Ruth Niles
Yes, we did have some nasty (albeit very beautiful) lightening a few days ago and some did hit pretty close.

I will unplug it now and just leave it until tomorrow morning then, as suggested, will call General and learn yet another technical thing about my lathe.

I love this lathe, we've been through a lot of years and a lot of wood together.
It's the same lathe that proved stronger than a pipe wrench! : D

Thank you all for the help.