Anniversary Eclipsed

This year two special events are happening today, August 21.

The first has received worldwide coverage; countless numbers will be out to view "The Great American Total Solar Eclipse" which will be visible in totality within a band across the entire contiguous U.S. The last time a solar eclipse of this magnitude occurred was during the June 8, 1918 eclipse.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon's apparent diameter is larger than the sun's, blocking all direct sunlight and turning day into darkness. The path of totality—the region from which the total eclipse is visible to skywatchers—will  stretch from Oregon to S. Carolina. About 12 million people live in its path; 220 million reside within a day's drive.

Did you see the interactive Total Solar Eclipse of the Sun Forever stamp issued by the U.S. postal system? (Hope you got some as when the 60 million printed stamps sell out, they won't be reprinted.)

The stamp uses a photograph taken by astrophysicist Fred Espenak of a total solar eclipse viewed over Jalu, Libya on March 29, 2006. 

It was the first U.S. postage stamp to use thermochromic ink that reacts to the heat of touch. Placing a finger over the black disc on the stamp caused the ink to change from black to clear and reveal an underlying image of the moon. When it cools, the image reverts to a black disc. The back of the stamp pane showed a map of the eclipse path.

Here's the second, but no less minor, event that's being celebrated today, a private one with far less coverage except here. August 21 is our (18th) wedding anniversary.  

Also, co-celebrating across the pond in England today are friends Kath and Andrew. We met several years ago when they were on a U.S. visit and hope we will meet again, perhaps in England this time.

Later this week, family members in CT will also celebrate wedding anniversaries. We send our best wishes to them and all others celebrating this month.

In 2 years, we'll have to come up with a really quite spectacular celebration for our 20th. 
Admittedly, it will be hard to top a solar eclipse — but, we're open to all suggestions.

This year, we're taking a couple of short getaways that don't involve family, VA house projects or anything other than enjoying ourselves. The latter part of the trip will involve one of Grenville's favorite activities — a train ride (details to follow in a future post).

Happy Anniversary to Everyone🍾