Saturday, May 28, 2011

You have to be confident in yourself before you can have anything.

I just wanted to take a moment to talk about a friends blog today.  She's a bright aspiring young lady with lots of dreams.  She has a blog about positive self talk and actions. Please take a few minutes and check it out! I've asked her to write a couple of paragraphs to give an overview of what it is she is trying to say:

"You have to be confident in yourself before you can have anything.

Being confident in yourself isn’t as easy as looking in the mirror and saying that you are pretty and successful. That’s just where it starts. But when you can’t even look in the mirror and see how beautiful you are, and you can’t figure out a single thing you have done right, you need a little help. I believe that each and every person, man or woman, teens or elderly, should feel great about themselves.
We all have our flaws, we all have our weaknesses, but being able to overlook them, and find the greatness in ourselves is when you truly can enjoy your life. I’m here to lift you up and help you find yourself, your true beauty. There is nothing better than being able to wake up, and feel like you can conquer the world. That’s what I want to do for you.
Each day, reading a short post about how I am living each day to the fullest, doing my best to have a positive effect on people, can turn your day around. It can give you a new outlook on life. If you don’t feel like it is helping, keep reading, it’s about hitting the ‘switch’ that sparks your mind to be inspired."
Follow this link to read more: You have to be confident in yourself before you can have anything.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Ohio River is on the rise again!

This will be missed by most and hopefully can be disregarded by everyone else. But just as The Mischievous Ohio River was about to drop below flood stage.  She's trending up again!  At 6pm today the Brookport, IL guage showed what shouldn't be happening, after plateauing at 37.9' on the Brookport guage at 4pm by 9pm the river is at 38.1'.  Flood stage at brookport is at 37' by the way.

     Current predictions shows the river at 39.6' on 5/31/2011 with an upward sloping graph, which means the river is going to keep going up for some time afterwards. I must stress early this month we crested at 57.0' with a lot of devastation, and it would seem impossible to do this twice. But I'm going to be keeping my eyes on the river here as at 60'-10" water would be on my floorboards.

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pah&gage=brki2

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

My favorite Pandora.com radio station.

I listen to quite a bit of internet radio and have fine tuned this radio station down pretty good.  It has a lot of creedence, moody blues and an excellent selection of filler music.

My Favorite Pandora Radio Station

Pandora allows you to create your own personal radio stations initially around a single song or single artist. As you listen you thumb up and thumb down songs and it builds up a fingerprint of what you like.  For an understanding of how Pandora works by allowing you to fine tune your stations please check out the following wikipedia article: Wikipedia Article

       Pandora is advertising based but I'm going to share a secret. If your listening to it with firefox and you have adblocker addon installed there are no commercials just music!

Friday, May 20, 2011

My New Storage Building


My storage building that I ordered a month ago arrived on Wednesday... finally! It had been ready for about a week. but when the place that I ordered it from called me, the water was still rising and the Birds Point Levee hadn't been blown yet, so it was projected to cover all of my lawn with water! Thankfully, the New Madrid Floodway was opened by blowing the Birds Point Levee and spared me that heartache.


This evening, I have spent several hours pricing shelves but they kept getting too expensive. Looks like I'm going to have to build my own shelves, which I'm not too excited about, but will manage.

Anyway, I have added some pictures here of my new 12X20 storage building. One guy delivered it and set it up in about 1 hour, which I found pretty amazing.




Delivered by a Powerstroke Ford F350
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Yard really was dry enough to back into!
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Cool hydraulic articulated trailer action
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Building is sitting on the rear piers
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Cool articulated telescoping trailer action!
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Trailer is coming out.
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Pulling out from underneath the building
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Using the trailer to elevate the front of the building in order to set the rest of the piers.
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1 hour after delivery and building is sitting on all 12 piers and ready to go to work!
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If you need one of these things give Jessica at River Hills Rentals a call at 270-628-9350
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update: I got my shelving installed
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Sunday, May 15, 2011

Harrah's Metropolis RiverBoat Casino May 15th 2011 Ohio River Flood Cleanup part 3

Harrah's Metropolis RiverBoat Casino May 15th 2011 Ohio River Flood Cleanup part 3

Part 3 of 3!  Another video showing the boat and hotel are still surrounded by water, but they have some paths for trucks to get in now and Harrah's is working doubletime to clean up and get back open as soon as the water and repairs will allow.

Harrah's Metropolis RiverBoat Casino May 15th 2011 Ohio River Flood Cleanup part 2

Harrah's Metropolis RiverBoat Casino May 15th 2011 Ohio River Flood Cleanup part 2

Well this is Part 2 of 3.  This video shows the effort to clean the debris from the roads and make them look clean again and ready.


Harrah's Metropolis RiverBoat Casino May 15th 2011 Ohio River Flood Cleanup part 1

Harrah's Metropolis RiverBoat Casino May 15th 2011 Ohio River Flood Cleanup part 1

Harrah's started cleanup in earnest last night in order to open up as soon as the water will let them.  As the water goes down the people you can see are cleaning the mud and debris off the parking lots. The people you can't see are replacing floor coverings and drywall and making other repairs. This one is going to be a 3 part post.



