Hi, Gang. Craig with you today. We seem to have a small glitch here at Story Empire, so I’m hacking this together for you.
With everyone locked down for a few weeks, I doubt there will be many practical jokes played today. I think we’re all just trying to get by.
We had an earthquake in Idaho yesterday, so that was kind of cool. 2020 is trying to leave a reputation for itself, no doubt. It was kind of timely, because I have a storyboard where small earthquakes are part of the environment. My fictional ones are leftovers from the deployment of nuclear weapons some time in the story’s past. Still, it’s nice to experience what a small one is like.
I actually get to go into the office and work today. We’re on a rotation and it’s my turn. We are an essential business, but we’re trying to work from home where we can. I’m sure everyone has some odd stories about what’s happening in the world right now.
Let’s talk today. Did anyone play any pranks for April Fool’s Day? Do you have any good stories about dealing with quarantine? Are you making observations that might weave their way into your future stories?
Hi, Craig! 2020 is definitely out to leave its mark. Phew! I’ve never heard of an earthquake in Idaho. 😮 Does that happen often? I’m glad it helped with your storyline, but it must have been an eerie experience. I decided that yesterday would be “April Feels Day” instead, I’m finding less and less to laugh about these days. Don’t get me wrong, I’m confident we’ll make it out of this okay but still . . . The only strange thing that’s happened is that our water heater broke down (it’s new), and of course, we can’t get anyone to come and fix it so we’ve been taking a lot of cold showers. I’m watching way too many crime dramas on tv (Criminal Minds, CSI, Law and Order). I think my next novel will be a thriller, crime drama/mystery. 😉 Stay safe, my friend! 😀 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Crime dramas sell well. Maybe you’ll get a television deal out of it. The west gets a lot of small earthquakes. Anything bigger is usually associated with one of the larger fault lines in Utah. Some from the volcanics around Yellowstone or Craters of the Moon. This one was in the middle of nowhere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I don’t know if I could handle that. I have enough with hurricanes, flooding and thunderstorms. I guess each area has to have something. Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve had an idea for a crime drama for a while now. I was waiting to finish my Fantasy Angels Series first, and now that I’m almost done with that I’m going to really look into it. It’s going to take a lot of research, but then again I love doing research. Thank you!
LikeLike
Between power outages and our internet going down on a regular basis, I’m well late to this party. So glad you came through the quake okay, Craig. No April fools here, unless you count the joke of actually trying to get groceries in … it’s nuts, but then that’s the same everywhere, I’m sure. Right now, I’m so grateful for friends who are willing to forage for me. Thanks for covering today’s glitch 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Stay safe, Harmony.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No pranks this year. I think we’re going to give this one a pass. The one good story that I can think of is our pets. With most of us home everyday is Saturday to them. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Mine have been thrilled to have one of us home at all times. At least someone is benefiting.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My cats won’t know what to do when I do return to work. I’m starting my third week of working from home and they’ve gotten used to me being here.
LikeLiked by 2 people
No April Fools here this year, the jokes I’ve seen have fallen flat. I’m sure this time will weave into all our future stories.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Not a very humorous time. Still, I’m trying to find what bits I can.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
No time for pranks today and not many social distancing stories. Stop by Story Empire and leave a few stories or a meme or link to something humorous.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No jokes today. I guess I could call my Wednesday Story an April fool but will let it stand.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have yet to make the rounds today. Kind of bogged down at work. Hope Larry and Andrew are okay.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I couldn’t believe it yesterday! Hubby and I joke with each other that when Yellowstone blows again, we’re happy to be on the west side (though I’m aware that nowhere would be safe), but when my chair started swaying and the water in the coffee pot reservoir sloshed against the sides, I couldn’t believe we were having an EARTHquake. And one of respectable magnitude, too.
As for working, I always got more done–even in writing–when I had to go into the office.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was pretty crazy. I’m waiting for Craters of the Moon to erupt again now. How far away are you from the quake.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pretty far. Up near Potlatch.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s a ways from the epicenter. My daughter really felt it in Hailey.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I work for an essential business and need to go into the office. Years ago I worked from home and I enjoyed it. But people never think you go to lunch or a five minute break.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of the craziest April Fool’s Jokes going around right now that threw people into a panic was a “official” looking announcement from the Governor’s office stating that all children in Texas schools would have to repeat their same grade next year. Needless to say, that April Fool prank caused an uproar!
LikeLiked by 4 people
That’s kind of cruel.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, I didn’t see that one, Jan. Seniors are already lamenting about no proms and possibly no graduation ceremonies. I feel for them.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Luckily, it was just a prank! Otherwise, that governor was about to get a whole lot of hate mail. LOL!
