Convalescing need never be dull, unless you make it so.
from The Magic Key to Charm by Eileen Ascroft
Status Report: Wobbly
As you may have already gathered (or felt) by now, New Zealand is in the grip of a major earthquake event, which started just after midnight with a magnitude 7.5 quake and has been presenting variations on the theme ever since.
I am happy to report that the Caped Gooseberry and I are unharmed, albeit rather lacking in sleep. For one thing, there’s the continuing aftershocks, and for another, there’s the tsunami siren which the authorities, in their wisdom, have caused to be housed just over our back fence.
I also note that if there’s one thing calculated to bring general chaos into your life, it’s deciding to do NaNoWriMo (PseuDo or otherwise); and if there’s one thing calculated to provoke an aftershock, it’s deciding to pay a visit to (cough) the smallest room in the house.
So far the only damage we’ve noted is one bookcase crashing down onto our bed, precisely in the place my legs would have been had I not been already cowering in the doorway and beseeching divine aid to secure the continued existence of a) our house and b) ourselves. (Thanks.)
Naturally, my thoughts today are with those who have not weathered the night so well – and with all those exerting themselves to help, whether professionally involved or friendly neighbours. Good on all of you.
If you’re in New Zealand yourself, do feel free to leave a comment so we all know you’re ok!
Favourite Spice
Imagine this: a slice of fresh homemade bread spread with butter, covered with slices of tomato straight from the garden and finished off with salt and freshly ground pepper. There are few things more delicious, in my opinion – but then I just love the smell of freshly-ground black pepper (middle row, second from left).
What’s your favourite spice (feel free to give coordinates if shown above) and how do you like to use it?