Moon and Stars – the weather has been kind enough the last couple of weeks to allow a return trip to the lovely cliff top walk I enjoyed at the beginning of the month but this time in the evening to see the moon rise. The full moon was at its lowest point on the evening of the 9th with a low setting sun behind. I waited patiently until 2115 when a sudden shriek alerted my friend that the moon had risen. It was quite hazy out to sea which made moon spotting quite a challenge. But there it was! All of sudden it was full and visible just above the horizon. Photographs were taken of it and the sunset. Hope to return in 18.6 years time…
Over the hottest weekend of the year with temperatures rising to 34 degrees C and humidity to match, we helped my son tame his garden and to find the edge of the garden into which he could put a fence and gate. Had to be done. We got up early, with a long break in the middle, then did some more. Their lovely neighbours saw us working hard and presented us with a delicious homemade cake on the Sunday afternoon. We were overwhelmed by their kindness. I then drove home in the evening when it was cooler and the gate had been erected, feeling glad to have spent some quality time with my son and to have been able to help him. On the Friday when I arrived, it had been straight into action trying to trace an electric cable, and then we painted some fence panels together, while enjoying gentle conversation. Special times.
I was pleased to be able to present a talk at a rare Saturday open evening at the Observatory. Most have taken place on Thursdays this year, when I am busy doing other things. There was a good, engaged turn out of people, including some from Sidmouth who had not been before. The lady I met at the Astrofair from Maidenhead also came along. There were enough people to warrant two talks!
Karen Hedges 