The Wow! Factor
The glasses were hard to get, but my work got a batch and they were going on sale at the employee’s store the Tuesday before the eclipse. I had asked a friend to get me a pair since I’m generally not in the office when the store is open. On Monday a week ago, I was walking by the employee’s store — which is really just a little room at work where they have t-shirts and hats and what not, open a total of two hours a week — and by some odd coincidence, the door was open. The person behind the counter was checking in the recently received batch of eclipse glasses. What a coincidence.
“Are you open? Can I buy them?”
“Yes and yes,” came the reply.
I ended up buying five pairs, one for each person in my family.
We had the glasses. We were ready.
I took some leave from work so I could really focus on the eclipse. I don’t remember ever seeing one, probably because I’d never had the glasses.
The clouds even cooperated, parting before the height of it at around 2:30 p.m. (2:44 p.m. before maximum coverage). We only got about 75-78% coverage, but it didn’t matter. It was such an honor to be able to watch it thanks to my super cool (in a cereal box toy kind of way), super economical ($2 bucks, cheaper than a Starbucks coffee) eclipse glasses.
Yesterday, I stared at the sun for a really long time something that you are never ever supposed to do because of my special glasses. I kept closing my eyes and checking for light trails because I couldn’t believe something so cheap would actually be the real deal. No trails. These things were awesome.
We ooo’d and aaaa’d and called the neighbors over. I couldn’t stop saying “how cool!” The Wow Factor was high.
My one neighbor had made a solar eclipse viewer out of a cereal box.
It didn’t work so well, at least not to the level the eclipse glasses did so we passed the glasses around and enjoyed the show.
The next eclipse is in 2024. With any luck, I can hang on to my glasses until then.
pjlazos 8.22.17
Green Life Blue Water 
Thanks for the great post. I wasn’t able to see much of the eclipse from Los Angles, so am grateful for being able to enjoy vicariously through you 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
😍👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a shame we can’t look at each other the way we look at the sun…all those smiles and the sun could only wink back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, what a great thought! Thanks for that. Maybe one day we will! :0)
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had a little less % than you but the softened hues of the morning alone were cool.
LikeLiked by 2 people
As was the brief respite from infighting where everyone stopped and looked up.😘
LikeLike
Wow wow wow factor indeed. Looks like you had a quite a time and the pictures are lovely x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, my dear.
LikeLike
I ordered some glasses and then also got some free from the program at OSU where I was staying. So I had some extras, and it turned out my parents needed them, so I sent the extras to my parents.
It was nice to see everyone all across the country so excited about something!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So true!☀️
LikeLike
I love the community and family aspect of this story. Lots of togetherness going on where you’re at.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, there is.😘
LikeLike
Hi PJ – I remember a partial one from 1999 … and what particularly amazed me was the lack of bird song, the quiet, the gloom, and the dampness – then all reverted back … let alone of course the partial eclipse itself – so glad you had a good time and were able to invite the neighbours over …
Cheers Hilary
LikeLiked by 2 people
Also, it seemed less hot when part of the sun was blocked. Did you notice that, Hilary? ☀️
LikeLike
Yes … cold even … exactly … amazing experience, even though I only saw a partial eclipse … H
LikeLiked by 1 person
As did I. It was about 75%. I hope wherever I am I get to see the next one I’m 2024.😎☀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, so cool!
LikeLiked by 2 people
👍🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
We got our glasses from a local toy store which offered two pairs for free if you bought something. So my wife bought some toy that we can only hope to use as some child’s birthday present someday. With that we sat on our front porch with our glasses on and watched our 75% version of the eclipse. And the glasses were amazing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know. So glad I got to participate!
LikeLike