of Tinkle Branch Creek.  You can just see our place on the far side, through the trees.

View east - from the top of Townsend Street~

Above is the view from as far up the hillside as we can get from this street.

From the top of Arnold Street~

We walked another block south, then went up again to as far as we could go & I took this view looking a little Southeast toward highway 34.  The wind was blowing on the hilltop, my ears got cold!

Tinkle Branch Creek :-(

As you can tell from the photo above - taken in town - creeks are not a priority here - they're used more as a place to dump things...  So sad.

Taken from the SW corner of the Square~

Even on a gray, late January day, the town square has so much character.  Christmas music was playing during the holidays.  Now it's more mainstream tunes :-) 

Brick roads~

The brick roads just amaze me!  There are many still in use all over town, some with the herringbone pattern, others just laid in rows.  With all the years of wear & the weather - most are still holding up.  I'm sure it's the salt that's put down - that gives the brick it's white spots.

Our walk~

We only walked over two-miles today - it was cold, brisk & refreshing to be out & about.  The house was nice & warm when we returned - dinner is on!  Snow in the forecast - we'll see what tomorrow brings~

Walk-a-bout~

Wednesday was a perfect day!  Sunshine & the temperature coming right up to 50 degrees!  Not what we'd expect for a mid-January day!  We decided to take a long walk & headed up the hill somewhat to the southwest of us.  It's steep going, but worth the view from the top!  I wish I'd remembered my Garmin!

Looking West

We enjoyed it so much, on Thursday we started out again.  (With my Garmin!)  It was a gray, overcast day - so our plan was to see how far it would be to circle the square :-)  We'd thought of going up to the park by way of the bridge by the High School, but the trail to get there was mud.  Instead we stuck to sidewalks.

Elevation~

It was fun to find this U.S. Geological survey marker.  Te town sits at well over 1,000 feet above sea-level.  This particular marker was dated 1955.

Horse head~

There's an interesting older house just up from the town square we want to ask about.  It was full of antiques & must have been something of a museum at one time.  The design of the iron horse head was one I haven't seen.

Tub/fountain/watering tank?

The iron tank above was really interesting too.  We were both thinking watering tank, but with the centerpiece, it had to be more of a fountain?

Stained glass above the side door~

The stained glass panel really stood out against the bright red brick of the house.  When we do go visit the museum, we're going to ask about this place.  We talk about how tempting it would be to buy & fix one up.  Here - we are ready to take life at a somewhat slower pace.  Still fun to think about - we've always loved the challenge of fixing things up :-)  Plenty of that left to do at home!

Our route~

Our walk covered 3.3 miles - from the house - round-trip.  We stopped to look at several vacant homes that are for sale.  The largest realtor in town has spent years buying up some of the older homes, fixing them up & re-selling them.  It's so sad when you see such well-built old houses sliding into disrepair.

Back home, we dropped Nika off & drove over to the Keg Creek Brewery for a cold beer!  The Vine Street Cellars on the square is open again - we'll have to see if they have warm wine next time.