In case you haven’t noticed, I have been away for three quiet and lovely weeks in northern New Hampshire. Nothing like hiking, swimming, kayaking, and reading those books you have wanted to get to since last summer to restore the soul and body.

Since it had been completely dry in central New Jersey, when we arrived in Hanover en route to our vacation place we were surprised to be told that northern New England had experienced six solid weeks of rain. We were lucky, however, for we experienced nothing but clear and lovely weather thereafter.

But we all know what the elements can do. Gustav was not nearly so bad as Katrina. Hanna and Ike and whoever are hovering in the wings. Katrina taught us what devastation extreme weather can inflict on colleges.

Still, even though I saw the horrifying pictures of the spring flooding in Iowa City, I had not realized just how awful the situation of the University of Iowa had been. But I was worried, and wrote to my friend Connie Berman in the history department to ask how things were going in early August. She has given me permission to post her response:

“The university is scrambling to have enough classroom space for fall semester — that’s been highest priority, plus the one flooded dormitory that housed a big number of students. Art and Music and Theatre and Comm Studies are all still out of buildings until at least spring, as I understand it — so local churches, high school auditoria, etc., are all being pressed into service. My understanding is that grad students will really have to double up for TA office space and that faculty may also be asked to share offices with those affected.

“On the other hand, the library is back in business and the fifth floor stacks at least were remarkably free of any hint of mildew — all the art collection was saved although the building may have to be demolished — and many Steinway grands in the music buidling and the slide collection in the new art building was saved by intrepid deans and other volunteers who worked until kicked out by police.

“People are pretty upbeat, but there have been tremendous losses not only here, but particularly in Cedar Rapids. We ourselves are high and dry and as if nothing happened — and history has only had to give up a little space to English secretaries for the summer and our conference room.

“I think the fall will be a real challenge that we’ve not quite yet come to terms with.”

Those of us who are high and dry should be grateful, but we should consider what we can do to help colleagues who have not been so fortunate.