2017 Life Logs, Day 233: Solar Eclipse 2017
Date: Monday, August 21, 2017
Weather: Mostly Sunny; High 82, Low 69 degrees F
Location: At Home in The Studio, Falmouth, MA
The highlight of the day for many Americans was the solar eclipse, but here on Cape Cod the eclipse was not so dramatic. I think about 65 per cent of the sun’s surface was blocked by the moon in Massachusetts and that does not produce the same dramatic results as a total eclipse. Unfortunately, I had an annual physical examination that was scheduled a year ago and I was in the doctor’s office at 2:48 pm during the height of the eclipse. However, I could see out a window and the light level dimmed only a bit. By the time I got outside it was 2:59 and it just looked sunny.
When I donned Mark’s old welding mask to look directly at the sun, I could see that that the moon was partially covering the sun. I must have looked quite a sight, but I sure am glad I kept that old welding mask! Even witnessing a partial covering of the sun is exciting. I got a text from my brother-in-law in Nashville and they had a very dramatic experience as they had a total eclipse.
At the actual time of the partial eclipse here, I was in deep conversation with my physician. The discussion was not about my health, which seems to be just fine, but about an experience his two young daughters had this week. We got into the discussion of children when the doctor asked me about my career. When I explained that I was a teacher of young children, he shared the experience of his daughters. The family is Muslim and late last week the two little girls came home frightened to death. They had seen two Nazi flags flying in their town and the conversation at the dinner table that night revolved around their fear. They actually asked if the family should leave this country. They were born here. They are Americans. But for the first time in their lives, they are afraid to live here. This really breaks my heart. No child should have to feel this way. How did we get to this point? And how do we turn this around?
There was an early morning text from Bruce Woodin canceling our sail. Siggy, the Woodin’s dog, has congestive heart failure and he had a very bad night and they were taking him to the vet. They feared the doctor would recommend that they put him down. But when I met Jane Woodin and Olivia White for lunch, Jane announced that Siggy is doing better. The vet prescribed new meds with the hope that this will help. Jane, Olivia, and I had a lovely lunch at The Flying Bridge.
This is a restaurant here on the Falmouth Harbor and lunch was delightful. We were very belatedly honoring Olivia’s 80th and the outdoor harborside setting, the food, and friendliness of the staff made for a delightful lunch. The bright spot of the luncheon was when two of the waiters came to sing Happy Birthday to Olivia.
