It's been quite a week....

Last Friday, Cedar Falls experienced one of the worst storms I've ever seen. We've lost thousands of trees, numerous homes and businesses have been damaged and there has been one gigantic mess to clean up.

However, this being Iowa we all responded as we always do when faced with these sorts of things. The morning after, everyone stood around inspecting the damage and commiserating with the neighbours. When the situation had been adequately discussed, we promptly rolled up our sleeves and got to work. If someone needed help, they got it. Everyone did their part, even the kids. It makes me proud and very happy with my choice to stay in the Midwest. :)

So now a week later and most of the fallen trees have been cleared up on our street and the gardens are starting to come back. It was nice to spend some time outside picking raspberries and weeding my shallots and onions rather than sawing and picking up countless sticks and leaves. Things are starting to return to normal.

Here are some pictures of the damage:

http://picasaweb.google.com/manicsparkle/July102009StormInCedarFalls?fea...

It all looks quite a bit better now. :)