Thursday, May 12, 2011

Photos: What are these little bug hunting hovering birds

What are these little bug hunting hovering birds. Up until today I only thought that hummingbirds could hover, but these little guys are holding in place and targeting bugs in the grass then diving in and grabbing them.



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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Finally the Ohio River is really starting to lower

Finally the Ohio River is really starting to lower. 

After cresting at 57', The Ohio River is down to 55.6' now.  I know 1.4' doesn't sound like much but it means 3 more roads are opened in town (North Avenue, Metropolis Street, and 8th Street), and almost all 4 lanes of highway 45 south going out of town are back open.

Because of the detonation of the Bird's Point Levee and the subsequent opening of the New Madrid Floodway it spared us from the devastation of 60.5' of water.  Again 3.5 feet doesn't sound like much but it would have meant the town would have been fragmented in several locations with no way to navigate other then by boat.

I have included a picture of the latest graph of the Brookport Illinois hydrograph as of the time of this posting and the link http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pah&gage=brki2

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The evacuation of Metropolis Nursing and Rehab Nursing Home Metropolis IL

The evacuation of Metropolis Nursing and Rehab Nursing Home Metropolis IL due to the flooding of the Ohio River.

On the morning of Monday, May 2, 2011, I was watching TV just like I do pretty much every other day. However, on this day, my TV watching was cut short by a knock at the door of my room at Metropolis Nursing & Rehab Center in Metropolis, Illinois. I've been staying there since October 18, 2009 due to my arthritis and impending surgeries.

The person on the other side of the door came in when I acknowledged them. It was Lori Abbott, the activities director and she said that she needed to talk to me. She proceeded to tell me that because of the rising flood waters, the facility was evacuating the residents and that some residents would be going as far as 4 hours north to a “sister facility”. The rest of the day's happenings are kind of a blur, because it happened so fast.

While plans had been in the works for me to return home, we didn't have the equipment there yet. Also, our house doesn't sit too far from the river and we were afraid that I'd be stranded in the house, should the waters get to the house. I immediately called Brett and told him what was going on and he and I thought it would be a good idea to try to get into the facility that my grandfather is living in, located in Marion, Illinois. This facility was already booked because of people being evacuated elsewhere though. My next choice was a facility in Herrin, Illinois so that I would be close to my dad. At first, I thought this was a good idea, but then I got to thinking about the likelihood of my dad coming to see me every day. The likelihood was pretty slim and therefore, wouldn't really know anyone. I finally was able to go to a facility in Effingham, Illinois called Lakeland Nursing Center. This facility is located about 2-1/2 to 3 hours north of Metropolis, and is a “sister facility” to ours and had quite a few residents from MNRC already being relocated to here. Plus, some of the staff was sent along to help with the care of the residents. I thought this was a major plus, because I would be around people that I knew.

All day on Monday, our facility was in a chaotic state with families coming in to take some residents home for what the Administration was saying would only be two to three days and with other residents being put in buses to head to other facilities. Medicines had to be gathered up for each and every resident and clothes and other belongings had to be packed for the resident to take along with them. It was just crazy!

S.M.A.R.T. (Southern Most Area Rural Transit) buses started coming to transport residents at about 4pm and the last one didn't depart the facility until almost 12am on Tuesday. I know this, because I was on that bus. I was a nervous wreck, because I was leaving familiar territory and heading hours from my family, unsure of when I was going to return. I was (and still am) quite proud of myself at how I was able to keep myself halfway calm. Other residents were not that way and who could blame them? Some were being taken from the only place they call “home” and taken to a strange place. The ride on the bus was a quiet one and the driver of the bus was fun and kept things calm for us passengers.

We arrived at our destination at approximately 3:30am and were greeted by all sorts of staff from Lakeland Nursing Center. They had already received some residents from earlier buses and were anxious to help us with our belongings and to help us get settled in to a bed to finally get some sleep.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Finally fixed my charging system!

I finally fixed my charging system on the 2000 Ford E350 Goshen Coach.  Previously I've talked about this here: http://goshen-adventures.blogspot.com/2011/03/aggravating-truck.html and here: http://goshen-adventures.blogspot.com/2011/04/still-using-battery-charger.html

Anywho a friend came by and gave me an assist into tearing into this 7.3 Powerstroke diesel van  to get the alternator off. And fortunately for me it failed the test at the parts store and as it turned out it was under warranty. see here: http://goshen-adventures.blogspot.com/2011/02/august-11th-2010.html So today I put the remanufactured alternator on and I can check that problem off my list.

The other day we also fixed the drivers door where it was striking the fender. We loosened the fender and shoved it forward.  Cory told me the door hinges are absolutely worn out though, so next thing on the list is to replace the drivers door hinges.

On a positive note, I should get my storage building this week 12x20 and this will allow me to clean out my garage to where I can work on some projects again!
That's all for my truck update.

