Nature is trying to make a point of some kind. I hadn’t intended to write an entry tonight, but California seems to be crumbling quickly, so I thought I should at least say goodbye before the ocean claims what’s left of us. Three earthquakes in three days? No big deal. A 6.5 just off the north coast? Now you have my attention.

Let me be clear: I haven’t felt any of these recent earthquakes. Mom says she felt the one yesterday afternoon, but (a) she’s on the ninth floor of her building, and (2) she’s on medication. I’m sure she felt something. We’ve lived in earthquake country all our lives, so we laugh them off until they start knocking people (or buildings or bridges) down.

After surviving the Loma Prieta quake of 1989 (I was in the upper deck of Candlestick Park when it hit), I’m mindful of what earthquakes can do. But I also believe I’ve felt the devil’s heartbeat and probably won’t get any closer to being swallowed by my home planet than I already have. Nevertheless, I’m well stocked with bottled water and canned beans.

I spent a couple of hours with Mom today, and she’s recovering slowly from the pneumonia. Too slowly for her liking, but so far the doctor is not concerned about her progress. The original estimate of a week until she’s better now seems a bit too optimistic, but Mom knows what she has to do. Besides, she has us to remind her, way too often to suit her. To whatever degree necessary, we will drag her through the morass and she’ll come out on her feet, as always.