Quake News... Video of the City Centre and Preparing Things

Sometimes things on here (esp lately~) are nothing to do with Gardening or Butterflies *grin*...
Found this on Stuff.
Its the updated video of what is happening inside our city centre.
The Red Zone... sounds so ominous. It is definitely a hive of activity, past and present - hard to identify where you are. Thank God we are seeing some progress. Now, what about those houses eh. Time to move along.
Its about PEOPLE not BUILDINGS. Right?
LINK TO VIDEO 

The latest aftershock of size was this morning ... A Four on the richter scale, gave most of us a wee fright, Im sure. Just when you think we are moving on to better things and you get a shake-up :) LINK Belfast got centred  by it this morning!

Its things like THIS HERE that make you go BOOOOO!!! - We have heard this story before, havent we?  Because its scary... we need to keep preparations foremost in our minds, quietly preparing, gently preparing... we (as families, parents, communities)  cannot change what we do not know, but we can learn what we NEED to know to cope...
But these wide and erratic predictions do nothing but feed and spread fear which stymies any growth. I think the media and other responsible bodies need to be cracked over their collective heads for allowing these stories to gather any credence. Give us knowledge - teach people what they need to know to cope, dont feed them part of the story and let them wonder? Another LINK  

Some things below to think about... do, plan.. save etc.

HAVE A PLAN - CHECK THE PLAN
Alter the plan as you need to.
Let others know what your plan is, in case you need to be found for any reason.
Where do you meet in an emergency?
Who picks up who?
What are alternatives?
Who do the children trust in an emergency?
Talk it through with your partner, your family, your children. Even your work-mates.
Use possible situations like...
What would we do if ...
Where would you go if Mum wasnt here...
If Dad couldnt get to...
Help the kids understand and  listen to their ideas,  explaining things in simple terms, a calm voice,  no need to add too many details, answer their questions - if theyre like my children, they may have many.

Know what you need and have it handy - especially Formula, Bottles etc, Nappies, Sanitary Pads etc, Warm clothing and MEDICATIONS. Batteries, Radio, Childrens favourite toys/cuddly - Maps if required.
A leash for the dog. Dog/Cat food.
Just in case you need to get out.

Prepare - buy what you can, know what you can make do with, or gather alternatives.
Necessity is the Mother of Invention :-)
LEARN - Read what you can, know about the possibilities, without feeling the fear. Mind power is awesome. Believe in the possibilities.
Positive Ideas, feelings and outcomes.

PLEASE  Dont leave it to the last minute. 

Fill and Store Water Bottles and Refill them regularly (2-3 months)
First Aid Kit - gather what you need now, and have one in your car

Have a wee read HERE and be prepared






LINKY LINK!
THE NZ SHAKEOUT- At 9.26am on Wednesday 26 September, we aim to have one million participants in the New Zealand Shake Out earthquake drill, the first ShakeOut drill held nationwide in any country!

Participants at home, work and school will practice "Drop, Cover and Hold"—the right action to take in an earthquake...

Im not talking about fearful worrying panics. Im thinking things through, talking, planning, overcoming issues, surrounding yourself in the knowledge we will get through whatever comes our way.

Love, Blessings
And Warm thoughts...
E BUTTERFLY
XXXXXXXXX

Softly Whispering...

Another Sunday and it dawns on me that its nearly Year Over again! Roll on 2011!

Hearth & Home

It has occurred to me today that while I sit here, enjoying the quiet, that maybe the children are almost empty - tired and expectant, ready for school holidays. It isnt often that I am allowed a few minutes to gather my head before they appear on a weekend day morning... And the sun is gorgeous already, the sky the most beautiful blue, dotted with fluffy billowy clouds that are moving away quickly, as if the wind is chasing them across the sky...

Christmas Tree

The Christmas carols have been on the radio for weeks already which fuels the childrens impatience for Santa, and the expectation of presents & celebration, the stores are the same with their early exhibitions of Christmas trees and decorations for sale - every colour, every size and shape...
It used to be when I was little (not THAT long ago, surely?) that Christmas was just in December, but now - and especially this year, it seems we are dragging out the festive season for two extra months. Who can keep up?

Not me.
I have just pulled out the first Christmas CD and dusted it off. You find yourself tapping fingers and merrily humming to the tunes, singing outloud, (looks of amusement from said children!)
The children are practising anyways, for end of year carol services etc.
Old familiar music - how the tunes bring the bittersweet memories, the lyrics, the Christmases of long past, and childhood memories both good and bad, are all stirred up by Christmas carols.


Late night carol services, midnight mass, hushed secrets, presents that bought happy tears or thrills, excitement, smells of custard and brandy pudding, the richness of spicy fruit, or apricot sauce to thickly coat the ham. The family holidays, the swapping of gifts, the recieving, the giving.. Oh you get it... It is all so good, so good... sometimes so sad, but usually it is good!

Well its  too much to wade thru this weekend.
Maybe its me, Im winding down at the end of our Difficult Year, I feel the melancholy - the depth of emotion from the memories of people who wont be here with us this year.
I feel each and every one of them, and remember them all within my heart.
Historically, this is never an easy time of year for me, its just how I am. 





I ll buck up though, the children and I plan on getting the house ready for our Christmas tree, so the heavy heart wont last long. Soon it will brim to overflowing, full of the soft whispers...
The baking, the smells, the scents of Christmas, the shiny bows, the crispness of the paper, the various renditions of favourite carols, the stories of Christmas past... yes, the sadness will subside, and build with anticipations, fascinations, the sheer delights of Christmas Spirit.
It is in the giving - some small part, about the recieving maybe but honestly... its ALL about giving.
The joys of being a parent hover over the word FANTASTIC when you see the joy children get from such small things at this time of year.

Just for now though, I would like to hear soft whisperings...
The old year simmering, waits to fade into end. The new year, full of hope waits, like a shiny box with unknown secrets inside.
For now, I ll remember the ones I can no longer hold, no longer enjoy simple pleasures with. Memories are wonderful, painful things.

SOFTLY WHISPERING I LOVE YOU
English Congregation - 1972

Softly, whispering I love you,
echoes of your voice are calling still through my dreams,
softening the chill of the breeze.

Through my window,
I can see the moonglow
painting silver shadows on a rose-colored land;

A world that we walk hand in hand
in a day of gold
colored by the glow of new love.
 
I can feel your warm face ever close to my lips
and the scent of you invades the cool evening air.
I can close my eyes and you´re there in my arms still
and I know your soft kiss,
turning into music every beat of my heart,

When I hold you close to my heart
and I hear your voice
whispering I love you.

FOR MEHARUS
In my heart,
with all my 
Thanks & Love
Sat 20 Nov 2010 

wonderful clipart

Love and Seasons Blessings

EButterfly