Midnight report nightvision drive May 7th 2011 Metropolis flood water logged streets Ohio River Flood

Midnight report nightvision drive May 7th 2011 Metropolis flood water logged streets Ohio River Flood
Please subscribe to my Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/brettfiles



Olmsted IL Lock and Dam Ohio River Flood May 6th 2011

Olmsted IL Lock and Dam Ohio River Flood May 6th 2011




Saturday, May 7, 2011

Aerial Video of the birds point levee MO and cairo IL and wyklyffe KY

Aerial Video of the birds point levee MO and cairo IL and wyklyffe KY


Olmsted IL Illinois Lock and Dam 53 and Olmsted Lock and Dam. May 6th 2011 Ohio River Flood waters

Olmsted IL Illinois Lock and Dam 53 and Olmsted Lock and Dam. May 6th 2011 Ohio River Flood waters
Please subscribe to my Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/brettfiles


Friday, May 6, 2011

Check out brettfiles on Youtube!!

I've been very busy documenting the 2011 flood here in Southern Illinois. Please check out some of my videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/brettfiles

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Photos of Flood damaged Fort Massac State Park

I hiked into Fort Massac State Park dodging all the standing water of the backed up Ohio River to take a few pictures and videos of the flood encircled historic fort.

George Rogers Clark Plaque finally put back on a proper mounting like it was in 1907 and off the rock where water would pool up on it. Notice the river is at the top of the wall in the background.
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The Ohio River flowing at a wicked pace of about 10mph
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I24 bridge Highwater channel span
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Fort Massac State Park with flood waters surrounding it.
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If you followed this fence on down into the water you would eventually get to the boat launch ramp.
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Fort with water encircling it. The water is flowing in the moat in a clockwise fashion at about 1mph
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Picture taken out the riverside gate of the fort showing how high the water is.
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Thursday, May 5, 2011

Historic Ohio River Flood Metropolis IL Illinois Spence Apartments under water

Historic Ohio River Flood Metropolis IL Illinois Spence Apartments under water
May 5th 2011
Please subscribe to my Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/brettfiles



EPIC Ohio River flood of Fort Massac State Park Metropolis Illinois first state park

EPIC Ohio River flood of Fort Massac State Park Metropolis Illinois first state park
May 5th 2011
Please subscribe to my Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/brettfiles



Unionville Massac County IL Illinois Ohio River Flood Aerial Video 2011 May 4th

Unionville Massac County IL Illinois Ohio River Flood Aerial Video 2011 May 4th



Kincaid Indian Mounds Massac County IL Illinois Ohio River Flood Aerial Video 2011 May 4th

Kincaid Indian Mounds Massac County IL Illinois Ohio River Flood Aerial Video 2011 May 4th
Kincaid Mounds State Historic Site




Brookport IL Illinois Ohio River Flood Aerial Video 2011 May 4th

Brookport IL Illinois Ohio River Flood Aerial Video 2011 May 4th




Metropolis IL Illinois Ohio River Flood Aerial 2011 May 4th part 2

Metropolis IL Illinois Ohio River Flood Aerial 2011 May 4th part 2




Metropolis IL Illinois Ohio River Flood Aerial 2011 May 4th part 1

Metropolis IL Illinois Ohio River Flood Aerial 2011 May 4th part 1




Departure Metropolis Municipal Airport km30 runway 36 May 4th 2011

Departure Metropolis Municipal Airport km30 runway 36 May 4th 2011



Tuesday, May 3, 2011

2011 May 3rd Midnight report of Ohio River Flood level out my back door nightvision Metropolis IL

2011 May 3rd Midnight report of Ohio River Flood level out my back door nightvision Metropolis IL Illinois
Flood Levels have hit the alley behind my house
US Army Corps of Engineers had just breached the Birds Point levee to open up the New Madrid Floodway to the waters of the Mississippi River.


Monday, May 2, 2011

Historic Metropolis Il Ohio River flooding drive through May 1st 2011

Historic Metropolis Il Ohio River flooding drive through May 1st 2011
The rain won't let up and the water keeps rising into the 100 year floodplain. A lot of us are uneasily watching the water levels.


Sunday, May 1, 2011

Aerial photos of Metropolis IL April 2011 Ohio River Flood

Aerial photos of Metropolis IL April 2011 Ohio River Flood


Cook Coal Terminal
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Honeywell
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Railroad bridge
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Harrah's Metropolis Riverboat Casino parking lots
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Harrah's Metropolis Riverboat Casino
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Harrah's Metropolis Riverboat Casino
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Dorothy Miller Park
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Dorothy Miller Park
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Teco and Kotter Readymix
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Kotter Readymix and old laidlaw
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Fort Massac State Park
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Overview of Metropolis Fort Massac in foreground
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Overview of Metropolis Fort Massac in foreground
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I24 Bridge
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I24 Bridge and Kentucky
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Fort Massac State Park and Kentucky
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Dorothy Miller Park and Kentucky
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Dorothy Miller Park and Kentucky
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Harrah's Metropolis Riverboat Casino
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Harrah's Metropolis Riverboat Casino
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Harrah's Metropolis Riverboat Casino
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