Something to Smile About

 Jamie sent this commercial from Match.com to me yesterday - I hadn't seen it because I rarely watch commercials, but it is pretty clever - and appropriate as we near the end of this really awful year. 

We had another inch of very light, fluffy dry snow last night and it has sprinkled snow on us off and on all day, but hasn't built up much. It's still pretty cold - was in the low 20s most of the day and is now 27F, so perhaps change is about to happen. I have been in and out a few times during the day and tonight I'm feeling really chilly. The last time I was out, I went onto the deck to put out some food for the birds and didn't bother to put on my outdoor boots. My shoes got damp and my feet have been cold ever since. I have my LL Bean insulated slippers on now and my feet are beginning to warm up. I won't do that again!

Diane Rossi and I have been practicing using Zoom - Diane set up a meeting for late this afternoon, and next time it will be my turn to set one up. I haven't done that yet - Jamie is coaching us. It's great fun, especially now when we don't see each other that often. I'm hoping to use it often with friends and family. In the meantime, the pone works well and email is my go-to for most messages.

Andy Rudin sent this very interesting information a few minutes ago: 

Look Up at Night

 

First, the Geminid meteors are expected to peak on the night of December 13-14.  Shooting stars will start to streak across the sky as early as 9 or 10 p.m. local time. Geminid meteors are bright and fast (79,000 mph), and the shower is famous for producing fireballs.  Second, Jupiter and Saturn will appear close enough to form first ‘double planet’ visible in nearly 800 years.  The “conjunction” later this month will be an extraordinarily rare event. The planets appear to be separated by a mere sliver of sky, displaying an apparent closeness not seen since the year 1226.  Third, as soon as Thursday (tomorrow), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting that a solar outburst could generate northern lights or aurora as far south as Oregon to Pennsylvania. 

 

We probably won't be able to see this meteor show, but it's possible we might be treated to some northern lights. It will be worth a look, just in case, if the weather is clear. Thanks, Andy - this is interesting. I expect we'll hear more about it on local weather forecasts if there is a chance we can see any of it.