The featured photo was taken from our backyard during last night’s partial eclipse.

I wanted to write a quick post about yesterday’s historic solar eclipse. I did actually witness it, although it was totally by happenstance.

A few days ago, Icelandair sent me an email encouraging me to fly to Reykjavik to witness the total eclipse. Spain and Iceland were places on Earth that were destined to be the best places to experience the solar eclipse that occurred yesterday evening.

Of course, I wasn’t in the position to jet off to Iceland on a whim. I’ve also experienced my share of eclipses in my lifetime. I disregarded the email and forgot about the then upcoming eclipse. Then, yesterday, I got another email from Icelandair expressing pity that I didn’t book a ticket to go to Iceland for the rare event. They joked that I could catch the next one, in 2196…

I actually really enjoyed our flights on Icelandair. I would happily fly them again.

As for the eclipse, it was kind of a yawner here in Germany. We were sitting outside, enjoying the pleasant weather, and I noticed the sky dimming a bit earlier than usual. But it was about 8:00 PM, and in the States, that would be about right at this time of year. In Germany, it stays light for a long time in the summer months.

Then I noticed our landlord had company over, and they were in the backyard. I remembered the Icelandair emails, and said… “Oh shit… we’re having an eclipse!” 🤣

Unfortunately, from our backyard, which is pretty thick with hedges and a tall fence, it wasn’t easy to watch it. And you don’t want to stare at the sun, anyway. I sure don’t. Not with my aging eyes that are genetically prone to macular degeneration.

I took a photo, anyway, and it serves as today’s featured pic. No, it’s not very exciting, although the usual evening light was a bit eerie and dimmer earlier than usual. I’m sure there are much better photos on the Internet than mine. But you can’t say I didn’t report on it.