LikeLiked by 4 people
I read about your small earthquake, Craig. We often get earth tremors where I live. They make cracks in the walls which are inconvenient. What work do you do that is an essential service? Our regulator ruled today that accountants and auditors are not an essential service. I am glad as I can work very effectively from home so see no need to go into the office and take that risk unnecessarily.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I don’t talk about my government job publicly. It’s my attempt to keep author Craig and public servant Craig apart. We’ve been working from home and taking turns keeping the office functional. I’m glad we didn’t get any Sheetrock cracks or anything. I doubt we’ll experience another quake.
LikeLiked by 2 people
No problem, I also don’t talk much about my job on my blogs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for understanding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never been very fond of most April Fool’s day pranks, as they are often a bit on the mean-spirited side. Or at least the embarrassing one. I’ve never played one on anyone, at least that I can recall. I am old, you know, and my memory’s not as sharp as it once was. Suffice it to say, with all that’s going on around us right now, I’d rather share things that didn’t rely on rubber spiders to get a laugh. But that’s just me, and everybody knows I’m weird.
I’m so happy the quake didn’t do any damage to you or yours, Craig. Honestly, of all the natural disasters that could come along, earthquakes probably scare me the most. I mean, which direction do you run? 😯 Happily (???), we in Florida only have to contend with hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and the occasional hungry alligator. (Urk.)
I hope your turn at the office goes as smoothly as possible. Thanks for taking over today! And whatever comes a-callin’, please stay SAFE! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Where we are we could go on the lawn. No tall buildings around and even the trees are kind of sparse. It’s more like being in a hay field when the quake hits.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can see where that would keep the ceiling from falling on you, but what about large, gaping cracks in the ground? I’ve seen pictures of those, too. HOPEFULLY none in Idaho! Maybe it takes a certain terrain (or level of strength) before those occur? I should learn more about them, I guess, but I’ve been focused on how to be ready for things that are more of a threat down here. Like, I pretty much never have to worry about a blizzard and being iced in. 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fire seems to be the new one for most of us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I never play pranks. My grandsons are so much better at them than I am, we called truce:) I bow to the experts.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like a reasonable plan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you came through the earthquake safely.
I’m used to working from home, so at least I didn’t need to get used to that. All the stress, people’s behaviour, and the panic-buying, are combining to trigger anxiety related issues though, so I’m struggling a lot with that at the moment.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The same things you’re seeing baffle me. I have a hard time understanding all that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for taking care of the “glitch” at Story Empire today, Craig 😉 I love that this group is great on teamwork!
April Fool’s Day seems to be one of those times that easily get overlooked, but it could make for great fun in a story. I have a short story that includes a fabulous prank (if I do say so myself), but it doesn’t take place on April Fool’s Day. It’s another old one I should dust off and clean up.
I’m glad the earthquake wasn’t serious. We had one tremor in PA years ago and that was my only experience feeling something of that nature. Very weird.
Hope everyone is staying healthy and well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We’re all safe and good. I need to work up a con game and it has me a bit stifled right now. I need some characters in more than one place at a time. A con is as close as I can get right now.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Days with deadly viruses and earth-jolting moments…sounds like you’re living in one of your books, Craig. Hang on!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hadn’t quite thought of it that way, but you are right. I’m making reference notes. Hope you two are safe and well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Was barely paying attention to things.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Everyone is a little distracted right now. Hang in there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always work from home and things seldom work, so I guess I get pranked by technology all year long. Not in the mood for real pranks this year, so hopefully none come my way.
I’ve never read an April Fools Day prank in a story, but now I’m thinking it might be fun. Especially if the pranker is someone usually very stoic and dull.
Glad you weathered the earthquake without issue, Craig.
LikeLiked by 4 people
That could be a neat spin on things. Might be fun if a trickster type is the one who gets pranked.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yep. Keep it fresh. That would be fun.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It doesn’t need to be April 1 for you to have technology issues. You are a magnet for that issue.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Sadly, that’s so true.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You know her too well!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think April Fool’s Day tried to visit me early. I’m beginning my third week of working from home. Yesterday was one of those days! Software problems, virtual desktop problems. You name it. And wouldn’t you know five minutes before time to quit for the day, the problems resolved on their own.
I had hoped to get in more writing time during this period, but I’ve been busier than ever and mentally exhausted at the end of each day. But this too shall pass.
LikeLiked by 3 people
That seems to be the case around here, too. At quitting time, I usually quit. Working from home seems to be 24/7.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m also finding that to be the case.
LikeLiked by 2 people