Maybe if you don’t live in the 75 mile wide path that the solar eclipse is traveling; from Oregon, through the Midwest, and on through South Carolina, you aren’t that thrilled about it, but if you do, oh, my goodness, look out! I happen to not only live in the path where it will be seen, but I live in the exact spot where they say it will have some of the the very best locations to view it from… they call it “Solar Totality,” where the moon’s shadow completely blocks the sun, and literally turns the day into night. We’ll be in the dark for 2 minutes and 30-40 seconds, depending on whom you listen to. A few other places like to say they have the best spot for viewing, like Hopkinsville, KY. They were the first back in May to make an “Eclipse Twitter Account” promoting they had the best spot, but then so did Nashville; saying they were the “largest” city on the path, Casper, Wyoming says it’s the closest to the big sky…Nebraska has the “broadest horizons” to view the eclipse, and so the bantering goes on and on.
My town, Carbondale, in Southern Illinois, has been preparing for this for coming Monday, August 21st, 2017 for the last 5 years. All of the hotels have been been booked, (some for over a year) and the hotel where little Sara’s dad works, says they have a minimum of a 3 night stay and it’s $500 a night! Yikes! I even heard they have been selling 7 x 7 foot spots on the floor of the arena…people have been renting out any rooms they have, and trying to make money from this if possible. There is a huge lighted cross built on one of the highest hills in Southern Illinois, called Bald Knob Cross, and they have been selling 10 x 10 foot spaces on top of that hill for $250 if you want to be way up high to see the eclipse.
The city has cracked down on all the businesses and has been making them spruce up everything from missing shingles on their roofs to boards missing in fences, and if you don’t comply, fines were being issued! They have also allowed something new, just for the eclipse…open alcohol in the streets of the downtown area. They put up these big huge concrete barricades along the railroad tracks through town to keep people off the tracks (I’m guessing). Hundreds of astronomers and scientists have already invaded Carbondale to set up their equipment for watching the eclipse. The SIU football field will be a “watching station” and the SIU Chancellor says there may be 30,000 to 50,000 visitors here. But then again, who knows how many people might potentially show up. It could easily be 100,000! NASA is even going to be webcasting from the SIU campus. There are all kinds of activities from a high-altitude balloon launch to activities for the kids, and even an arts and crafts fair. I’ve heard that 4000 junior high and high school students from Chicago will be among the visitors!
It’s supposed to be dark here in Carbondale beginning at 1:20 p.m. But the city has already taken care of the lights so they “won’t” come on during the eclipse. It’s funny how this has just consumed our whole community.
There are carnivals and fairs planned, the wineries are planning musical events and I’m sure some “drinking” events, and Ozzie Ozbourne, “the Prince of Darkness” is having a concert at one of them. The restaurants and businesses are stocking up on supplies to keep them going with the flow. The traffic is going to be unreal, or so we’ve been told…
…so what am I going to do? George bought us each a pair of those solar eclipse glasses and I’ll watch it and then I’ll go back inside and stay out of everyone’s way. I don’t plan on going anywhere and hope I don’t have to go to town for the 3 days that it will all be “happening” in town. I’ll watch it on TV and say I saw it, but I’m not participating in anything. Party pooper, aren’t I?
Oh, I did buy some Solar Eclipse stamps. See what they do? When you hold your finger on them and then let off…
One more thing… I think I’m going to make it…this weekend was pretty rough. I got a flu shot last November before my hubby had his Chemo… guess my shot “didn’t take!” ;o( All of your kind well wishes were so wonderful to read… I read them twice… that was about all I could do…hold my phone. Thank you, everyone!
I was too weak to make it to church this morning, but when my hubby came home, he had flowers in his hands… Get ready to AWWWWW… from the guys from Angola, whose pants I took in and hemmed the other night for yesterday’s wedding. Wasn’t that sweet? They sent a beautiful card too, saying thanks…
…and then if that wasn’t enough, I got a text from a florist in town this afternoon and she said she had a delivery for me… One of you DEAR READERS out there surprised me with this big beautiful vase full of the prettiest flowers. I’ll just HAVE to be well tomorrow.. I’ll just HAVE TO BE! I’ll have to get all the trim and paint cans and tools on my table cleared off, so I can set my flowers on it! Thank you SO much _______! What a pick me up after being so sick this weekend! I just love them!!!!
