Here in the greater Salt Lake (Utah) valley at 7:09 a.m. we were all startled awake by a strong 5.7 earthquake centered west of the city, just west of the airport. I am normally up and awake at that time, but had had a sleepless night and after hours awake, had managed to get back to sleep only to be thus awakened.
When it began, I first felt aware of Frankie next to me on the bed shaking his tags loudly, as he does to let me know he wants to go out. But the bed was shaking too -- hard. What the heck, Frankie? Within a second I thought earthquake, tried to get up. I was still halfway in a dream that seemed to flow into the event, though I can't remember now anything of the dream. By the time I struggled to stand up, it stopped. I let Frankie out and dove into a series of texts and calls from all my kids.
Since this morning there have been over 50 aftershocks -- most of them small -- but two strong ones at 4.5 and another 4.6 just an hour ago. I had a false sense of security for awhile, as the aftershocks had dropped off and were quite small -- and then that big one hit. Now, I'm seriously rattled and just waiting on edge for the next one. Frankie is starting to get edgy, too.
All my kids and grandkids checked in with me right away. Family is all okay and no damage. Around the valley, only minor injuries have been reported and some damaged buildings. The airport suffered damage and was shut down for awhile, but is back in operation now.
I am already staying home practicing social distancing due to the coronavirus plague. I have quite a few projects lined up to keep busy around the house and yard. But today, I'm taking a break from productivity and just do some extra self-care. Starting with writing about the experience.
On the home front, my favorite neighbors are now getting their house ready to sell and I expect they will be leaving soon. It has made me realize I don't want to stay in this house anymore. For a year or so I've been looking at nice little one-level homes in the neighborhood where two of my sons and their families live. It won't take me long to get my house ready to sell. I have a few little things inside that need attention. Outside, I need to finish the cleanup I didn't do last fall. But I won't engage in all the planting I usually do. Just clean up, fertilize, mulch, edit out any plants that aren't looking well, and probably add some annuals for a pop of color.
It's a big step to think seriously about leaving the home I've lived in for over 40 years. But the world is a changed place. I need a new normal. We all do, really. There will be long-term effects from the pandemic. In addition, there's been an explosion of apartment and condo building just a few blocks from my house, and traffic, noise, and other issues are starting to change greatly in this neighborhood. I guess it's as good a time as any to make a big move.
Yes, I'm still a little shaky. I keep thinking we're having another shake, and then I realize it's me that's shaking. Our earthquake event is apparently not over. But now I've written about it, and I'm hoping the worst of it is behind us.
What next, world? What next?
UPDATE: Here we are 5 days later and 100s of aftershocks later. I had experienced one large earthquake prior to this, but did not have this much aftershock activity. After a 4.0 shock that was felt all the way to Ogden yesterday, and many questions on Twitter, the USGS tookk the time to explain more about aftershocks and that this is actually normal and not indicative of something bigger to come. I do appreciate the reassurance. But this whole thing really is unnnerving; especially in conjunction with the virus pandemic.
