Weekend Round-Up

There will be an amazing spectacle tonight as the brightest supermoon in almost 70 years appears in the night sky. In fact, if you’re younger than 68 you have never witnessed this record-breaking supermoon in your lifetime.

Tomorrow morning, November 14th, the moon will be the closest it has been to Earth since 1948. It will appear 14 % bigger and 30 % percent brighter than the average monthly full moon. Of course that’s dependent on hopefully viewing the supermoon without the obstruction of a cloudy night. Thankfully it appears most of the United States will remain mostly clear for tonight’s supermoon.

If you happen to miss the moon tonight, you’ll have to wait until November 25, 2034 so take some time to go outside tonight and witness the impressive moon.

What Is A Supermoon?
A supermoon typically refers to the concurrence of two phenomena. One is when the moon is within 90% of its closest position to Earth in its orbit. Since the moon’s orbit is elliptical the moon during perigee is about 30,000 miles closer to the Earth than the apogee. The other phenomenon is syzygy, which is when the Earth, sun and moon all line up as the moon orbits Earth. When both a perigee and syzygy occur and the moon is located on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun we get a supermoon.

The camera I have does not have a night setting and a limited zoom range but you get the idea. It was truly a spectacular sight. 

Remember Becky Flansburg? 

I introduced her to you through a magazine article I wrote for Lake Area Living in September. 
http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-arts-engage-educate-enrich.html
Becky had the good fortune to have an article she wrote posted today on Huffington Post. 
"8 Things to Keep in Mind When Reaching for the Stars in 2017" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/58287b85e4b02b1f5257a454?timestamp=1479048218234
Congratulations Becky on a job well done- you've touched the stars and it's still 2016!! 

A bright spot in post election week 

Follow this link to read about a global 24 hour celebration dedicated to paying it forward and focusing on the good.
https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/world-kindness-day
and check out pragmatic mom's posting with ideas and book lists for children to celebrate world kindness day.
http://www.pragmaticmom.com/2016/11/world-kindness-day-kids-books/

Book Review 

This week's recipes include: 
Cranberry Pear Galette

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples, Cherries and Pecans
Cauliflower Gratin
Potato Gnocchi with Sausage in a Tomato Cream Sauce

Thought for the day

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy: 

they are the charming gardners who make our souls blossom.  

by Marcel Proust