R16, D6

[IslandGirl]

Before I get to today's gifts... For those wondering: There was a 7.7 earthquake off the north west of Vancouver Island last night, and there have been more than 75 large aftershocks, but as the quake occurred off-shore, there hasn't been any reported damage, nor injuries. It actually happend 450 miles northwest of my town - this is a very big island - so I didn't feel a thing. Closer to the epicenter, apparently there was quite a bit of shaking going on, but again, no damage or injuries. There was a little more concern when a tsunami warning was given for a town 90 miles away, but the "tsunami" turned out to be an 8" wave. The irony is that Tofino, where the sirens sounded, is a surfing town, and regular waves are many, many times higher! (I'm not even sure how they calculated that the "tsunami" wave was there...). 

I didn't even know about any of this until my sister texted me from Florida - she'd fallen asleep with the Weather Channel on and woken up around midnight Eastern to hear about a major earthquake on Vancouver Island. Then another sister - one I haven't spoken to in well over a year - called around 2am Eastern, to make sure I was okay. She kept thinking I was in shock; it took some convincing before she understood that it was the equivalent of being in Philadelphia and knowing there had been an earthquake in Connecticut.

Today blossomed into a beautiful and warm spring-like day, which was a nice respite from all the grey raininess we've been having. My mood was more peaceful than it has been in a while, and I suspect it was largely because of the nicer weather.

It seemed like everyone and their dog (literally) was out walking - these days are rare between October and June - and I found an opportunity to take a photo of a tourist couple. Later, at the grocery store, I was in the express line with one item, and there was a family behind me - a mom and two early-teen girls. Each of the girls had their arms full of stuff... No, I didn't let them go ahead (I wasn't that generous), but I did pull out a basket and give it to them, so they wouldn't have to hold all the unwieldy items.

I hope all of you on the East Coast are safe, well, warm and staying dry!

And regardless of location, I hope you all had good Sundays. Cheers! 

[Deb~ Community Manager]

So happy you are safe~ <3

[Laura M]

Didn't hear about that one, but glad you're safe.   Best to you for this workweek--

L

[Lois55 wwt]

I'm glad you posted...and very glad you are okay. It sounds like a very good day for you, weather wise...take care..see you tomorrow:)