Wednesday 27 February 2008

Eek! Things that go bump in the night

I'm a bit of a night owl and I was just settling down in bed with a nice new book at 1 am (yes, I confess, I'm that much of a night owl) when the bed bucked and then shook. Immediate alarm, I thought there must be someone or something under the bed (space under bed is about 2 inches max!). Then there was shaking all around the room and what sounded like a bird that was trapped flapping its wings and trying to get out. I thought a bird had got in the house, then I thought no bird is big enough to move my bed and shake it that way. I have to admit, I was terrified. Then it stopped. When I got my courage back I got up and searched the room, then I searched the whole house. Everything looked normal except that the rabbit hadn't eaten any of her food. I decided it must be an earthquake, and turned on the TV but there was nothing on there about an earthquake and I couldn't think of any other way of finding out if I was right.

This morning's news confirmed that it was in fact an earthquake, 5.3 on the Richter Scale. The epicenter was about 130 miles away from here, but only 50 miles from Sheffield where my son goes to university. I called to make sure he is okay, and he said he and his housemates (except one heavy sleeper) were all woken because the house they live in shook so badly. When it stopped they were all afraid it would start again, but it didn't.

So, everyone had things going bump in the night.

8 comments:

Sally said...

OUCH!! I know that scared ya'll half to death. Sure glad you're okay, whew!! (HUGS)

Changes in the wind said...

Never have experience something like that....glad you are okay.

Monique said...

Blimey! That must have been terrifying, specially when you are on your own! I would have had a nervous breakdown!

I'm so pleased that you and your son are okay.

Karen H. said...

Good Afternoon Dabrah,
Oh my, that was a pretty strong Earthquake you had. We live in the New Madrid Fault Line here. We have small tremors alot but most of them you can't feel. I have been noticing tho from a Earthquake website that there has been alot of activity in the New Madrid Fault Zone lately. I just know that it's going to hit us hard someday and swallow us up. I do remember a couple of years ago around 8:15a.m., I had just finished eating my bowl of cereal and was talking to my DH on the phone. I was sitting on our bed and it started shaking and I heard this noise like a someone had run into the front of our house. Come to find out, it was an earthquake as well. It was so scary. I even called out at the School to make sure our girls and the other kids were okay. I think it was like a 3. something or may have even been a 4. something. I'm so glad no one was hurt and that your Son was okay as well. That would make me jump out of bed as well. I read your previous post and I do love your Christmas Flower. I think it's just that your Mother has a greener thumb for flowers. LOL. I didn't sound for that to be mean, but you know, everyone has their own special touch for something. I used to have a green thumb for houseplants years ago, but never could do anything with the outside flowers. Yours and your Mother's are both beautiful. Take care my friend and have a great evening. May God Bless You and Yours.

Love & Hugs,
Karen H.

Betty said...

I'm glad you are okay and that your son is okay as well.

Donna said...

SO Glad you're all safe and sound!!! Must have scared you something awful!!! hughugs

Carole Burant said...

Oh dear, why is it these things always seem to happen at night!! We've had tremors from nearby earthquakes and I remember well how that terrified me...I can't even imagine going through an actual earthquake! Glad that your son is safe...hopefully that will be it for a while now!! xox

Icy BC said...

I am too so glad that you are ok..