LIFE IS A HIGHWAY...
To start with, I have a bit of business I need to tend to before I get to the goods. That is the fact that the remainder of this week Rebecca Kopelman, the Chief Meteorologist at KGAN/FOX 28 TV in Cedar Rapids, will be filling in for me. The reason why is my mother, Rose and her cat Booie, are moving in with Carolyn and me. She will turn 95 in December, and the time has come for her to leave her beloved home in Coralville.
To make things easier for her, I've set up a bedroom and a bathroom with a walk-in shower, handrails, and a bench. While finishing that project, I've sold her place and this weekend the move takes place. The next 3 days, I will be clearing out 94+ years of stuff. As you can imagine, making the decisions as to what she keeps and what must go is emotionally taxing. Memories all over the place. You can see and feel the highway she has traveled. With dad gone, the weight is even heavier.
Once those decisions are complete, it's load up the truck and clean-up the mess. Then we head north for what will be the final chapter of a long life. After raising me, it's time to step up to the plate and take care of her. I do hope for the strength, compassion, and patience to make her final years, good years.
My sister Luann and I want to thank Chad and Susan Van Scoyoc as well as Joan "Pixie" Barr for all the love and care they have shown her the past 3 years. Were it not for them, this move would have been necessary far sooner. I also want to express my deep gratitude to my wife Carolyn for her willingness to share our home with her mother-in-law.
So, I have my work cut out for me, but moms are worth it. This is the time to do and say the things that she has earned many times over. Thanks to you all for giving me a few days to get this chapter started. T. Swails
As for our weather, we are in for some excellent late September conditions the remainder of this week. Much of the significant energy tied to precipitation is tied up over the southeast or the lower Gulf of Mexico. That implies pleasant temperatures, low humidity and dry conditions. The EURO meteogram shows 6 more consecutive days with highs in the 70s, (the next 3 in the mid 70s). Not too shabby.
After that, the focus turns to Hurricane Helene and whether its interaction with an upper level low will draw it close enough to the central Midwest to bring any much-needed rain. As you can see, the spaghetti plots of the GEFS ensemble initially send the remnants north, where they run into a major block over the Great Lakes. That literally stops the system in its tracks where it dumbbells around before drifting off to the east.
The Hurricane Center emulates that track.
Recent trends leave my area high and dry with dry air and subsidence keeping rainfall at bay. This was something I feared might happen in my last post. The end result is that other than some increase in clouds this weekend, dry weather prevails. Here's what models are suggesting for rain totals late Saturday through Monday.
The EURO
The GFS
The rain is desperately needed in some areas, with Tuesday being the 25th consecutive day with no measurable rain in Cedar Rapids. The GFS, shows no measurable rain there in the next 16 days as the pattern remains void of moisture and forcing. If the GFS verifies (which would be impressive), that would run the streak in Cedar Rapids to 41 days. That is getting into serious territory, a feat that's very hard to accomplish. It's quite a change from early summer when it was rain, rain, rain. In July alone, Cedar Rapids had 16 days with measurable rain. Feast or famine! Below is the GFS rain output through October 10th.
In all honesty, things are looking rather uneventful through at least the first week of October. I'm getting bored. To prove it, I checked out the EURO EPS control's snowfall forecast for the 7 period October 29th through November 4th. There it is, white gold inching into northern Iowa! I can only hope.
That's all for now. Check out Rebecca's posts, and I'll see you in a few days with the addition of a new 94-year-old roommate. Interesting times. Roll weather...TS
PEOPLE LOVE IT. OUR AIRBNB IS A MOST LOVED GUEST FAVORITE!
ANOTHER 5-STAR REVIEW....thanks Myriam
AIRBNB has rated my renovated church in Galena A GUEST FAVORITE, A MOST LOVED home according to visitors. Check out some of our reviews and get in on the flexible deals we have available below.
Christa-Monument, Colorado
The Little White Church is amazing!!!! Pictures do not do it justice. I would absolutely recommend it to my friends and family. It is just so unique. Carolyn is an amazing host and super responsive. I would give our experience 6 out of 5 stars if I could.
