My late husband-person and I would take the entire day off and drive as far as Brazil, IN to excitedly photograph the phenomena before it melted away or got tracked up.
Even my father (80+ at the time) would shake his head and say he had never (...in his entire life...) seen such a thing.
The conditions for snow-rollers to exist have to be perfect...heavy wet snow and high winds...then temperatures dropping quickly to freeze the rolls.
I tell you that story to lead into this
On Wednesday, I was privileged to experience another Natural Phenomena. Another that I, personally, had never seen in (now) 57 years.
While riding out to Bloomington with friends, at first we thought we were seeing part of a rainbow in the sky. Like sun dogs. Those frozen crystal bits that cause rainbow columns to appear on either side of the sun.
Quickly we realized that this was something much different.
A perfect rainbow...early in the morning (9ish) that completely surrounded the sun. A Sun Halo. Almost like a halo around the moon...but much larger and beautiful vibrant colors.
Googling it later, I would find that the reason it occurs is quite similar to sun dogs. atmospheric conditions and timing is everything and it is caused by ice crystals passing through cirrus clouds.
How wonderful to experience something you have never seen in life at (almost) 60. It immediately makes you wonder what ELSE is out there that you have never seen...never knew existed.
For just a moment...the World is brand new.
Immersed in Politics early in the week. Tuesday night when I knew I had to be up by 6 AM Wednesday for Bloomington...I made the mistake of a last minute check on District 18 PA and the Conor Lamb congressional race...which was amazing...
And got sucked into the Internet until almost midnight...still too close to call...
Yes...6 AM came REALLY quickly.
But WE did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In an area...throughout the night described as "ruby red" and scoffs that there has not been a Democrat in the 18th District for over 20 years...we flipped PA-18.
The importance...not to mention the momentum this has given to #TheResistance cannot be overstated.
Carolina...Alabama...and now Pennsylvania. It isn't just winning another seat in The House. It is proof that when we focus...turn out...and vote...we can FIX this mess.
(...example...District 57 in Maine...where Gibson was running unopposed...until he called Emma Gonzalez a "Skinhead Lesbian"...and within 24 hours Democrat Eryn Gilchrist announced her candidacy District 57...)
UPDATE: Mr. Gibson has issued a statement that he is now withdrawing from the Maine race!!!!
We CAN do this...
In Indiana our primary concern is keeping Joe Donnally in office.
It was incredible to see how many 17-18 year olds are registering to vote this year.
These kids give me hope. To see the next generation get actively involved politically. To know that they have realized they can have a voice in their government and future. Their lives.
In Florida and elsewhere they have already been instrumental in (some states) changing the existing gun laws...and, at the very least, continuing the National Dialogue beyond hastily voiced thoughts and prayers.
Like my generation (from the 1960's)...together...enough of us can change the world.
Really.
The rest of the week has been dominated by what we have almost come to expect from The Trump White House. Which is sad when you think about it too much.
Another firing.
This time Secretary of State: Rex Tillerson. Who got his notice via A TWEET, for fuck's sake...seriously...who the hell does that???????????????
Mueller issued a subpoena for all Trump's Correspondences with Russia. He can't be happy about that.
Stormy Daniels is keeping the $$$,$$$. and no...she is not shutting up. And she is suing the President.
Donald Trump Jr. and his wife have filed for divorce. Sad as they have 5 children together.
Absolute chaos.
Enjoyed this week's mall-ratting at the Bloomington College Mall. Found March's Bath and Body scent "Magic in the Air"
Aquamarine in color, light, sweet...a bit like candy floss in scent.
Have it now in lotion, shower gel, and mist!
Perfect for Spring.
This Week's Movie:
A bittersweet, gay teen coming-of-age film set in Northern Italy.
17 year old Elliot (Elio) embarking on his first love with Oliver, his father's 24 year old assistant for the summer. Beautifully done...and the end will make you cry.
Based on the novel. Must read it.
Well worth a viewing.
This Week's Book:
Twelve non-fiction essays by the author about events that have changed/shaped her life. Engaging. Well written. Thought-provoking and entertaining.
A quick read...but you will spend days thinking about it afterwards!
Excellent.
Muddling along with both my painting and the edits to The Plan.
Looking forward to a cookout with James and Nicole tomorrow.
Will get back to Virtual Australia next week...maybe even Sunday!
Promise.
UPDATE: Congratulations TINA, for landing your first job as an EMT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So proud of you...you are on your way!
Sunday: At the break of "noonish"...lol!
Amazing St. Patrick's Day with James & Nicole and some of the Grands!
Started the day with this
And still smell a bit like Apple Wood Smoke! I have got to invest in another of those stainless steel stove-top smokers like the one we bought years ago in Texas! Nothing quite like smoked meat!
Gleaned Nicole's Grandmother's Recipe for a potato, onion and green bean combination served in an iron skillet. I'm thinking adding bacon might also work.
Loved seeing the grands!
Got to meet Georgia...the new Pocket Bully pup.
I was able to see the very beginnings of our Summer Garden!
Aiden was busy having fun at Grandma Nancy's...but they both showed up just before we left!
Even able to go thorough Emma's sketch book with her. She is becoming quite the little artist and is working on a lotus blossom for her mom's next tattoo!
After an amazing dinner we all headed to the living room (...too cold to play outside...) and wrapped in Individual quilts to do a re-watch of Wakanda:The Black Panther together.
THANKS!
Remembered at the last moment to paint one of my pinky nails green...avoiding being pinched to pieces by the grands...now looking for the polish remover!
More Anon...
