Friggen Quakes!

[itchyfeet]

I've worked SO damn hard to keep my mental and physical health in order, and the health of my husband and children (5 & 7) in order, and as everything starts to feel a little strong and stable again Whattdayaknow? The earth decides to shake. Again. We went though a deadly quake coming up 5 years ago, although our house and family were all safe. My father is just, finally, getting the insurance rebuild for his home now after coming up 5yrs living in his garage. My 5yr old, who was 3 weeks at the time of the first quakes prior to the fatal one knows no different but my 7yr old spent many years going into shock at the sound of school bells, roadworks and trucks.

We've just come back from a 3 day road trip. Marley the Galah arrived here this morning, obviously nervous. I'm trying to stay gentle and calm and do all the right 'settle the new parrot' things and then the floor goes like Jelly underneath me. It's just a wobble, nothing newsworthy, but enough to give me the sh*ts. Gotta pull myself out of the doorway, find and charge my phone before I do the school pick ups in case it was a precursor, and talk, nicely, to Marley who's trying to adjust to an IRN determined to know the in's and outs of his behaviour patterns. (All day, Henry: "You ARE a good boy right? Are you a good boy? Good boy!).

 

[Scott]

Earthquakes are no fun. At least you live in a nation that probably has high construction standards. So many folks perish in lands where unreinforced concrete/masonry results in the pancaking of many floors during a moderate shake.

 

[itchyfeet]

Exactly Scott. We're really lucky in that sense. The country is built on fault lines, and our family home holds up stronger again because it's on piles instead of a concrete foundation.

I was browsing on this site when it hit and needed to vent - no one else home. I find them okay when there is a heap of them, it's when your guard is down and they just whip up to remind you of their power.

 

[gracebowen]

At first I thought your post said quakers.
On a serious note do you have some supplies prepared in case you need them? One thing to consider is if you loose power cooking will be problematic.

A couple weeks of shelf stable food, parrot food and water might help ease your mind. If you had to go 2 weeks without a store could you?

Do you have a plan in case you have to leave your home?

 

[Allee]

Oh no, Natasha! That's awful, I'm glad your family is safe but I can imagine how stressful it must be, and after a three day trip. I know you had a happier homecoming day planned for Marley. Sounds like Henry is excited about your newest family member, is he convinced Marley is a 'good boy'?

 

[plumsmum2005]

I've worked SO damn hard to keep my mental and physical health in order, and the health of my husband and children (5 & 7) in order, and as everything starts to feel a little strong and stable again Whattdayaknow? The earth decides to shake. Again. We went though a deadly quake coming up 5 years ago, although our house and family were all safe. My father is just, finally, getting the insurance rebuild for his home now after coming up 5yrs living in his garage. My 5yr old, who was 3 weeks at the time of the first quakes prior to the fatal one knows no different but my 7yr old spent many years going into shock at the sound of school bells, roadworks and trucks.

We've just come back from a 3 day road trip. Marley the Galah arrived here this morning, obviously nervous. I'm trying to stay gentle and calm and do all the right 'settle the new parrot' things and then the floor goes like Jelly underneath me. It's just a wobble, nothing newsworthy, but enough to give me the sh*ts. Gotta pull myself out of the doorway, find and charge my phone before I do the school pick ups in case it was a precursor, and talk, nicely, to Marley who's trying to adjust to an IRN determined to know the in's and outs of his behaviour patterns. (All day, Henry: "You ARE a good boy right? Are you a good boy? Good boy!).

Hi so sorry that you did not have a good homecoming day with Marley. Sincerely hope that you dont get any more shakes. I'm sure that Marley will soon settle right in and you will love him. I certainly wouldnt be with out my funny, feisty, cuddly RB2 who btw has decided that he prefers to climb the stairs instead of flying and is also going to give the vacuum some grief. He will be just fine. Please do let us know how he gets on with your IRN.

 

[itchyfeet]

At first I thought your post said quakers.
On a serious note do you have some supplies prepared in case you need them? One thing to consider is if you loose power cooking will be problematic.

A couple weeks of shelf stable food, parrot food and water might help ease your mind. If you had to go 2 weeks without a store could you?

Do you have a plan in case you have to leave your home?

Human wise we're totally sorted - we weren't so much when the major ones were hitting but we were okay because we're avid campers and so whilst everything wasn't together, it was around. Parrot wise we're not...something for others to think about too!

Henry is clearly jealous - He's stopped having behaviour talks with Marley and is now just covered hubby and I in kisses at every opportunity, but he'll come right

 

[OOwl]

Sorry to hear about your earthquakes but I can somewhat comfort you in the fact that your RB2 will likely be just fine from the experience. It's all scary and new at the moment but their kind don't dwell on that long, like a Grey that received a trauma in a new environment might for instance. Galahs are pretty mentally sound as far as prey-species birds go. Mine has "frights" from time to time. The other evening, a neighbor's cat (no, not supposed to be running loose outdoors; he's in violation of our laws here) launched itself at his window, scarring the be-jezus out of him. He screamed and flapped and cussed and squawked, but in an hour he was just fine and has never given it another thought. They are pretty resilient parrots. I think they have to be from where they are from and their ancestors are made from pretty strong stuff. Don't worry too much. Enjoy those quiet and compliant new days. Because it won't be long before he's swinging from the rafters truly owning the place. Congrats on your new baby. They are fun.