Hey Jim!
Don't get me wrong! I wasn't making fun of the lack of shelves, I was pointing out that the shelves could have been lacking do to your experiences as a California resident!
Anyways, I respect the fact that you folks continue to live out there with the ever-present possiblilty that the next one could be the "ONE" - just like us in the Midwest who put up with tornados and the like. (Who know what those East-coast folks put up with?
Frost-warnings?
)
I spent a week in S.F./S.J. area about a week after Mt. St. Helens blew her top/sides up north...the whole time I was there? Not a wiggle or sneeze.
First earthquake experience? It was a Sunday morning, 0015, in Decatur, IL, sping of '83...it felt like my laundry was off-balanced in the washer during the spin-cycle...went downstairs, washer was still on the swishy-cycle...hadn't even got to the 1st drain and rinse.
"Earthquake? Nah!"
Found out a few hours later (0700), on WBBM radio, that it was a 2.3 (or 3.2) near St. Louis...and 'BBM mentioned that it could be felt as far away and north as Chicago.
I really don't envy you folks...
.