Friday 23 December 2011

Christmas fireplace and earthquake update

I'm going ahead with this post because I already had the photos organised. Not feeling very Christmassy here though! We had another series of big aftershocks this afternoon. It began with a 5.8 which was followed a while later by a nasty 6.0. This is the fifth big quake event we've had since September 4th last year. Mother Nature, we get your point... you can stop now!

Small and not so small aftershocks followed throughout the afternoon. Malls and shops had to close, on one of the busiest days of the year. I'm so glad I was at home, not in a supermarket! I stayed home, rather than get stuck in traffic jams or risk encountering flooded roads or bridges that were out.

Our power was out for about three hours. My cellphone also chose that point to run low on both battery and credit. I was so relieved later when I could charge it and get online to buy more credit! (After the September quake I swore I would never let it get down to one bar again, but it still happened, of course.)

Lui went to ground for a while. I wasn't too worried because I knew he wouldn't go far, unlike the several scared dogs and cats I saw running down the street in various directions. I hope all the frightened pets are reunited with their people soon.

We had no liquefaction this time - BIG YAY! I'm so sorry for all the people who are cleaning up for in some cases the fourth time. That stuff really is nasty. We only got round to waterblasting the garage last month, so I'm grateful not to be doing that all over again.

I had some things I was meant to do to get ready for Christmas, but I didn't do them. Tomorrow is another day right? To be honest I forgot about Christmas today. Earthquake days just exist in a time of their own.

All these decorations are now all over the floor, and there seems no point to picking them up. The adrenaline is wearing off, and I'm getting tired. It will be a shakey night. I'll get through it though - there's nothing else to do. Hopefully tomorrow is a brighter, quieter day!

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! xxx

9 comments:

  1. As soon as I heard it on the news, I thought of you. Glad to hear you are OK. Sucks, just the same!

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  2. Hi Ruth pleased to hear you are ok and no liquefaction! We had trouble getting the kids off too bed last night, here we were thinking the quakes were all finished and life might be getting back to normal. Hope you have a lovely christmas.

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  3. So sorry to hear of your ordeal. I hope you had a very quiet night, and got some much-needed sleep. I pray the quakes will stop and things start to return to normal for you. I also hope you have a very merry and peaceful Christmas.

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  4. Thanks you guys. It was a shakey night again so not much sleep was had. However it's a nice sunny day today and I'm getting on with my Christmas prep, hopefully this flurry of aftershocks will wind up quickly.

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  5. Just found this post while skimming Blotanical. My heart goes out to you - Christchurch has been hard hit, both physically and emotionally. Hoping it will become quiet and peaceful again. Happy New Year!

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  6. Dear Ruth, How very scary for you! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you a safe and peaceful new year! P. x

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  7. We will be coming to Christchurch in 4 weeks and son in law says we will definitely see a different city. So sad that this has happened in the most beautiful of cities. Glad you were OK and not any more cleaning up to do.

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  8. I am very happy to read that you are safe, although with much worry on your mind. I am praying all of this havoc will leave along with 2011 and that you will be blessed with a beautiful and peaceful 2012. Happy New Year!

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  9. Thanks everyone for your comments. It really does help to know you guys are thinking of me, and I appreciate your stopping by to let me know! xxxxx

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