Sunday, July 21, 2013

Rockin' and Rollin' in Wellington

People of the planet, you probably haven't heard that Wellington, the Capital of New Zealand and my beloved home, is being rocked by earthquakes of increasing magnitude. Starting at 4.6 on Friday morning, working up to 6.5 today.
Oh me oh my! It is Not Nice. Upstairs sewing a shirt for David and taking photos to blog about it (how good am I!?!), I leapt to turn off the iron and place it on the floor while David put his weight against the tall stash cupbards that were swaying happily away. Erk.
Not wishing to be left by myself in a building which is apparently very safe but still feels like it is made of Leggo when this is all going on, I opted to go with David to check the shop (not a single breakage and only a few soft things fell on the floor!) then go to the supermarket.
The city was abnormally packed with people - clearly a few apartment buildings were evacuated. Sirens blaring but really, no signs of any damage.
The supermarket was pumping with people who I suspect also were reacting to being in apartment buildings and wanted to try their luck instead in a big open space. Only one aisle was blocked off - much vinegar had fallen off the shelf by the pickle factory odours emanating! And me specifically wanting balsamic vinegar!
Back home again, we are breathing through the aftershocks like labour pains. The devastation of Christchurch sits upon our shoulders like a banshee. Before Christchurch's quakey troubles, we Wellingtonites were pretty sanguine about earthquakes and just got on with life. Now, we know how bad it can get and we know our little country's economy cannot survive another city devastated, even if we survive in other ways.
Ironically, the dear old building that houses our big shop is apparently 'earthquake prone' and has a cheery yellow sign on its door announcing this fact. In spite of being strengthened 20 years ago with wraps and all kinds of clever things. And it clearly doesn't shake it up much as, like I said, nothing much happened there.
We suspect the yellow sign is a magic sigil. Pretty cool, huh!
So, I am not going upstairs to sew again until the earth stops moving as it is way spookier up there.

Wish us luck!!! xoxo

19 comments:

  1. Good luck sweet city - hold on tight x

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    1. It Is a sweet city isn't it. The dearest place. And has been very subdued today :)

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  2. Sending prayers to you , your family and New Zealand. Pray the earthquakes will stop real soon, and no one gets hurt.. Be safe.

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    1. Thank you, whether they do or don't it is how it is - and prayer is a true comfort :)

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  3. Oh wow- I just emailed you, without realising, having been out of news this weekend - all the very best & fingers crossed that you get nothing more xx

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    1. Thanks hon, your maddo photos helped cheer me up!!

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  4. oh no! glad you guys are safe!

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  5. I didn't know. Oh dear, thinking of you all at such an anxious time.

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    1. Thanks Nessa. It is kind of exciting, is that sad? I guess it's a part of how we deal with stuff like this!

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  6. ooh, dear. sounds scary. hope you stay safe.
    when you talked about the iron and everything it made me think of this scene form mary poppins.
    http://youtu.be/5BHoDW9f7vY?t=53s
    Hope it cheers you up.

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    1. How lovely, it is SUCH a magic movie!! Thank you!

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  7. I am up on the kapiti coast and it was quite shaky here too. Was planning on working in the city today but that won't be happening. Stay safe. Jo

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    1. Wise move, Jo!! Mind you, the Lambton part of town apparently was deserted. Cuba area was fairly busy, and we were quite busy. But with no trains and buses, it was never going to be any different :)

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  8. Glad you guys are ok from Christchurch

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    1. Thanks Rachelle, I know you guys really know what it is like! x

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  9. Keeping you and your family in prayer.

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  10. Perhaps the cellotape that holds the magic sign in place is just the extra bit of structural support it needs? ;) Our office is at the magic 34%...not 33% where it would need a magic sign posted. It's funny how many buildings have managed to find that extra 1%

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