Due to the circumstances from the economic downfall, my husband has lost his job and now lives in Georgia. I too planned to move at a later date, but my intentions have failed. My health has been failing and I am scheduled to meet with an Environmental Specialist this week. The arrangement was to stay here until the end of May, but I will finally admit that my doctors are right and I need to take some time off.
My husband flew in last Friday to the Quad Cities around noon to help me finish up moving. We left later and headed south. There were some tornado warnings on the radio around Bloomington and we decided to stop there for the night. Our drive on Saturday showed the devistation of those storm warnings. Shingles were blown off houses, trees were down as far as the eye could see and most signs were destroyed. One attendant at a rest area forewarned us to fill up on gas due to the power outage on 55. Apparently there was a 30 mile stretch that still had no power later into Saturday afternoon. The winds were said to be around 100 mph, perhaps that could explain the large fishing boat overturned in the intersate median.
Mark and I arrived safely late Saturday evening in Marietta. We did make a pit stop in Metropolis, Il to see Superman's statue. It was a little off "the beaten path" as we would say in West Virginia, but how often will do you travel in that area.
I plan to still continue working for Slechta Communications abroad on a part time basis until my new physician tells me otherwise. I will write to The Kalona News to keep everyone up to date on our happenings. The future looks bright for Mark, he had an interview in Columbus and has been told "he's the man for the job". No definite yet, but time will tell.
As for me, and to catch you up, I've been sickened from an allergic reaction from black mold. I've been dealing with numerous symptoms that fail to improve or revert to another since moving here. Our first apartment was caked in that stuff and the owners were convinced otherwise. Long story
short - I had to leave that apartment on doctor's orders and move elsewhere safer. In just 2 short weeks in our first residence, I developed some breathing issues and overwhelming allergy and sinus problems. I've seen every doctor here and have taken every prescription known to man along with some immuno therapies. Finally figured out that I am being treated for some of the symptoms and not ridding of the main cause - mold & fungus. And for those who have had the pleasure of speaking with me, now you know my sexy smoker voice is not from smoking...
After a few surgeries and being instructed to reduce stress, I will be seeking help from a specialist affilieated with the Mold Clinic in Georgia. Hopefully they can resolve this ongoing dilemma. Not quite sure on what they have in mind, but this doctor treats chronic conditions.
Please keep in touch. Mark's new job may send him to Davenport every now and then; I hope to join him when I can.
Thanks for welcoming to the community. I will miss every part of Kalona and not forget a single memory that I had made here. Kalona will always be in my heart.
Take care and keep in touch: MrsDTP7@hotmail.com
April L. Rigsby
Former Ad Director
The Kalona News
P.S. (added May 18) I have a prognosis of toxic reaction from the mold along with adrenal disease, auto immune disease and I need to be on detox and oxygen therapy. I have an appointment with an edocrinologist and infectios disease specialist. They put me on herbal drops for the pain and anxiety. It's healthier than being on so much ibuprofen.Ê