h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

That's 7,861 earthquakes here since September 4th 2010.

Still a couple each day, but definitely less frequent and of lower magnitudes now. Thank


Fb

Wow! that is a lots of shaking!

Wow! a cocktail drinkers paradise

(now the "fun" bit over)

I'm highly glad that your ok loveand my wishes for your continued health and happiness carries on each day

Blimey, fb. I'm glad they seem to be starting the slacken off though.

Funnily enough, the only reason I found this journal entry was because I wanted to pop over and see how you were doing! I really should add you to my friends list.

Whole lotta shakin goin on.

That is amazing. Mother Nature can certainly get our attention when she wants to. I'm glad they are now fewer and milder.

Yup - a whole lotta shakin' ... which would be funny if it wasn't. If you get my drift.

It is a very odd feeling to be part of what's going on here. I bumped into an ex-pat Scot the other day who told me she's had enough of the shakes and all the aftermath and is heading back 'home' in March. I surprised myself with the strength of my internal response (I didn't quite gasp out loud in her face). I couldn't possibly leave.

Partly it's because there is a lot to do (and I mean a lot) to help central Canterbury assume normal normality (like most of the rest of the world enjoys) and I feel very much part of that recovery effort. Simply by being here I'm helping. 10,000 people have left and whilst I absolutely don't blame them I can't join them. I want to see this beautiful place get back on its feet.

Partly it's because the stuff we've been through in the last 15 months ties us together. I went back to Scotland earlier this year and realised that there is an entire outlook on life which is unique to Cantabrians now, which isn't shared anywhere else in NZ, let alone overseas. It felt very odd to be in a community which didn't have a focus on rebuilding, recovery and looking after each other. And suddenly I couldn't share earthquake-related conversations: I had to explain things from scratch.. and watch as people became either more and more horrified, or more and more disbelieving about the after-effects of the quakes. It was like being on a planet just like mine, but slightly different. Very odd indeed

If Rod's reading this, I wonder if he feels the same?

VIP - yes, do add me as a friend. I may not be here often, but it's quality when I am

Fb