Eclipse

On May 20, just before sunset, we were treated to a partial solar eclipse.  While the eclipse was a lot more dramatic in other parts of the country, it was still exciting to get to see part of it.

Thanks to the filter in my son’s welding helmet, I was able to capture some images of the sun through the eclipse.  Having never tried this before, it was an exciting experiment.

7:19 pm, the full sun.  If you look closely, you can see a few sunspots.

8:21 pm.  The moon is just beginning to cross the sun.  See it just to the right of the bottom.

8.25 pm  The eclipse is progressing.

8:31 pm  the curve of the moon is clearly visible.

By 8:36 pm, light clouds had moved in front of the sun.  The welding filter was no longer needed.  You can see just how low the sun is, by the tree tops at the bottom of the picture.

After this point, the sun had dropped below the horizon.  I am disappointed I could not see more of the eclipse, but I am grateful for the chance to see what I could, and to try out some new photography.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you enjoyed them!

Time for a bit of barbecue

Well yesterday I tried out my new, and by that I mean old, rusty and retrofitted smoker, and tried my hand at making some real pulled pork.

Its not much, but it works.

Oooooo smoke!  That is Shelby “Psychodog” keeping me company.

The finished product.  It only took twice as long to make and I thought it would!

Not too shabby!

I may not win any competitions, but everyone in the house (even fussy Alex) liked it.  Next week….ribs!

Opening Day

Recently, Bay City’s Southwest Little League opened their 60th season with a gala opening ceremony.  They went all out this year, and I thought I would share a few of the pictures I took that day.

Ok, in the interest of full disclosure, I must confess that the only reason we were there was because Handy Middle School’s 8th grade  band was invited to perform.  My son plays trumpet in that band, so we were there to see them.

Before the ceremony started, the band was warming up next to the baseball fields.  As you can see, it was a rather cold day.

The band director, Ms. Harris, putting the band through their paces.

Here is a question.  What happens when the low brass section forgets vital parts of their instruments, and cannot play “YMCA” with the rest of the band?  Why, they become dancers, of course!

Also appearing was Lou E. Loon, the mascot of the Great Lakes Loons minor league baseball team.

The players and coaches really got into the spirit, joining the low brass when the band played during the ceremony.

The band playing during the ceremony.  Why did they put them all the way against the fence in the deep outfield?

So they would not be wiped out by the skydiver, of course.

Now that the skydiver has safely landed, the band was able to assume a more reasonable position on the field.

Congratulations to Bay City Southwest Little league on their 60th season.