Recollections and thoughts on life in Minnesota and the midwest... My Catholic faith, my family, travels, the state. Occasional ramblings about an old smoker and the quest for perfect barbecue.
A conversation with my four year old grandson, Ben. Christmas 2024.
Ben: Grandad, why do you have that turkey thing on your neck.
Me: That's because I'm getting old.
Ben: You ARE old.
Me: Yes I am, I guess.
Ben: Why do you have that turkey thing on your neck?
Me: When you get old your skin gets loose.
Ben: But why do you have it?
Ben: You're old.
Me: Someday you'll have one and maybe your grandson will ask you why.
Ben: (laughs) Un Uh!
Saw the eclipse on April 8th. Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Amazing. No clouds. Clear sky. Totality for 4+ minutes.
The advice on viewing was constant. 'Don't look at it or you'll go blind". This is true but something in me wanted to look at it, just to be sure. And so did my four year old grandson, Ben. Like his granddad, he did sneak a peek, but just a quick one and survived, as did I.
Something about the way that advice is given. You are only told not to stare at the sun when an eclipse is upcoming. I guess that means that we assume people are smart enough on normal days, but somehow turn stupid under the power of the eclipse.
On a bright sunny day, Moms of the current age might call out to their kids, "put on sunscreen", "don't stay out too long", "drink plenty of water", (in the 60s they said none of these) but she will never cry "Don't Stare at the Sun!!!"