Time flies…

Has it seriously been that long since our last post? Is it already August 18th? Where has this summer gone?

Since basically a month from our last post, life has definitely moved on since the flood of 2008. Ryan and I have finally finished our deck. We thought using our Wagner Power Paint sprayer would save a lot of time, but it made the deck looked like we painted it instead of staining it. First time mistake I guess. Next year we are going to strip it and then stain it by hand. It looks OK, but not the result we wanted.

Our big cat Saida got very sick again during the end of July. Poor guy ended up having another episode of “blocked” urinary symptoms. 1k and 3 days later he was finally able to come home. With one vet telling us not to use wet food because of teeth issues, they finally figured out he wasn’t getting enough water in his diet.  We are thinking about going to a more natural diet for both of our kids, I mean cats, but we need to do some more research in that area.

Ryan and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary on the 24th of July by going out to eat with a group of friends at Biaggi’s. Our original plans were to go alone, but after attending a wake to support one of our friends, we all ended up going together. Ryan ordered some type of raw thinly sliced steak with olive oil and capers. Not my first choice for appetizer, but it is always good to expand your horizons. Ryan also surprised me with a gift of a used Nikon D200, which I love!

We also played another great night of BF2 with some friends at Gamerz. I’ve decided that I’m better suited for Support or Assault and not Medic. I am NOT good at resuscitating people.

I’m still working out of our temporary location for work, but after a visit to our office to do some final clean-up, hopefully we’ll be able to get into our office this week.

Hope everything is staying cool!

Cleaning Up

Yuck. Smelly. Disgusting.

Today some co-workers and I volunteered our time to assist in the clean-up of our building in downtown Cedar Rapids. Our bosses had wisely purchased suits, masks, helmets and gloves for everyone to wear. While we all looked like Oompa-Loompas from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, we at least were safe from the bacteria-tainted water and mold that was on many of the surfaces in the building. Our main assignment was to help shovel drenched insulation and move large pieces of metal and wood to the dumpster outside. We only assisted for three hours, and it was hard work. I don’t think I’ve ever sweated so much in my life. The stairs in the basement already had mold growing on them and there was some mysterious green puddle of ooze in the corner that no one wanted to touch. Kudos to those people doing this job everyday making minimum wage. I was so glad to help and actually felt that I was contributing even a very, very small part in the recovery process.

While downtown, I heard many stories about businesses in the area whose lost important documents, servers and other equipment that were stored in their basements. Tonight it was reported the Linn County buildings sustained $45 Million in damages alone. 

For those that are interested, the Cedar Rapids Downtown District had made t-shirts available with this logo. A free-will donation is being accepted and proceeds are going towards the rebuilding of downtown. I picked mine up today and looking forward to seeing more on the streets!

Ice Cream!

One of my favorite things during the summer, homemade ice cream. Shown below are a couple of more favorite recipes. Enjoy!

WILLIAMS-SONOMA AMARETTO ICE CREAM

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups heavy (double) cream
1/3 cup amaretto liquor
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
pinch of salt

Directions:

1. In large heavy 2 qt. saucepan, combine the milk, 1 cup of the cream, and the amaretto. Cook over medium heat until bubbles form around the edges of the pan, about 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, combine the egg yolks, sugar, salt and remaining 1/2 cup of cream in a bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar begins to dissolve.

3. Remove the milk mixture from the heat. Gradually whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly, until smooth. Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon and keeping the custard at a low simmer, until it is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon and leaves a clear trail when a finger is drawn through it, 4 - 6 minutes. Do not let the custard boil. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl.

4. Place the bowl in a larger bowl partially filled with ice cubes and water. Stir occasionally until cool. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours.

5. Pour the custard into an ice-cream maker and freeze according to instructions. Churn or stir just until mixed. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze until firm, at least 3 hours or up to 3 days before serving.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM

Ingredients:
2 cups heavy double cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups of fresh strawberries, stemmed and coarsely chopped

Directions:
1. In a bowl combine the cream and milk. Add the sugar and salt and whisk until the sugar begins to dissolve. Stir in the vanilla. Set aside, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend, about 15 minutes.

2. Cover and refrigerate the mixture until chilled, at least 3 hours or up to 8 hours.

3. In a bowl, using a fork or potato masher, mash half of the strawberries, they should break down into small chunks. Add the remaining coarsely chopped strawberries to the bowl. Cover and refrigerate the strawberries for about 1 hour.

4. Pour the milk mixture into an ice-cream maker and freeze according to directions. When nearly frozen and the consistenty of thick whipped cream, add the strawberries. Churn or stir until just blended. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze until form, at least 3 hours or up to 3 days, before serving. If desired, garnish with additional chopped strawberries before serving.

Local Arts Group need Help!

Many local arts groups and organizations that we have been patrons of over the years are in desperate need of volunteers or much needed funds to help rebuild. The Cedar Rapids Gazette wrote a wonderful article with a list of all local organizations that were affected and what we can do to help. Please see the article here.  

In my opinion, cultural organizations are the lifeblood of any community. Without them, many people do not receive the well-rounded education they need or new experiences to expand their horizons. Appreciation of the Arts in any form make a more well-rounded individual.

The images of the priceless Wulitzer organ at the Paramount Theatre (home of the Cedar Rapids Symphony) tossed on the stage, knowing that 150 - 200 pieces of artwork at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art need restoration and losing many pieces of the National Czech and Slovak Museum is heartbreaking.

There have already been flood fund raising drives that have been initiated by these organizations.

