Ashy sunset

Interesting day at work which, on the whole, went well.

Then, at lunchtime, news started to filter through about another big (5.5) earthquake that had hit Christchurch. Then, by mid-afternoon, news that an even bigger (6 on the Richter scale) quake had struck.

The news tonight is that 46 people have been admitted to hospital but thankfully, no deaths or serious injuries. 47,000 houses are without electricity and, given it's just 1 week from mid-winter, some peole are going to be having a very cold and uncomforable night. Many houses are without water too - and, as irony would have it, liquefaction and unwanted water and silt is oozing up around the area once again.

My heart goes out again to all our Christchurch blippers and indeed, everyone in Christchurch. Hang in there.

ON the way home I decided to head to the beach for a quiet moment or two whereupon I noticed an interesting sunset evolving. Then I realised that the ash from Chile's Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcanic eruption must be causing it. And sure enough, if you look closely, you can make out a drift of ash across the horizon.

Some day huh? I feel very blessed to have had a settled, calm and event-free day.

Thinking of you Christchurch, and also all those travellers who are stranded away from home unable to fly because the airlines have grounded their planes.