Dear Diary,
Before every diary day I start to think about what the day will bring. This time even more so. For reasons which anyone who reads this around April 8, 2024 will know but anyone, probably as soon, as next year, will wonder about. Today we had a total eclipse of the sun.
On the way to work I learned the last time there was a total eclipse of the sun was the same year Purdue University was founded in 1869. Purdue plays for the national championship in basketball tonight. Is there something significant about the eclipse and Purdue? (Woke up the next day to learn Purdue lost, so probably nothing of significance.)
The eclipse caused an old memory to surface. About a movie in which the character played by Bing Crosby was going to be executed. As he waited in line he read a book, from which he learned there was going to be an eclipse right at the time he was scheduled to be executed. He shared about the execution, probably that he was a god, and was spared. Why do I recall such spurious things when things far more important don’t stick?
I had two client meetings in Anderson. The first was with an existing client. His son and daughter in law were in town from out of state to see the eclipse. He wanted them to be present so there were aware of his relationship with my firm. A very nice meeting. The client is an engineer, very detailed. He is also quite nice as was his son and daughter in law. When we get to know additional family members it deepens the relationship and when they are also nice, it make is more fun.
The second Anderson meeting was with a prospect. A friendly COI (Center Of Influence) recommended we meet. The couple had a significant issue with a child which raised issues our firm can help address. Again, nice people and there is a good chance we will work together. The COI said nice things about us which was appreciated and which increase the likelihood we will get the couple as clients.
Driving back to Muncie I wondered, will it be hard to get back? I heard that 69 might be closed down due to the eclipse. I was a bit nervous, but figured if 69 were closed I could return on back roads. It turns out 69 was open. There was normal traffic. It may have been psychosomatic but the sun seemed unusually bright and I found myself wishing I had sunglasses.
I drove by Ball State. Between the good weather and the eclipse there were a lot of students outside. I’m glad they were having fun. The amount of studying was probably at an all time low. But they have a few weeks before finals to recover any lost ground.
I had two stops on the way back to the office. The first at a place west of town close to Meijers. Again I wondered about traffic. Again no issue. The second stop was close to the Walmart by McGalliard. No issues. Then back to my office which is close to High Street Methodist Church, close to the heart of downtown Muncie. I was relieved when I pulled into the parking lot. Later our postal carrier said streets by Cannon Commons were closed, only two blocks away, and that there was a good number of folks at Cannon Commons.
From my selfish perspective, I’m glad the anticipated crowds did not interrupt my life or ability to get around. However, when I heard reports of up to a 100,000 coming to Muncie, I was glad as the out of town dollars spent here would help the local economy. Also as a Muncie transplant I am proud of Muncie and would like more people to be exposed to our wonderful community.
About three I started to go outside and look at the sun with the special glasses. Prior to the eclipse I didn’t have much of an expectation and was saying, I would not drive to see an eclipse. I probably still wouldn’t but have to admit the eclipse exceeded my expectations. The power of the sun became more real. When even a sliver of the sun was not blocked by the moon, there was normal sunlight and temperatures. When the moon completely blocked the sun, the streetlights came on and it was noticeably cooler. When the moon completely blocked the sun I was able to look at the sun without the special glassed. A large round object with a rim of bright light is how I would describe the sun. It was very dramatic and the event exceeded my expectations.
Fort Wayne Community Schools closed due to the eclipse. Our daughter, son in law, and four grandchildren came to watch the eclipse. All but the youngest returned to Fort Wayne before I got home. Odd they came to Muncie and I didn’t get to see them.
Again on issue on the drive home. I got home before my wife who took our four year old shopping. Amazing how grandparents, myself included, say yes to grandchildren so frequently. Our little girl got home and we started playing, dolls. Pretty sure I never did that with our daughters, but again, grandparents say yes to grandchildren. Later she watched things on Youtube while sitting on my lap. A very nice way to end a very special day.