I used to know how to do this.  Really.

I thought I could set the TEOTWAWKI post below to be released after I wrote this one, in which I offered profuse lame excuses for a period of long absence and blog neglect. I guess not.  So, no lame excuses. The truth is, I've been in an   Amboy state of mind: Not much happening, but lots of open space in case anything should start up.

I've been trying to follow my own advice and stay calm in the midst of chaos, but after having snow in the desert in November, tsunamis in the South Pacific in December, and rain and floods here in January, I have to admit I find myself checking the weather reports and earthquake maps regularly these days.

Earthquakes and extreme weather will shake us up, and wake us up, for sure. I even got to put the the “triangle of life” maneuver into practice the evening we had our local 4.3 jolt. When the shaking last longer than the “normal” microquake I rolled off the bed and hit the floor next to it.

Theoretically, in the event of a building collapse, the safest place is supposed to be on the floor next to a bulky piece of furniture.  I figured "staying calm in the face of chaos" didn't mean being unconscious from a knock on the head.

Anyway, it’s about time to return from Amboy, so I’ll be catching the next Greyhound out of town.