Thursday, July 4, 2019

Earthquakes and Groceries on Independence Day!

Today is the Fourth of July; American Independence Day.  We celebrated with a 6.4 earthquake!

I didn't go to sleep until 4:00 a.m., last night/this morning, but I woke up at 8:00 a.m. when my daughter's alarm went off!  It was the first day of the Anime Expo and she wanted to be downtown, at the Convention Center, at 10:00 a.m.!  It was a pleasure to drive on the freeway, this morning, as there was hardly any traffic, due to the holiday!  There were some road closures, downtown, because there is a fireworks celebration being planned at Grand Park, which is in front of City Hall.  I drove around them and dropped daughter off at the Convention Center exactly at 10:00 a.m.

Then, I drove home, stopping at the Armenian grocery store, again, to take advantage of some of their Thursday specials:


7/4 Groceries
I mostly wanted to buy the chicken leg quarters that were on sale for $.69/lb., today, only.

I bought:

Almost 5 lb. chicken leg quarters (4 pieces) @ $.69/lb = $3.44
Zucchini @ $.39/lb = $.51
Green grapes @ $.49/lb = $.91
Broccoli @ $.49/lb = $29
White Peaches @ $.49/lb = $.63
Total = $5.78


7/4 Grocery Receipt


July grocery budget = $100
Spent to date = $23.56 + $5.78 = $29.34


Amount left in the budget = $100 - $29.34 = $70.66

Sometime around 10:30 a.m., we had an earthquake, centered a few hundred miles from where I live.  Apparently, it was a 6.4 earthquake; the biggest we've had in 20 years, according to the news, and felt by many people.  But, it wasn't the Big One we all know is coming and fear, and we didn't feel it that much in the store.  People, here, tend to look at one another for a second or two, when we feel an earthquake, ask, "Did you feel that?" and then, unless things are falling off shelves, go about doing whatever it was that we were doing!  So, I finished my grocery shopping and came home.

My cousin had called shortly after the earthquake, but, before I could call her back, aunt C called to ask if I felt the earthquake, friend A called to check on me, and neighbor T called!  So sweet of everyone to call and check on me!  I am blessed with caring family and friends.  Nothing had broken in the house; just one ornament had fallen. Dancer seemed a bit edgy, but he's spooked by the noise of the fireworks, as well.  Fireworks are illegal in my city (unless they are permitted displays), but, people have been setting them off for days, now!

Of course, earthquakes like these are all reminders to be prepared with our emergency supplies, etc., just in case.  Water and food (including pet food) for several days, in case access to grocery stores and supplies are limited; a first aid kit; a full tank of gas in the car in case electricity goes off and gas pumps don't work; emergency cash because credit card machines don't work when there is no electricity; etc.  I always try to keep a well-stocked pantry, but I know I have allowed myself to get low on certain items - I need to stock up on those things.   

I had leftovers from yesterday's lunch and one of the white peaches for my brunch, today.  I will cook the chicken, later, for dinner (I will freeze some of it for daughter to take back with her).  

I changed my bed sheets, this afternoon, and am doing a load of laundry. 

I don't have anything else planned until I go to pick up daughter, later, tonight.

Today, I am grateful for:
- The earthquake wasn't bigger and it wasn't the Big One
- According to the initial news reports, it didn't cause a lot of major damage
- My own house is fine and nothing is broken
- I had a safe drive to downtown and back
- Family and friends calling to check on me

Hope you are having a wonderful day.

14 comments:

  1. I love the way you are so amazingly calm about the earthquake. I guess that comes from being prepared, knowing your emergency kit is in place, and knowing that you are all looking out for each other. "we got through this Little One OK, so we'll be fine with a Bigger One, so stop worrying " A good approach to life!

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    1. Well, we didn't feel the shaking too strongly where I am, so, it's easier to feel calm about it! I think, with each one, we breathe a sign of relief that it wasn't the Big One! Which we know is coming - as the experts tell us, it is a matter of "when", not "if". I did buy more bottled water, today, just to feel more prepared. :)

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  2. Oh no I heard about that earthquake and didn’t realize you lived nearby. Glad you’re ok

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    1. Thanks, Akasha. Not close enough to have any damage, but, close enough to feel the shaking. We didn't feel the full force of the shake and, for that, I am very thankful!

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  3. The thought of living in an earthquake zone terrifies me but I suppose you put it to the back of your mind and get on with daily living. Are you able to get insurance to rebuilt should the worse happen and your home is damaged or destroyed?

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    1. Yes, I think, for the most part, we push it to the back of our minds and go our merry ways. :) We are able to get earthquake insurance and some of us actually have it. It is a separate insurance from regular homeowner's insurance.

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  4. I don't know if I could live in earthquake country. Hope the big one doesn't come for a very long time.

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    1. That's what I am hoping, too, Live and Learn - that the big one doesn't come for a long time (except, apparently, it is already overdue!)

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  5. Belated Happy 4th of July! I'm relieved to know you are safe and well. It must be such a worry when you first feel the earthquake, wondering just how big it will be. X

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    1. Thank you! Yes, every time there is an earthquake, we all hold our breath and hope it isn't too big! The potential for damage is very real, not just from damaged buildings, but also damaged infrastructure and fires, etc.

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  6. Hi Bless, Did you just feel the last one? I was blogging and my chair was rocking. It was pretty mellow. You sound so happy and positive. Happy 4th!

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    1. Hi Stephenie, yes, I felt it! This time, I was home, cooking dinner, when I felt the house shaking! Poor Dancer was running up and down, not knowing what was going on!

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  7. just saw news about 2nd quake- thinking about you (and my son who lives in santa barbara but is out of town so he's missed the seismic activity this time)- hope you and family haven't had any damage-
    regards from texas-
    barb

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    1. Thank you, Barb; nice to hear from you, again. :) We are fine - we are about 150 miles away and while we've felt the shaking, it's been less severe due to the distance. No damages here, in Los Angeles. Glad your son was out of town and missed the shaking. Hope all is well with you.

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