The Quake That Hit DC

Just 24 hours ago we had our 40-odd seconds of rumbling. To be honest, it felt like a whole heck of a lot longer than that. It also was one of the strongest quakes I've ever experienced. The fact that it occurred in DC --and not San Diego or Okinawa-- is what left me so unsettled: I just wasn't expecting it. So where was I at 1:51 on Tues August 23rd? About to get in the shower of all things. Lizzie was down for a nap. When the house started to vibrate and creak for more than what seemed reasonable (and it was growing in sound and sway) I bolted from the downstairs bath up to her room, scooped her sleeping body, grabbed a dress and barely had it over my head when I hit the back porch. Panting I stood in the backyard watching the house and wondering, What the heck? What now? The day was gorgeous- more September like than August- with  clear blue skies and a slight breeze. The alley was silent. I stared at the house and wondered if I had lost my mind. I was shaking so much I couldn't even type my password to access my phone. Once I finally steadied my hand I checked the local news and there was nothing. After a few hits of the refresh button there it was "Earthquake Strikes DC." So at least I wasn't crazy.

Government buildings and schools evacuated and closed. I picked up Mahlon early still somewhat dazed. Last night I went with a friend downtown to see The Shakespeare Theater preform Julius Caesar. We almost missed it because the metro was barely running. Traffic was horrendous. And then, in the scene where Caesar is lying in a pool of his own blood, flashing lights followed by piercing sirens. Was this part of the play? Apparently not. It was the fire alarm. So the theater evacuated to the streets (we managed to nab our champagne glasses we had pre-ordered for intermission so at least it was a pleasant evacuation!). Turns out there were also a few aftershocks registered about this time, but I never felt them.

In the middle of the night we had a blackout. Police cars, lights flashing patrolled the streets of our neighborhood. And then this morning they announced schools are closed!

Just what the heck is going on here?

As for my mention of Mahlon's auspicious start to a new school year yesterday, I'm beginning to wonder! Day three and the school is closed due to an earthquake--in DC ?! Turns out when the quake hit Mahlon was reading in a zebra striped bean bag chair. It was a special treat because he had received the first gold star of the year from his teacher. I wonder if she has any idea just how much this means to him (and me!).

And now it's on to hurricane Irene. Bring it on Irene, bring it on...