Light and shadow

Trees grant a great opportunity to stand in awe of nature. This huge sugar maple, near the northern lot line, somehow found the strength to start growing on a cold slope many, many years ago. This morning, with the temp way downhill at about 25 degrees, the buds in the crown undoubtedly relished some of the day's first solar rays. Light gives life. Soon the tree with be bursting with new leaves, which will give energy to this majestic being, a glorious ambassador for trees, the most amazing living things on the hill. 

 

Birchy walk

 

Total eclipse of the Hermitage

Hardwood Hermitage had about 30 seconds of totality in today's eclipse. It was a very memorable event shared with many people living on the hill. Appropriate snacks were ready, such as raisins, Sun Chips, Moon Pies, and Eclipse gum.

For more than two hours, the moon covered part of the sun. Totality took place at 3:29 pm. Birds were chirping wildly with the onset of what they thought was early sunset. We did not get totally dark, but the shadowy look created an eerie feeling for a few minutes. Here is the house and telescope very close to the moment of totality, although a bit blurry.

Proof of the short blockage of the sun can be seen in the chart of the day's solar production. We had almost a totally cloudless sky for the whole day, but the nosedive in solar energy took place as totality arrived.