Yes, an earthquake in Virginia! 5.9 on the scale, and we were just a few miles from the epicenter.
I was hanging clothes when the shaking started. Being so close to the Marine Corps base, I first thought artillery, then jets. The deck was shaking first and then I realized the ground was shaking under me more and more. Some of the kids were on the deck and some were in the house. Next thought was the deck was collapsing, then I had some random thought of the house exploding, not sure what I imagined would cause it, but at that point anything seemed possible!
I really didn't know what to do. I had a quick thought of basement but realized that was stupid. I ordered the kids off the deck and ran in to get the others out of the house.
I am not sure how long it lasted but it was long enough. An hour and a half later, my legs are still shaky and my heart still going a little too fast.
Great story. No desire to experience it again!