On Saturday morning at about 7.20 I was lying in bed listening to Graham Norton when the bed started shaking. I need to point out here, that apart from Graham’s virtual presence I was all alone (sad, I know!) so this sudden, not to mention, unexpected, movement took me by surprise. I sat up rather quickly (that’s usually how I get my kicks nowadays) and could actually see the door-frame wobble. Earthquake!!
The whole thing was over in about ten seconds but it was quite disconcerting, especially as at first I’d thought it was only a tremor, only to be told it was an earthquake of 6.5 magnitude. I did some reading up about quakes and tsunamis yesterday (only because Facebook has found out I’m in Antigua and keeps on posting me articles and links it thinks I might be interested in) and apparently there is no fear of a tsunami when the quake lasts less than 30 seconds. At least that’s the theory. It had had its epicentre north-east of Barbuda and it took fifteen minutes for the effects to be felt on Antigua and obviously some areas felt it more than others.
It’s not the first time I’ve ever experience an earthquake – I’ve felt several here and also years ago on Corfu. I actually slept through one. I woke up and couldn’t understand why both paintings had fallen off the wall. Still, nothing to worry about. I’m sure Graham could dine out on making the earth move for me!
I’ve been doing some nice relaxing things for the last two days as my friend S has arrived from England for a holiday and is staying with me in Avocado Cottage. We had a lovely beach trip yesterday morning followed by lunch at Limerz, a beautiful little spot on Fort James Beach. We went up to Shirley Heights for the Sunday Sunset Lime as it’s one of S’s favourite haunts and had a great time. I’d almost forgotten how good a steel band sounds. And yummy barbecued food.
It’s lovely to see S, but extra-special lovely because, she’s introduced me to an app – FilmOn Television – which enables me to watch UK TV live and free of charge! Yay! No more pining for who might be systolic in Holby or who needs to be talked down from the hospital roof in Casualty. I can now watch it all! Unfortunately, with the four – soon to be five – hour time difference, it’s going to interfere with my writing time-table. But I’m sure I can find a way round it!
Ecstatic FB and Twitter posts from the Daughter who went to see Jason Donovan, who she’s loved and adored since childhood, only for another of her heroes – Gary Barlow – to join him on stage. She thought she’d died and gone to Heaven!
And big, big congratulations to Lydia Lucy White, who went through to the live shows in the Voice last night with this performance. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oOWk7CCVPmg
Lydia is a huge talent who deserves to go far. I was thrilled and honoured to direct her as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella in December 2014 and she her talent is only outshone by her loving personality. I really hope she goes all the way!!
When you mention the places in Antigua it’s as though I personally know them having read your books. Keep on writing can’t wait for the next one Margaret xx
Aww, that’s great to hear! Thanks. I’m typing as fast as I can…… 😉 x
I am so jealous of your lovely daughter!! Gary Barlow, raaar! X
She’s still on Cloud Nine apparently 🙂