It’s no secret that yours truly does not like severe weather. As you can imagine, the last few weeks have caused me just a bit of stress. It would also appear that I have accidentally passed my fear of severe storms on to my oldest, Henry. Listen, I’ve lived in the state of Iowa since 2002. I understand that bad weather is something that happens, but that doesn’t mean that I have to like it.

If anything, I’m encouraging our family to seek shelter in our basement while my Muscatine native and very brave wife, Kasey, is assuring me that the, “worst of it is going to miss us.”  Ladies and gentlemen, let me go on the record stating that she was right (this time). Granted, my boys and I did retreat to the basement for a few minutes. My son Ted thinks our, “old basement is kind of cool and a little creepy.”

I respect folks that forecast the weather and those that chase after it; just don’t ever invite me to partake in one. What irks me is those that gawk and drive around taking pictures when communities and individuals experience severe weather.

Take my friend Katie Kelly (who also works as the Program Director at MCSA) and her family. They live north of Muscatine, and their home was destroyed by a tornado. That’s terrible news. Katie shared that they had several people drive by and take photos. The last time Muscatine dealt with a tornado, I recall sharing online that, “If you have time to take pictures, you have time to help clean up.” Don’t be that person. Oh, and if you’re so inclined to want to donate to Katie and her family, you can Venmo her at; @Katie-Kelly-33132 or via a GoFundMe that was set up for them at; and thank you in advance for helping them.

I know we’ll face more severe weather threats as spring and summer progress. I hope that we can all stay safe and that mother nature gives us a spring before 90+ degree temps arrive. If anything, at least keep the rain and severe stuff away from Muscatine during all the upcoming outdoor events. I’d like to have nice, dry weather for Almost Friday Fest, the Muscatine Area Farmer’s Market, Muscatine Race for the Schools, and later in July when RAGBRAI returns to town! Until next time stay safe and take care!