Oh, sorry, one more thing… thank you too, to the wonderful buyer of my “Dainty and Demure” Little Darling dress last. I appreciate your very kind and generous bid!
So if I can manage it, I hope to do some sewing this week… I’m about as ready as you are! :o)
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
I certainly have heard about the eclipse. My daughter was terribly excited about it a few months ago when she first heard. She began the process of working out a trip to be one of those thousands but then she discovered that she heard about it too late and most everything was sold out. Here in mid-Michigan, it won’t be a complete eclipse but we will be seeing almost 80% so that will have to do. We all have the special glasses. The stamps are very cool. I hadn’t seen those.
Awwwwww, the flowers are a very sweet thank you and get well soon present from the men from Angola.
I’m glad you are feeling better.
Have a good day.
Take care.
HI Charlotte,
I guess we’ll all be watching the eclipse together! Then we can all give our impressions of it or what happened in your town…
Yes, my flowers have been in my view all day long!
Thanks Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
I’m so happy to see that you are back, Jeanne, and on the mend! What beautiful flowers you received! I know what a gift like that means when you are under the weather, and then you get those beautiful flowers, and it seems like a beautiful spring day!
Have I heard about the eclipse? Oh, yes I have!! As best as I can tell, I live close to the words, “Total Solar” on that first map. Maybe a touch northeast of it, but pretty close. We are going to just sit on the patio and watch it get darker, then lighter. I am afraid to try those glasses, chicken that I am. There will be plenty of pictures and they will be televising it on just about every television station. One of our local stations will be airing the eclipse from Carbondale! Try to wave!!! 🙂
I’d love to get some of those stamps if there are any left! I sure would think twice before sticking them onto any old bill to send!! I’d save some for “the ages”, if I were you!
I guess all the schools will be shut down there too. Since my grandchildren have school that day (they live just north of the line) they will all be getting a science lesson and given those glasses to watch the eclipse. I always worry about things and wonder if anyone will get eye damage doing what they aren’t supposed to do, namely look at the sun when they shouldn’t. There is always one in every class, if not two or three!
HI Linda,
I am back, but I’m late, and pooped out! I painted trim today and I am tired! I wasn’t feeling 100% but I was determined not to get back in that bed again! My table didn’t get cleaned off, but the flowers are sitting in the middle of it… that was George’s doing…
I will wave but I doubt you’ll see me… but I’ll still wave…
Yes, I forgot to mention that SIU will be closed that day… it’s crazy, they only usually close when there’s 3 feet or more of snow… but an eclipse? I couldn’t believe it.
I don’t want to ruin my eyes so I don’t think I’ll look at the sun the entire time… just off and on…
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congratulations on feeling better! Your flower pictures are so clear that I can almost smell them. What a nice present for you, and for us.
I have been hearing about the eclipse, but we aren’t in the best viewing zone. I’m linking friends to your blog because this is definitely the most informative thing I’ve seen — the location, the excitement, and even those thrilling stamps. I’ll be looking for a post-eclipse report.
Now for a trip to the grocery store so you can have great food without leaving home during the eclipse crowd take-over of your town. It sounds like a great weekend for sewing and eating.
HI Marilyn,
Well, you can probably smell the flowers about as well as I can… with all the paint being used and the caulk gun out… there are some fumes in here, but I still love seeing them.
I think we all should report on what happened in everyone’s state just to compare notes! It might be fun.
George has already thought of the food and water and we are stocked up… Sewing and Eating… my 2 favorite pastimes! :o)
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Linda is right to by wary. Amazon has issued a recall on some cardboard-type glasses that were sold for viewing the eclipse and refunds were issued. My friend who will be in Oregon bought a kit that includes instructions and a piece of Mylar to cut to fit over telescope and camera lenses as direct sunlight will ruin the sensors. There is time to call Adorama in NYC and receive it by mail as supplies may be out of stock in camera stores in smaller towns. It’s available in the LA Area at Samy’s Camera.
A flu shot doesn’t last but about six months. I think they are even recommending that older people like me get a booster in about March if they get the initial shot in September. It was designed to last through the winter flu season but the season now seems to be year around.
How thoughtful of your reader and the fellows at church for sending flowers. Some very fine folks read your blog and appreciate your kindnesses.
