Tracks Across the Skies

I have never seen the clouds do this before.  It is likely a contrail from a jet airplane.

It seems to sparkle as it twists across the sky--like a beautiful twinkling necklace.

Have a lovely weekend, dear Friends. 

Total Eclipse of the Sun

Monday, August 21st, we experienced the total eclipse of the Sun here in Oregon.  I was fortunate to live exactly along the line in which totality took place.  It was an incredible experience. For a full description visit my blog Expect the Unexpected.

Just before the eclipse, the shadows of the leaves were upside down crescents.

After the total eclipse took place, the crescent shadows reversed direction.

Here is an explanation from David Bell, aerospace test engineer:   "Small openings between objects such as tree leaves act like pinhole camera apertures. These allow light rays from different parts of the partially obscured Sun to create an enlarged image of the Sun on the ground. The same shadows occur all the time, but the images created are circular, showing the entire solar disk. Under very good conditions, the image can include large sunspots, as well."

The Eclipse is Coming....

This is a photo of a "Moon bow."  It was in the wintertime.  I had not seen one before, though I'd heard of them.  It was extraordinary to see! 

In 10 days, there will be another extraordinary event--the Great American Eclipse.  I have the great blessing of living in that small band of totality--Here in Oregon it will happen around 10:15 a.m.

Our town and the surrounding area expect up to 500,000 people from all over the world to visit for the event.  There may be shortages of gas, food, restrooms--and of course, traffic gridlock. 

Still, this is the last time such an event will happen in my life time! I am looking forward to it.

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Eclipse week! 

Heart of Leaves

I am often taken aback at how many heart shapes one can find in nature.  They are seen in flowers, clouds, rocks, trees--just about everywhere.

I was in Spokane, Washington, with a friend of mine when I spotted the leafy heart in this picture.  Can you see it?

I have not posted to this blog for about a year.  My camera broke and I really don't like my new one.  Also, it has been a year of dealing with the loss of my Beloved husband.  Suddenly my mind comprehends he will not be back.  I have stopped listening for his step, or expecting him to burst in the back door full of humor and stories.  I miss him dreadfully--but the darkness of loss is beginning to lift.

That's not to say it won't be back.  Grief is like the ocean.  It is always there--and sometimes there are dreadful storms.

God bless you, dear ones.  Look for those hearts--they're everywhere.