Fear and Trembling

     I just got word that there was an earthquake in southern Illinois.  Having lived in California, a number of times, the idea of an earthquake that measured 5.3 on the Richter Scale doesn't sound terribly bad.  That is, until you consider that Illinois and the surrounding states are not accustomed to the ground starting up like a hot-rod engine and traveling under its own power.

     Years ago, I read quite a bit about the New Madrid Fault, where the recent earthquake originated, it seems.  In 1811 and 1812, New Madrid was so active that more than 2,000 tremors shook the earth in a five-month period.  Five of those quavering land movements measured 8.0 or more, in magnitude.  The seismic energy that shook the earth was actually several times larger than the quake that did so much damage in San Francisco in 1906.

     Having experienced numerous tremors when I lived in California and one very bad shaking situation that I thought was an earthquake and I was about to die when I lived in Washington state, I dread to think how much damage an 8.0 magnitude earthquake would do.  In 1811-1812, quakes in Missouri actually rang bells on the Eastern Seaboard and destroyed the land so badly in the Missouri Bootheel that it was unfit for farmers for many years.

     I do hope we've seen the last of the effects from The New Madrid Fault.  It hasn't been that long ago that we saw, in Haiti, just how devastating an earthquake can be.  Mother Nature seems to have her own set of rules and guidelines.  I only hope that she will settle down very soon.  This winter season has seen a little too much destruction and devastation for comfort. 

     May we all continue to be safe from harm and have the opportunity to enjoy Mother Nature's beauty, for many years to come.  Be safe and warm.  Until the next time, keep a hug on.

Yaya