Well, almost.

There I was at Lowe’s, loading up the cart in the almost deserted nursery. There was only one other customer, but then most people don’t shop for flowers at night. Then the big, loud train came by. It shook things the way the trains in The Triplets of Belleville did. A few things slid off some high shelves, but the guy didn’t seem concerned, so I began looking for cyclamen. He meandered out.

A few minutes later, a family member found me. That’s when I learned the entire store had been evacuated. Well, except for us. And that several people were crying out in the parking lot.

I couldn’t help it. I completely cracked up. You see, usually we go to Home Depot (for those not familiar with American home improvement stores, these are the two biggest ones), which is located next to the railroad tracks. Not that I ever experienced such shaking there, but I mean, that’s sort of an excuse.

The ceiling fans and lamps on display were still kind of swaying as we checked out, and quite a few of the store staff were sitting in small groups in the parking lot.

So I missed all the brouhaha, but got to have the fun. I hope my luck holds out next time.