P.S. What a great “Say” about the eclipse, so complete, interesting and the best I’ve read.
Thanks Susette,
I’m not exactly a journalist or a reporter, but I just wrote about what I knew… there was more, but I thought I got the point across… I’m glad you liked it.
I think I’ll just stick with the glasses I got.. I mean it’s only for 2 minutes and a bit… If I was really into it, I might pursue something special, but just glancing at it for a few seconds every now and then until it’s over is fine with me…
Yes, I totally agree that I do have some of the very nicest and kindest readers anyone could ever hope to know…
Thanks so much Susette,
Blessings, Jeanne
The eclipse is all anybody around my neck of the woods seems to be talking about! We live near Portland, OR, and will be able to see more than a 99% eclipse from our home. We already have some of the worst traffic jams in the nation on a daily basis, and now they are predicting that our interstates and highways may just become a huge parking lot on the day of. Frankly, I don’t really understand all the fuss and will be glad when it’s all over! I remember the total eclipse we had in our area when I was teenager back in 1979–interesting, but I wasn’t that impressed. I do remember the cows and chickens heading into the barn while it was happening, thinking it was evening! I guess I’ve never been big on astronomy or science, so that’s probably the reason for my lack of enthusiasm. I’ll probably just be hanging out in my sewing room, taking a peek out the window now and then!
HI Angela,
Traffic is bad in Carbondale too… the new students came in today and they have no idea the way the traffic goes, so you have to be extra careful for a few weeks this time each year. Then with all the hoopla about the eclipse, it makes it doubly busy in town.
it sounds like you have a plan… sewing and peeking… that’s what I might be doing too. It is a pretty phenomenal thing that is happening, and the fact that we are dead on for seeing it totally, it’s kind of exciting, but it’s not going to make much difference in my day, I don’t think… I might be wrong when it finally happens… we’ll see…
Thanks Angela,
Blessings, Jeanne
Warning, our priest told us yesterday that there a depraved people sellling fake eclipse glasses. They look just like the good ones. Please be sure you got yours from a reputable source. I also heard that libraries are giving them away free.
Hi Sissy,
What some people won’t do for a quick buck! That’s awful…
George got a funny text from his sister down in FL today. She said to go buy 50 bottles of water and ice it up… they are .50 cents a bottle at Walmart. She said charge $1.00 a bottle and make a $50.00 profit! We laughed… I’m not going anywhere to sell water and he wasn’t interested either!
Thanks Sissy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Well, so glad you’re on the mend. Everything just stops, doesn’t it, when you are not feeling right. Now, on to excitement.
Does clearing the paint cans off the table mean the painting is complete? or is there more to do? And the flooring? Would love to see a sample of what has been chosen. I was looking up about ceiling stain and found that there are several primers that do not require sanding first. Zinser Bulls Eye 123 Primer and STIX Bonding Primer. That way, all that is required is the primer coat and then the final. No sanding required first. Just a thought in the quest for a lighter ceiling. My dilemma is not as pretty. Apparently, you can whitewash to lighten stain, not what I want. Probably, only thing I can do to lighten is strip the whole ceiling and beams and then restain. Not gonna happen, so guess it is staying the same unless it is painted white. 🙁
Eclipse fever has not hit here quite so much yet. Know that they are making inferior types of glasses that are not safe to use during an eclipse. I would be quite worried giving out any types of glasses to kids. The best way is to do the pinhole effect. Worked great on an eclipse we had a few years back. Poke a pinhole in a piece of cardboard, hold that piece to the sun and then shine the light coming through onto another piece of cardboard or paper to see the image. Shows the eclipe really well. Quite exciting anyway you look at it.
Happy you’re better. Don’t overdo until you’re completely well.
HI JOy,
You are SO right when you say everything stops when you are sick… I am getting better… maybe tomorrow I’ll be even better than today… I’m almost sure of it…
No, unfortunately the painting is NOT done yet. but it’s getting there… I might be able to get it finished tomorrow, if I don’t have any interruptions…
Oh, Joy, I have to keep my flooring a secret… you’ll find out soon. I read your comment this morning and I have to admit I was dreaming about what said. I’ve wanted that ceiling to be white since the day we bought the house.. Now would be the perfect time do do it without any flooring down, but I thought maybe when the walls are all nice and neat and the flooring is spectacular, my hubby will just say one day, “I think you were right, let’s paint the ceiling white!” Well, that’s my hope at least…
I can remember doing the pin hole thing with a box too… it did work great!
