Shake It up, Baby!

January 8, 2009

Shake It up, Baby! Yeah! Twist and Shout - What a way to start off the new year!
We had a doozie of an earthquake today - 6.1, and only about 20 miles away; 1:21 pm CST.
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009bpba.php

We are fairly used to earthquakes (California gets plenty), but this one was a little different. First, we are in an apartment on the first floor of a concrete building. Fundamentally, I know reinforced concrete is a reasonable material, but deep down, I just *know* that brick (and therefore all brick-like material) is not good for earthquake country. Our place weathered it well tho - no cracks, no falling pieces... Second, the earthquake wasn't sharp - it sort of rolled and sloshed. And it lasted a while!

When it was over, we were in the doorways (conflicting "wisdom" abounds - go for the doorway, or go for a triangle space) - as were our neighbors. We did the usual "wow, some earthquake, huh?" and guessing game as to how big it was. I guessed waaay low (4.5).

The electricity was on for about 15 minutes afterwards (long enough to get the details online), then - off!

Wait! no INTERNET!?!

Oh, what a fragile thing it is - I just now got a connection. I've been out of touch a lot lately...