Phillip-Queensland, Australia
Amazing and thoughtful renovation. Stayed in a piece of history. Great location and modern amenities. Would stay again!
Jill
The Little White Church is beautiful. The decorations are perfect, and it was redone with impeccable taste. Carolyn was a great host.
Brent
Such a gem. Relaxing in the countryside in a historic church that was beautifully decorated and recently renovated was exactly what we experienced. Everyone loved our stay, and we will be back!!!
Leigh
Beautiful and unique. We were all captivated by the adorable chapel turned AIRBNB
Jenny-Frisco, Texas
It was a magical place for our family to celebrate Christmas!
Kelly
What a gem! The Little White Church exceeded our expectations. It was the perfect spot to meet up with another couple to relax and explore nearby Galena. We enjoyed the beautiful great room with its fireplace and amazing views of the rolling countryside. (The photos simply can't do it justice). The charming church/home was quiet, well appointed and clean. And Carolyn was proactive with instructions and a terrific communicator. We will definitely be back!
John
Absolutely incredible! Loved the tranquility and the beautiful views. The decor was so inviting. AND the bell tower works!! Would 100% stay here again!
Tori-Cedar Falls
This place is so beautiful! Carolyn and Terry were so thoughtful and kind to let us have our wedding at the church. They even provided extra supplies in case we needed them. The private garden worked perfectly for our ceremony, and the backyard easily fit our reception needs. Not to mention, the balconies make perfect photo spots! My husband and I recommend the Little White Church and will be telling all our friends about it.
Mahesh-Buffalo Grove
Carolyn was a great host, very flexible! The place is super clean, spacious with a private backyard overlooking the fields and bluffs! We spent a lot of time on the deck. Great kitchen, clean bedrooms and baths. Highly recommend the place.
William
Great place. Great host. Will definitely book again and tell our friends.
Miriam
Carolyn and Terry's place is BEAUTIFUL! The Little White Church is a wonderful place, way more beautiful than the pictures. Everything is brand new and extremely clean. Staying at the church was a unique experience and I would love to come back soon. I strongly recommend the place if you are looking for a 5-star location!
Vanessa-Chicago
Carolyn was great! Absolutely beautiful place! I would not hesitate to go back. We spent Thanksgiving and the next night. Very well stocked and above and beyond with extras included. Thank you!
MAKE US AN OFFER...
What about pricing? Right now, we are able to offer you our best pricing ever. We have 3 nights for the price of 2 which, depending on the days, can save as much as $300-$400 dollars. If you book directly through us, you can also eliminate booking fees and taxes that the big chains charge. Cleaning fees are also drastically reduced. It all adds up to exceptional deals at a destination worth visiting. Let us assist in finding a time and price that works for you. Here's a link to some pictures. https://www.tswails.com/galena-airbnb
Carolyn and I will do all we can to make sure your stay is a memorable one. Please call or text Carolyn for more details and options and get a prime date while they are still available. Again, that's Carolyn at 563-676-3320. Or carolynswettstone@yahoo.com
Now that it's vacation season, there is no better place to visit than Galena and no better place to stay than my newly renovated AIRBNB, the Little White Church. We are located in the bluffs, just 5 miles from the 2nd largest tourism destination in Illinois. In fact, "Tourist Destination", rated Galena as the 2023 top place to visit in the entire Midwest.
Now is the best time to enjoy all there is to offer, and my 5-star AIRBNB is the perfect location to stay. Set in the rolling hills just outside of town, our completely renovated church is designed for you to unwind and relax.
Again, we are an AIRBNB Super host and can accommodate up to 8 guests. We've got cable, hi-speed WIFI, Sirius XM and a sparkling full kitchen. We are a home away from home and take great pride in cleanliness and comfort. All of our ratings have attained perfect 5-star status!
Hope to see you soon,
Terry and Carolyn
7 GREAT REASONS TO VISIT GALENA
1. It’s Steeped In History
2. It’s Home To One Of The Best Main Streets In America
3. The Restaurants Are Amazing
4. There’s A Lot To Do Outdoors
5. You Don’t Have To Travel To The Mountains To Go Skiing
6. It’s A Great Place To Spend The Fourth Of July
7. Did I Mention The Shopping?
