2023 – Sheila365

Eccentric.

Today we drove a couple hours into the hill country to see the annular solar eclipse of October 2023. We originally thought we would drive to the center of the path, but decided to head for the eastern edge. This meant we wouldn’t see the complete “ring” of the sun around a concentric moon passing in front of it. Instead, we wanted to see the edge of the moon barely passing by the sun, hoping to see some Bailey’s Beads. That means the passing moon wouldn’t be centered inside the sun, but just barely touching the border. I wasn’t able to capture any Bailey’s beads his time – I think the sun’s light was still too bright. But it was a fun roadtrip. The next eclipse is less than 6 months away!

We drove to the west side of Canyon Lake. Eclipses are pretty cool. 🙂

Time warp.

This afternoon I went to a movie theater with several girlfriends to watch the film Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. I think Diana suggested we go, but what a great idea!

I don’t think I’ve been inside a movie theater for over 5 years. Probably a lot longer. But the new cinemas sure are comfy. Monte and I need to get back to it. Plus… bottomless popcorn!!!!

I didn’t even know this movie was made, but when I heard about it, I knew I had to see it. Judy Blume’s book came out in 1970. It’s about a 6th grade girl, ~12 years old, spanning one year of her life, going through puberty, moving schools, and making new friends.

I read this book when I was 11 or 12, myself, a few years after it was published. It struck a chord with me back then. And, it struck that chord again today in the theater. I enjoyed the movie. It even brought a tear to my eye as it brought up feelings from nearly 50 years ago. I can’t understand why anyone would have a problem with this book, let alone ban it.

Go see it!

Out with the old.

And in with the new! We are firmly in the Subaru camp. The outback is a fantastic car.

We are knee deep in user manuals. Stay tuned. But we are again imminently Road-Trip Enabled!!

The mighty have fallen.

This is day 3 of this year’s ice storm. Temperatures in the 20s and freezing rain have coated the numerous trees across Austin with over 1/2” of ice. Our yard has been graced with a dozen or so beautiful live oaks, pecans, and red oaks, and more – probably over 40 feet tall. Our home is over forty years old but these trees are older than that – and they are glorious.

Sadly, yesterday, they started losing whole branches at a time. We’ve heard a symphony of loud cracks and then branches crashing to the ground for too long.

Like the majority of Austin, we finally lost power yesterday, but it came on again overnight, after about 12 hours.

This morning the temperatures are supposed to finally get back above freezing. I hope the ice thaws quickly and that no further damage is done to my beauties.

As bad as it is, I’m thankful the damage hasn’t been worse.

On a positive note, Monte loves using his chainsaw. 🙂