We're High And ... Well, Just A Tad Dampish

Those of you who have been following the weather in WI, MN, and IA might like to know that we are fine. Our house is dry (on the inside) and we have not really been affected by the 11 inches of rain we've gotten in the last 36 hours. Apparently, things are a mess in rural La Crosse county and neighboring counties on both sides of the Mississippi--roads and bridges washed out, mudslides, houses washed off their foundations...and sadly, fatalities.

We lost power last night just long enough for me to have to reset all the clocks and VCRs. Our lawn, which was a bit overgrown to start with, is visibly longer today than it was yesterday; by the time I get to mow it I may need a scythe. We all feel permanently damp from the humidity in the air. The house feels a little small with everyone cooped up inside, and patience is a little thin. But other than that, we're fine.

Megan's dad wasn't so lucky. Their house is at the bottom of a hill in rural Houston County, MN, an area which was hard hit. Apparently a mudslide on the hill sent some trees crashing into their garage/second kitchen/recreational space, damaging it badly. When he called from his cell phone this afternoon, they were without electricity or phone, had water in their basement higher than Megan's head, and couldn't leave because the road that goes past the house is closed due to flooding. Megan is with us right now; it remains to be seen if she'll be able to go back to her Dad's on Thursday.

I just heard some thunder, so the next round of storms is about here. I pray that the situation won't be made worse for those already affected, and that friends and co-workers who live in the affected areas in MN and IA are safe. We'll keep you posted, but assume we're fine here at the Brooks/Groth household unless you hear otherwise.