Solar Eclipse Adventures!

 I know some of you come here to read each day from places all around this country – and world! – so some of you know that yesterday was a big deal day here in Indiana. Others of you might not have any idea that we had a solar eclipse yesterday, and our little corner of the world was right in the path of totality.

            I’m not an astronomer and am not one to chase one of these for the experience of it, but since it took place right here in our literal backyard, I wanted to enjoy the experience…and I certainly did!

            A couple of weeks ago, our friends who come to visit every winter messaged to see if they could camp out in our yard for the eclipse. I told them they most certainly could not sleep outside, but we would happily give them room INSIDE! So Sunday night, they arrived late, bearing the coolest gifts, including these sugar cookies that Jenna made. They were so delicious.

            Our night of wrangling two pets with six guests in the house is a hilarious tale that I shall save for another day. But eventually everyone got some sleep, and we awakened to a GORGEOUS morning. I don’t think I’ve said that phrase for a while. We’ve had some beautiful sunsets lately, but they’ve all come at the end of a gross and cloudy day. To have beautiful skies throughout the day? What is this madness?

            I had some work meetings in the morning, and our guests got ready for the day, and then we all piled in their van and headed for Ryan’s work so we could enjoy their “Solarbration” party. I took along all my work stuff and spent time working remotely from Ryan’s office. (He was a golf cart driver for the party!)

            I took breaks to enjoy the fun festivities they had planned for the day. I did not participate in the bounce houses, but the kids did, and they had fun. I did join everyone for lunch. Several food trucks came for the day, and Ryan and I shared a “Mericatots” from the Drop it Like it’s Tot truck.

            When the time came for the actual eclipse, I rejoined our friends, and we sat in awe of the experience together. It amazed me how light it remained outside while looking through the glasses told me only a tiny sliver of the sun was showing. It amazed me how dark and cold it got right in the middle of the day. It amazed me how quickly the light reappeared on the other side!

            I was so glad Ryan talked me into coming to the party. Originally I planned to stay home, but he reminded me I can work from anywhere and thought I would have more fun hanging out at work. He was so right. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss it.

            What a fun day. I may not understand everything about the eclipse, but I understand family, friends, and fun, and my day was saturated with all three!