Just Say No to Fall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personally, I love the fall, but Jen Rambo sent this picture for those who would rather do without.

'smile in the sky' revisited/ correction

 a circumhorizontal arc:

is not the same thing as a circumzenithal arc:

Earlier in the summer, I posted the first image from Carly Todd at Camp Celo.  I mistakenly called it a circumzenithal arc.  It is actually something more rare: a circumhorizontal arc.  How can we tell?  Take a look at the order of the colors in the first image.  The red is on the inside of the arc, which is the opposite of a regular rainbow (red on the outside of the arc).  Compare Carly's with the image Kirby sent me (second one above).  The circumzenithal arc has the red on the outside like an upside down rainbow.  (Did you remember that red is on the outside of a rainbow? I've been seeing rainbows all my life, and I had to double check because this whole thing got me really turned around.)  Below are two diagrams showing the formation of these and the reason for the difference in color order (from this excellent site). Why does this matter?  Because it makes me look at rainbows more closely. But why is looking at rainbows closely valuable?  It helps me feel just a little more love for everyone and everything. That includes you, weather nerd or friend who is still reading this. And while I'm at it, a big thanks to Carly and Kirby.

Circumhorizontal Arc formation (higher angle):

Circumzenithal arc formation (lower angle sun):

Nico's Smokestacks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nico, well-known as a train enthusiast, was sporting this special hairstyle the other day in honor of the Union Pacific Big Boy, the largest steam locomotive ever built. Among other qualities, the Big Boy engines had two smokestacks. Nico and family were on their way to see a model train exhibition at the Biltmore Estate.

Two-fisted squash

 

Luca with extra-large butternut.

Highly recommended

Bob Johnson's show at Blue Spiral Gallery in Asheville is absolutely remarkable. He was a visionary artist and a highly skilled painter on a mission to get the rest of us to see the natural world around us. We were blessed to have him as a neighbor and the world is blessed to have the legacy of his work. 

There may never be a better opportunity to see this much of his work in one place so close to home. All of the paintings and sketches in this show depict North Carolina's state parks. It will be on display through October 29, although we understand that a few of the pieces will only be on view until September 11.