One Year On

Today is the 22nd of February 2012. One year ago, my hometown of Christchurch was struck by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake, devastating the central city, outlying suburbs and the hills to the east of the city.

On that day, 185 lives were lost, thousands injured and no Cantabrian unaffected.

I am a lucky one. I was uninjured, no one close to me were among the casualties, my home is stable and only in need of minor repairs. I am in paid employment, and despite my business being unable to work out of it's previous location, we have adapted and are now providing an improved service, which is being very well received by our customers. We work now from a warehouse, which in spite of the leaks in the roof near my desk, serves our purposes. All the essentials are there for us, and this new trimmed down style helps us to deliver better programs, because we are forced to adapt. There are good coffee places nearby, and good food outlets are springing up around where I work and where I live, businesses forced to move from the central city, but who are realizing the potential of the suburbs.

But that is not to say that I am unaffected. Since September 4th, 2010 Canterbury has experienced 9667 earthquakes, ranging from magnitude 2 up to a magnitude 7.1 quake. Even the most calm of the Zen Masters must admit that the uncertainty takes it's toll. But, they would also point out that the earth will do what it is want to do, man makes plans and the gods laugh at us.

So the message of this post? At 12:51 I will be sitting at my workbench, diluting Hydrochloric Acid, to use in a class next week. But I will stop, and be thankful for what I have, what I will have and what was.

As a city, Christchurch needs to accept the past, to prepare for the future. And I know it is so very easy for me to say this, but I believe that grieving is essential but through that process we need to now step forward, to heal our fallen city.

Musings over, Greeks tomorrow.

CP

Mother Nature is no excuse- Painting Challenge Update 2

So, for those who don't live in Christchurch (affectionatly known as Quakechurch); we experienced more rocking and rolling yesterday. I myself was safe and sound with my family slightly out of town on Banks Peninsula, but recieved the very odd sensation of watching large rockfalls across the harbour. Unnerving. Sadly, this is common place here at the moment- although we have had no large rumbles in 6 months according to the TV. After a brief time stuck over there (roads were closed to be checked for slip damage), we were able to come home to a house with no further damage or nothing too much fallen over.

But still, an earthquake is no excuse for such poor discipline from my South Lincolnshire Regiment! I came home to find them like this..

All bar the two bearers of the colours were no longer in ranks- two of the troopers had the audacity to attempt to go AWOL; they were picked up as they attempted to escape (to the pub I assume).

Who could redress the ranks, instill an air of courage? Well, the Duke of Wellington of course!

Here is my WIP Duke- there is only a little bit to finish on the Duke- some highlights on his hat, the gold and maybe a touch up on the flesh. His horse has not even got base colours, but I will have to find the right brown! He will hopefully get done today.

So the way the Analogue Hobbies competition works is that I will send them pictures of my finished models, they will be posted on their website then I can put them up on mine too after a day or so. So, without any further ado- here is my painted first (and only) model up on Analogue Hobbies... A Spartan!!

No need for pictures up on here for just that one test model- I am pretty happy with the bronze and the red. Not so much the flesh- something to work on when I paint some more.

Right, off to start painting the Duke's horse, and sending some photos of British Artillery to Analogue. 

CP

Rock and Roll

So, when I say I live in "Quakechurch"; I am not lying. Another severe aftershock today, with continuing smaller aftershocks every few minutes. Makes for a pretty crappy time to be in charge of a whole group of small children; I was teaching a class of Year 1 (5 Year olds) today, and it certainly was an experience I was sure I was not going to have to deal with again after February. But; thats the way it goes I suppose.

I am well, my family are fine. My power is on (hence the update!) and for all intents and purposes, life is fine. My house is standing, so, in the grand scheme of things, I am fine.

Here is a lesson on why store wargames figures close to the floor...

In spite of them all falling down (bar the heavily weighted skirmishers) there is no damage to my British, so the Blog is not going to be stopped! It would have been a real pity if all that work got destroyed!

What will tommorow bring? No idea. Perhaps some painting? It will depend on whether friends of mine need help with the clean up.

To my Christchurch friends, be well and if there is any help I can give, just ask.

CP