Shaking all over .... again

Hi Everyone,

As promised - a few photos. This one is "Car in sink hole". It was in a lot deeper the next day. Unbelievably, by day 3 the cars were removed and the holes filled - not permanently of course but drivable with care. Lots of the silt has been removed and there is a continual stream of lorries heading for the landfill. The sight of all the sewage rushing by within minutes of the quake was unnerving - to say the least.

This one is my kitchen floor! Taken from a funny angle, I know, but I did not want to tread in all the gunk! I found out that plastic bottles bounce (soda water, vinegar etc) and glass bottles break (brandy, gin, Baileys, extra virgin olive oil, curry paste, couscous, rice ...... etc). What a mess and no water to clean it up with. And the smell!!

Another funny angle! I'm sure that I did turn the photo round before I uploaded it. My office - complete with fallen bookshelves. I was actually in there when the quake happened - filing the power bill. The bookshelves missed me by a foot or so and I ran from the house, and later went back in and took photos. Most of my neighbours were out at work but Robin and Bob were there and we had a group hug .....or three! I then set out by bike, through the rivers of shit to Annie's.

She was just arrived at Olive's kindy and waded back to their house. Malc walked about 9 kms from work to home. Sarah tried to get to school to get Joe, had to abandon the car and waded to reach him, taking about an hour. Matt got a lift half way home from his office and walked the rest of the way - 5 kms. His truck is still in the car park at work. Kate was at home, grabbed the dog and dived under the table. She drove to school to get the kids. Roy rode his motorbike through the mucky roads home. But, as I said last time - we are all fine and together. Thanks Kate, Roy, Ash and India.

Water is being restored, power more gradually and joy, oh joy, portaloos!!! I gave it a tryout today but that is more than you really wanted to know. More are on the way and that will ease the pressure. It is either that or a hole in the garden!

Life is rather frustrating but, compared to other people's trauma we are very lucky. The news is depressing but that is true of wherever you are these days. I want to go home ASAP but will probably wait until the power is restored. Off on another holiday on the 10th March so - watch this space!

Until next time, all our love to one and all and thank you for your concern and for keeping in touch.

With love Carol xxx

PS On reflection I think that my initial guess that the sewer had ruptured was, thankfully, wrong. I now think that it was the water main and the yellow colour came from the sand/silt. There is also no smell. Also no water and electricity as yet. Have moved back from Kate's to Sarah's - much closer for going back and forward for cleanup etc. Sarah and the boys in the North Island.

A bit too much excitement!

Hi Everyone and greetings from a very shaky Christchurch,

First let me thank you all for your messages and love to us all. We really do appreciate them. This is just a quick blog to let you know that we are all fine and together at Katherine and Roy's house in Tuahiwi - 25kms from where the rest of us hang our hats. We have power, water and working toilets here, a real bonus!!

It is a really horrible time. The destruction and loss of life is so sad and even though this one was not as powerful as the last quake it was closer and very shallow (only 5 kms deep) and so we felt it more. Our suburb has been severely affected and there will be portaloos around for some time. Oh joy!

I will post again with photos and will get around to all your emails - we have about a dozen computers plugged in around the house and wireless coverage is a little slow!!!

Love to you all.

Carol and ALL the family xxxx

Excitement personified!

Kaikoura - view from the apartment

On the way to Hanmer Springs

Overlooking Christchurch at the top of the gondola

Hi Everyone from a warm and sunny Christchurch! Sorry to mention the weather for those of you still suffering the rigours of winter but our days are definitely getting shorter so that means yours must be getting longer.

It has been a great fortnight having Jennie and John here for a visit. Not so good at the beginning as they arrived and their luggage didn't! Thanks Qantas. It had been left behind in Sydney and thankfully arrived the next day. Still, all they had the first night was the clothes they had travelled in, their hand luggage plus tee and shorts to sleep in courtesy of the airline. Thinking back three years, that was more than Katherine and family got when their luggage was left behind in Sydney, also by Qantas. A pattern beginning to emerge, would you say?

We had a lovely time - catching up on all the news, reminiscing - lots of chatting! We went to Sumner and Governors Bay, had "fush and chups" in Akaroa, of course visited the family and went to Hanmer Springs (rain and hot springs) and Kaikoura (sunshine and whales and dolphins). The time went too quickly and all too soon they were getting ready to fly to Australia for the rest of their trip. The house felt very empty without them!

Still, can't sit still as another trip planned for next month so, until then, take care all of you.

Love Carol xxx