Dear Anne and Family,
Just got our computer up and running, so thank you very much for your kind thoughts.
We are OK and just getting on with life as best we can. Both trying to do as much volunteer work as we can. I work on the help desk at the airport and have done three in three days. Very sobering and you realise that there are a huge number of people far worse off than yourself!
We were sitting having lunch when the earthquake hit. We had little Ella with us and all I could think of was her, and I have never been so scared in all my life. I thought the whole front of the house was going to blow out. We hung on to the table leg and watched the kitchen just fall apart.
Lost all our crockery, china and crystal TV went off the cabinet and across the room also. TV in our bedroom was ripped from the wall. Microwave crashed on to the floor, fridge opened and everything including eggs was smashed everywhere. Only crockery saved was what was in the dishwasher, which didn’t move.
Lost all my treasures from the China cabinet, some with great sentimental value, but they are only possessions and we are still alive. Some of my friends have lost people and so many have no houses at all.
The worst part was at first no power, water or sewerage. We got power on late that night but water and sewerage were a problem. We had to queue up at the local school for water and Norm being a good Boy Scout has dug a big hole in the back garden for sewerage. We are managing.
Both cats went missing but our fat Thomas came home the next day and Meredith’s cat arrived home today, so that was a good feeling.
That’s all, so once again thanks for thinking of us all. We can’t wait to have our holiday in Africa in August (you don’t have earthquakes in Africa do you?).
Regards, Anita
Christchurch Rugby World Cup doubt
The Christchurch community is facing the horrible reality that Rugby World Cup matches due to be staged in the city in September and October may be moved to alternative venues. Other than all the rebuilding that needs to be undertaken to get the city ready for the big event, pundits have now pointed out that it would be irresponsible to invite thousands from around the world to the city if it was not safe.
Other than the big quake that struck on February 21, there have been numerous smaller shocks and aftershocks that have rattled the city in the past year. Watch this space for more.
Video: Quake hits Christchurch
***Meanwhile Resident Dave Cross says he is devastated that his wife Ngaire has left him, telling him she had had enough after he did not pick her up quickly enough after the quake.
The New Zealand Herald said that Ngaire was unhappy that Cross did not take the time and effort to ensure her safety after the deadly natural disaster.
Cross, a water tanker driver, was out of town on a job and said he didn’t hear about the quake until he returned. He then left work to look for his wife.
28-year marriage shaken by quake
“She reckons I should have found her quicker. The earthquake is nothing. I wouldn’t care if we lost everything, but 28 years?” he said.
***The death toll from what could become New Zealand’s worst ever natural disaster currently stands at 148.