I’m sure that many of you are waking up to the news that there has been a severe earthquake in central Italy about 150 km from where we live.
We were woken at about 3.30 am by a door or window datelining violently, I thought it sounds like a trapped animal trying to escape and my husband went to investigate; A few seconds later it happened again and I guessed that it was possibly an earthquake; there is a reason that my garden soil is entirely volcanic rock!
About half an hour later I felt the bed shake and the door began to rattle again, this was a much shorter shock but felt stronger to me.
My thoughts are with the people of the town of Amatrice, where by the way, the pasta sauce amatriciana comes from; I expect many of you will have heard of it or even eaten it.
This puts into perspective some of life’s other trials and problems; no damage as far as I can see to My Hesperides Garden, Christina
Creating my own garden of the Hesperides 
We are so glad to hear you are safe, if not shaken. Thank you for posting and our prayers are with the villagers in Rieti and Norcia and Amatrice. I wonder how Castellucio fared…
We have just been reading about it Christina and of course immediately thought of you. Oh, how absolutely terrifying. I am glad you are alright, but what a nightmare for the people affected.
I have been thinking of you, and of the people of the region, so often affected by tremors and quakes. I do hope all is well and that you, your husband and all those living around you are all right. I imagine the possibility of such events is at the back of the mind for those who live in central Italy, but it’s difficult to experience it all the same. As you say, it does put life’s other tribulations into perspective. Best wishes, Sylvia
My immediate thoughts were of you Christina, when we heard the news on the radio, so glad to know that you are safe and well. Our thoughts are with the people who have suffered damage and injury, we can never take Nature for granted.
I woke up to the news and how scary to have been close enough to have felt the tremors. Best wishes Sue
I didn’t sleep so well last night and was up at 5am. This was all over the news by then although they had no real idea how bad it was at that point. Thanks for letting us know you are OK, although obviously shaken by the news. Our thoughts are with the people of the region as they go through such a difficult time. It also sounded as if there could be a lot of holidaymakers in the area at the moment so people from all over will not know if their loved ones are safe or not. How terrible to go through that.
I just watched the news about the earthquake and then your post.
Happy to hear you and your beautiful garden are safe.
Pleased your safe, Christina – what an amazing experience (which I’m sure I don’t want to share). Best, Dave
Such a shock. I am glad all is well with you.
The story just came on the news as I read your post. We will keep the town in our prayers.
Was concerned about you two when I read the news. Relieved you are safe.
I had not caught up with the news before I read your blog, our son is visiting. So sad when the epicentres hit built up areas. Good to know you are not in the direct area. Amelia
I thought of you first off when I awoke to the news this morning. Glad you’re well–what a quake to have felt it from so far away. Good wishes for all who are impacted.
Keep safe!
So glad you are safe as my first thoughts were of you….indeed my prayers are with those affected.
I’m glad you are safe. I thought of you as soon as I saw the news this morning but haven’t been able to get to my computer until now. The pictures from the affected villages look devastating.
Been following this since yesterday evening, then again thru the day.
Relieved to hear you are OK.
Gracias a Dios que usted y su marido están bien. En cuanto me enteré pensé en tí Christina. Que no se vuelva a repetir nunca más. Mis oraciones están con los afectados. Saludos entrañables de Margarita.
I’m so glad you posted your status, Christina. As soon as I heard the news report this morning I thought of you and wondered exactly where you were in relation to the quake. It’s a threat we live with too but even harder to prepare for than fire and flood. I’m happy to hear you came through it unscathed but so sorry for those directly impacted.
Glad to hear that you are fine, but what a shock to wake up to. So sorry for the towns affected, especially Amatrice.
Terrible news. I saw it today and I’m glad to hear you are safe. I hope the emergency services manage to do a wonderful job to help those affected.
The images on the news here in the U.S. look really devastating, it is all very sad.
Thank goodness all is well with you Christina. I heard about the earthquake while driving to the airport today. (Now safely arrived in the UK and it is HOT!)
Good to hear you are OK. I saw it last night but only managed to understand that it was in Italy somewhere.
Glad to hear you are ok, the photos of the devastation are horrible and I knew you were somewhat close to that area. So sad to see this happen.
Unfortunate timing when everyone was sleeping. The damage is incredible to see, whole towns collapsed. You never know what can happen in life. Glad you are okay, Christina.
Very sad to hear of the Earthquake ….and the death rate seems to be climbing. Our best wishes go to all involved, & glad you haven’t been affected.
Glad to hear you are safe and sound.
I have just come away from the BBC news to read and divert my mind. The devastation is grim and aftershock frightening. Stay safe Christina and may the death toll rise no further. Thoughts are with you and all of Italy.
Truly terrifying. Very glad to know that you are safe, though.
Very happy to hear that you , your family , and your garden came through the earthquake without harm. We have been watching the coverage and our hearts go out to all those who have lost so much and so many loved ones . What a difficult summer it’s been for you . I’m glad you have the beauty of your garden to lift your spirit .