As the day drew nigh to the time of the total solar eclipse today, the sun's brilliance was subdued as the moon moved over the face of the sun, and the outdoor light standards responded by turning on to cast their light against the oncoming 'night' that would last all of three minutes.
 

Our oldest son is the long-time archivist at the Royal Astronomical Society, an inveterate connoisseur of all things astronomical. He writes frequently of astronomical events and chronicles the history of astronomy, a true passion. He and our daughter-in-law planned to drive from Toronto to Kingston today to observe the uniquely rare event of the moon blocking the sun in a total eclipse. Totality in some parts of Ontario offers a rare glimpse of celestial majesty in motion. Here in Ottawa we were promised 98% totality.

The day began with clear skies of a pale-to-brighter azure, the sun ascendant this afternoon moving through a randomized cloud cover, but blazing, notwithstanding. We weren't wedded to the prospect of viewing the eclipse, although we were drawn to view the skies intermittently and more so as the climax neared. The sun was bright, hot and large in appearance this beautiful early spring day when the temperature rose to 18C.

 

Truth to tell, we were busy with routine during the day; me cleaning the house on the usual Monday, and Irving sitting down to tackle our income tax returns. Occasional breaks however, as we toured the backyard with Jackie and Jillie and mused about the heavenly features taking place in a grand show of nature's mysterious and ineffable design. We did note, however, that clouds were moving in to partially obscure the spectacle-to-come, but even with the clouds the sun was brilliantly resplendent.

Our stained glass windows that Irving designed and produced over the years glowed and then dimmed and muted as the exterior light retreated and darkness entered the house. The coloured glass seems to have a life of its own, conveying that 'life' to the creatures that often appear in the stained glass designs; birds mostly, but other animals as well.

 

Later, when all was done, the floors duly washed -- (I even pulled out the stove and washed the floor under it today), and because it was so late, put a Cornish hen in the oven to slow-cook in our absence -- we took ourselves out to the nature closest to us physically. Jackie and Jillie needed only their harnesses and collars, a departure from the weather conditions not long gone, when they had to be protected with coats and boots against the icy winds and snow-packed forest floor.

Another lovely circuit through the forest trails for us, on this warm spring day. Jackie and Jillie running ahead, sniffing everywhere, occasionally remembering we were bringing up the rear, and returning briefly before leaving us again to watch over them as they cantered here and there off the trail for short jaunts into the interior beckoned by some irresistible odour promising a revelation of some canine fascination.

 

 

There are signs beginning to appear of awakening in the forest. Blackberry canes already show little indications of midsummer fruit. Hazelnut shrubs have produced thick, long catkins preparatory to producing nuts that the squirrels duly appreciate in the summer months. Chickadees and nuthatches flittered through the evergreens. The season is progressing.