Magnificent Moment

At 4:40 p.m. today, I was driving home from a late afternoon meeting at the campus when I spotted that huge ball. I know it doesn't look huge in my photo, so you'll just have to trust me that it was huge. The sky had been so filled with fog and haze today that it took till almost noon for the sunlight to appear.

I haven't decided if it was an "ugly" day or just a wintry day that wasn't too cold. We couldn't even see across town to the foothills this morning . When the view of town is blanked-out it's usually an "ugly" day.

So as I drove home I caught a glimpse of the sun, but I couldn't get a clear spot to just take a photo. I could look right at it without it blinding me with brightness. So I started to speed-up hoping to get to a place I knew would provide the clearing, but not sure if the sun would be gone before I got there.

I parked the car, jumped out, and started clicking. It was one of those ah-ha moments when I stood silent-- just wondering if anyone else in the world was noticing what I was noticing. Those are such impressive moments that all sound seems to be blotted out.

It was the last time I would see that big old orange ball before I become another year older. Tomorrow is my birthday. So I think I was a little more emotional than usual.

Well, it's 15 minutes till midnight. I better get to bed, so I can wake-up and have a birthday. I celebrate the 17th of every month, but November 17th is just the best. The entire day will be a grand celebration -- not because of any spectacular party or gathering, but just because it is such a privilege (can I say this) to get old. I have had too many friends who never had the privilege of getting older, or for that matter, old. Honestly, I don't feel old. There is a 22-year-old living inside of me.

Good night from Southern California.
Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka Carol

P.S. I think I am only two student papers from having all my grading complete. Egads this semester has been an ordeal in the grading department. It's just been icky!