Cedar Rapids Symphony
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
National Czech and Slovak Museum

This post is not to belittle the loss of many hundreds of families who lost homes and irreplaceable possessions. The post is only a reminder to lend a helping hand, whereever that may be.

Real Red Sox fans don’t wear pink!

I hate those girls. They sit in the stands, chewing their gum like cows, talking on the cell phone and did I mention that they have the best seats in Fenway and are on TV?! And guess what! They’re wearing those stupid bubble gum pink “B” Red Sox hats and not even paying attention to the game!! They don’t deserve to be at the park or even to be called Red Sox fans. Quiz one of them and they wouldn’t even know who the players are! In the words of historian Doris Keans Goodwin (who ran for president of Red Sox Nation) “Real Red Sox fans don’t wear pink”. Doris, I couldn’t agree more.

While cruising the internet, I found an article on Boston.comthat describes the taunting that those fans so deserve while wearing those ridiculous items of clothing in public. Some say it’s just another way to express their love for the team and of course another way for the team to make $ on merchandising. Pink is simply not in the Red Sox palate, it’s blue, red, white, grey and green. Let’s stick with that and be done with it.  No pink.

Cedar Rapids takes a lickin’, keeps on tickin’

Life is slowly beginning to return to normal in Cedar Rapids. The first sign is the continuation of the annual BBQ Roundup now relocated from downtown Cedar Rapids to the Kingston Stadium area. Other events such as the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival have postponed their celebrations and farmers’ markets have moved locations, but Cedar Rapids continues to survive among the unbelievable conditions.

One thing I’ve noticed and heard many people comment on is the resilience and willingness to help and rebuild. Everyone has pitched in to volunteer or donate their time to help neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc. to make sure that they get back on their feet. Jay Leno recently gave a charity concert and donated his profits to the Cedar Rapids flood because “I never heard them ask for money or help” during this time.

People in the Midwest are some of the strongest and toughest that I know, and I’m proud to say that I am from the Midwest. I’m looking forward to a Cedar Rapids that’s better than ever!

Update on Danuuc and Heather

Our good friends Danuuc (Dave) and Heather have provided another update on their situation in the Czech Village. Please visit their website at www.danuuc.com to see the latest info, view pictures and how you can help. This is just 1 story of the hundreds of people who have been misplaced and lost everything during this flood.  Our positive thoughts are with everyone who is going through this difficult time.

 

I couldn’t resist…

OK, we need to lighten the mood a little bit. Just found a video on boston.com of Papelbon and Delcarmen as Milli Vanilli lipsynching “Blame it on the Rain” that was played during the rain delay last night at Fenway.

 

Help Needed

Ryan and Nic are planning on going to Danuuc and Heather’s house tomorrow at 10 (Saturday) to help them with cleaning up and removing items. If you have some spare time, I’m sure they would really appreciate the help.

Email from Dave

“This Saturday we’ve got a few people coming over to help with cleanup and debris removal.

We could use some more help and all would be welcome.

Address is
120 Bowling St SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

We’re starting at 8am and going until we’re satisfied. Come whenever you feel comfy.
Bring gloves.”

Amazing Response in CR Saving the Water Pumping Station

I had the opportunity last night to go and help sand bag at the last operating water pump in Cedar Rapids.  I heard KCRG announce the urgent need for sandbaggers.  They only had 6 people throwing bags and they needed to get and estimated 6000 bags thrown to save the pump.  It took me about 15-20 minutes to get over to that area of town and by the time I got there there were hundreds and hundreds of people already there.  It was amazing how fast people turned out to help.  People were parked all the way up to Riverridge road on Edgewood all the way down to the Edgewood bridge.

The situation was very surreal.  As one person, said as we walked down from Glass road, that it felt like we were in the middle of a war zone or in a scene from War of the Worlds.  The sky was threatening another thunderstorm, it was pitch black with flashes of lightening going over every few minutes.  There was a light fog or haze starting from all of the moisture in the air.  I joined a large group of people walking down the hill wondering what I was going to see when I got down there.  The site was just amazing. 

They had dumped several loads of sandbags in the road and people were crowded around the piles lifting and passing them along.  A fire bucket line of people (not sure what else to call it) went from the pile of sand bags onto the access road to the pump station.  There wasn’t just one line either, there were probably 4-5 people deep, basically making 4-5 lines to the pump.  All around this line were hundreds of other people looking for something to do.  There were so many people there that there wasn’t enough for people to do.

I stood along the side of the road for about 10 minutes just taking the scene in.  I swear I could see the water level rising up as I was watching.  It was already high and getting higher.  Finally I was able to get into the line and help move bags to the station.  I helped do that for about 20 minutes when they asked for volunteers to go over to the water department building and to help sandbag there.  They were taking a load of people over in a dump truck.  I figured there were enough people there so why not.  I jumped in the back of the truck with a full load of people and had a wild trip over to the water department building.  Imagine the pictures I’m sure everyone has seen from India or Afganistan with a bunch of people loaded into a truck.  That probably what we looked like. 

The remainder of the night was pretty uneventful.  We unloaded another truck full of sand bags, got a little wet from the fload water and then had another fun ride back up to Edgewood.  We asked the officials if they needed any more help and they didn’t know of any (this was before the call for Mercy) and we started to head back to our cars.  It was about this time that I realized that I didn’t have my keys on my.  Slight panic started to set in, but I was pretty sure they were in my car.  I got to the car and couldn’t find them.  I ended up catching a ride to the Aegon building and called Lori.  She was a little grumpy about coming to get me, but to be fair she had just gotten home from helping out with her company and it was past midnight.  Luckily we found the keys in my trunk and we got home safe. 

Ryan