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Good Morning Jeanne,
I’m happy to hear you are “going to make it”. I hope you are giving yourself TLC and not over doing it. I felt like a truck ran me over for about 10 days and that crazy cough lasted what seemed like forever. I pray for a complete and speedy recovery!
Your flowers are lovely! What a very sweet gesture from the guys and also your reader! I so love flowers. Having flowers on the table is something of a happy childhood memory. To this day mom still keeps fresh flowers on her table.
Well I did it again forgot to watch the last few hours of the auction and I’m mad I got side tracked but happy for the winner! Congrats to them I know they will enjoy that beautiful outfit for years to come!
I’m not one to watch for shooting stars, solar eclipses and such. Hubby is the one that will be looking, something about all that kind of stuff fascinates him. I’m sure your town will be happy for all the revenue that the eclipse generates! I’m with you I’d steer clear of town for a few days too.
Hugs and feel better soon
Ingrid
HI Ingrid,
I can already feel the back of my calves pulling from standing on the ladder, and when I feel them doing this, it usually means charlie horses at night… I’m not looking forward to that. Maybe I’ll be wrong this time…
I am better, and I may have over done things, but I just didn’t want to lounge around anymore in that bed… I did lay day once when I felt I was pushing myself too hard.
Flowers do make a table look nice… even a messy table… the miter saw and the outlet plates and screws and the tape measure and lots more tools are still on the table, but right in the middle is my big pink bouquet. I put the guys flowers in my sewing room…
Oh, if I can help it at all, you won’t find me in town from the 18th to the 22nd, if possible.
I’ll do all my visiting on the phone or on the computer… :o)
Thanks Ingrid,
Blessings, Jeanne
Glad you are better…don’t you just hate being sick! Please take care and don’t do too much for a week or so and let your body heal .
Last time there was an eclipse my sister was teaching 5th grade . The school sent home info About it and said you could keep your child home if you wanted.
One mom was unhappy that she had to arrange day care for that day because she didn’t trust the school . She called my sister and reamed her up one side and down the other because she “scheduled the eclipse during school hours” . Seriously do you believe it?
Kathie,
I laughed out loud at your story about the lady and “the scheduled eclipse!” That should have been sent to Readers Digest magazine… I’m sure it would have been published! I can think of a few people I’m going to have to tell that one to.
Thanks for the well wishes, Kathie… I will take it easy… but I have so much I want to get done… It would be nice to have the living room and dining room all done by my birthday.. then I could have a party and SMILE!
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
Glad to hear you are on the mend. Well, I’m a little north of viewing, but I remember the one in the summer of 1991 well. It went dark and then the sidewalk was covered with little moons as moon retreated. My daughter was 18 months at the time. The professors at our university had a whole set up for viewing. I used to watch shooting stars and view the constellations with my grandparents every summer. They lived more in the country so the city lights didn’t interfere.
Need to try to get some stamps tomorrow if there are some left.
Your flowers are beautiful.
Thank you Laura,
It is nice to think this flu bug is almost gone.. I had to rest some today, but not in bed as much as yesterday. I’m sick to pieces of laying in bed! I have too much I want to get done… and there’s all that sewing that I want to do… it’s actually time to start on Christmas dresses, believe it or not!
At first I was going to use my stamps like any old stamps, but now I might not… The post office clerk said I better hang on to them…
My flowers ARE beautiful… I am so blessed!
Blessings, Jeanne
I’m glad you’re feeling better. It’s no fun being sick. I always get a flu shot, and I’m convinced it’s good prevention. I heard about the eclipse on the news, but I don’t think South Texas is an optimum location for viewing it as there’s not much hype going on here.
The flowers are beautiful! It’s always a treat to receive a nice arrangement like you received.
HI Carolyn,
Flowers ARE a great pick me up, aren’t they? I just love mine!
Maybe some day an eclipse will be over the state of Texas and you can enjoy all the thrill and excitement that we, in the path, are! *wink * wink
Thanks so much Carolyn,
Blessings, Jeanne