A once in a lifetime event occurred on December 21st - our six month anniversary celebrated in other worldly style. The Universe provided the sky show of a full moon total eclipse on winter solstice (also a once in a lifetime event).Initially it appeared that we would not have visibility for the celestial show as clouds rushed past leaving soggy puddles behind. But just as the moon was about to enter total eclipse the clouds parted to reveal a freshly scrub pristine sky of tremendous clarity. We took full advantage of the viewing walking the dogs to the gate and taking it all in. At the peak of the eclipse we settled into the hot tub with egg nogs and were treated to shooting stars rushing past the red full moon directly overhead (our home is near the eclipse zenith longitude). A few drops of rain began to fall but the southern view of the heavens remained clear. A flash of distant lightening drove us out of the tub and next to the wood stove. As the moon began to emerge from the umbra we were treated to the "Japanese Lantern" effect just before the clouds rushed in from the south closing the curtain on our once in a lifetime celebration.
