Saturday, September 19, 2020

Shake, Rattle, and Roll!

We had an earthquake, last night, at 11:38 p.m.  A moderate earthquake, registering at 4.6 on the Richter scale.  The epicenter was fairly close to me, about 15 miles away, so, I felt it quite strongly.  First a small rattle, followed by a stronger shaking.  As always, the first thought I had was, "I hope this is not the Big One!"  Followed by, "I hope this is not a pre-quake to a stronger one".  Nothing fell off the shelves and everything seemed fine, which is a blessing; we don't need a devastating earthquake on top of everything else!  It was just another reminder to be prepared and ready, though.  I was still up and awake when this earthquake happened, but, nighttime quakes are one of the reasons why I keep a bag with a few earthquake supplies near my bed!  In fact, I had just checked the batteries on my flash lights, just earlier in the evening.

I had just finished video chatting with my daughter, when the quake happened, so I called her back to tell her we had an earthquake and I was doing fine.  Then, I watched the news to find out more about the quake.  My cousin called, too, to check on me, and we chatted a bit.  

Fortunately, there weren't any other quakes and I went to bed around 1:30 a.m.  I was tired and fell asleep almost right away.  I woke up, once, at 5:00 a.m., when another cousin texted me in response to my text the evening before, but, I went back to sleep and slept till later in the morning.  

Today's weather forecast says the air quality is fair and I can see a clear blue sky.  My asthma is better, but, I am taking it easy, today, watching some of my favorite cooking shows on TV.  Friend R called in the morning and I chatted with her for a bit.  Later, neighbor T's daughter brought over a spare key to her mother's back door, so that, in the future, if there is an emergency, I can let myself in to check on her.  

My plans for today include cooking the chicken breast I put to marinate, yesterday, knitting, and practicing the piano.

Today, I am grateful for:

- Last night's earthquake wasn't the Big One and didn't cause any damage

- Phone calls from family and friends

- Better air quality

- Cooking shows on TV

- Warm weather and bright sunshine

Today's joyful activity is just relaxing.

How is your Saturday coming along?  

16 comments:

  1. That's scary Bless! There have been so many earthquakes this year, more than I ever remember hearing about in one year. It just figures with everything else that has happened this year! I'm glad your air quality is better and that your asthma has calmed. Glad you are taking it easy. Enjoy your Saturday evening :)

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    1. Thanks, Martha. I've experienced several earthquakes, but, one never really gets used to them!

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  2. Saturday went well. The yard sale was good. I do hope you have no more earthquakes. I'd be so scared that it would be The Big One. I'm pleased that family and friends check up to check you are OK, even after smaller quakes. Keep safe, Bless. Make sure you have water and flashlight batteries!

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    1. I'm glad your Saturday, and the yard sale, went well, Angela. Thank you; we got off mostly unscathed in this earthquake!

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  3. Earthquakes in the night! ... how do you ever relax? I'm relieved that you are fine and there was no damage to your property.

    It's good to hear the air quality is improving. Does that mean that the fires are under control or is the wind taking the smoke in a different direction?

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    1. One learns to relax while being alert, at the same time! I sleep with a hard hat and a flashlight near my pillow, with my purse, earthquake kit, and a pair of shoes next to my bed. The shoes are there to slip on before you take a step, in case there are any glass shards on the floor.

      The fires are still spreading, but, the wind direction has changed. I'm glad!

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  4. If it's not one thing, it's another. I would find it very hard to live with the uncertainty of earthquakes. Are you always on alert or do you learn to put the possibility of the big one in the back of your mind?

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    1. One does put the possibility of the big one at the back of the mind, but, I am a little bit on the alert at all times, too. I sleep with a hard hat and a flashlight near my pillow, keep a small earthquake kit near my bed, along with a pair of shoes (to slip into and avoid stepping on broken glass), etc.

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  5. You were quite close to the epicentre! I am interested in seismology and I follow a web page every day and I thought of you when I saw this one had taken place. I'm glad it wasn't stronger and that nothing of yours was damaged. It is interesting to note that some locations, while further away, may be more affected than much closer ones. I think direction plays a part.
    We are really having our share of sunny days. The leaves are still turning. I went for a walk yesterday and came across a chipmunk eating the remains of a small frog!

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    1. I actually thought of you after the earthquake struck, Bushlady, as I remembered you saying you check online for daily earthquakes! I'm glad, too, that it wasn't stronger and the house and contents were safe. Not only directions, but, the underlying soil conditions also make a difference.

      I'm glad you are having what sounds like the beginnings of a really nice autumn! I prefer to think of chipmunks eating peanuts and such to frogs! :D

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  6. I am praying that was all you will get. There's enough bad things happening now, we sure do not need quakes on top of fires, floods, storms and unrest. At times, I wonder if this is the beginning of the end. But I think God still believes in us to be good and kind. I pray so. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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    1. Thank you, Susie. We certainly don't need any new disasters, do we? There's too much of it going on, already!

      Hope all is well with you and yours. Take care.

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  7. Yikes, earthquakes at night have to be doubly scary. Glad you are all right.

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    1. Yes, they are! Especially if the electricity goes off! Thank you, Susanne.

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  8. It must be such a scary experience, Bless. It's reassuring to know you are always well prepared just in case. X

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    1. It is a bit scary, Jules, and nerves get rattled along with everything else! I always sigh a big sigh of relief afterwards!

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