Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. Hopefully, the first full week of April has been productive, leaving you time this coming weekend to just unwind. I’ve been getting “weather whiplash,” with all of the going back and forth between warm, sunny days that turn into cooler, cloudy ones. Whatever the forecast for our near future, I wish you the ability to relax and have fun.
Quote of the Week: “Nature is pleased with simplicity. And nature is no dummy.” –Isaac Newton
Song of the Week: In 1983, Bonnie Tyler released “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” an epic ballad that runs for nearly seven minutes in its entirety. Back when MTV still played videos, this No. 1 hit had a great one. This song has been used in movies such as Footloose, Shrek II, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid—not to mention several television shows.
Joke of the Week: What do you call dangerous precipitation? A rain of terror
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: By now, I’m sure you have guessed that this week’s topic is weather. With the total solar eclipse looming on Monday, I thought this would be fitting.
In Tennessee, we get our fair share of beautiful weather. My family loves sunny yet breezy days spent on the beach or digging around in our yards. But sometimes, nature throws events at us that cause us to be cautious. Just as we have procedures for hurricane evacuations, we need to observe safety rules for viewing a total solar eclipse.
To stay safe as your enjoy this rare opportunity, the best things to remember are:
• Only view the eclipse using appropriate eye protection. To look at it with the naked eye would cause damage to your retinas.
• When outdoors, be vigilant and observe your surroundings. People could become distracted while driving and cause harm to pedestrians and other vehicles.
• Remember that your pets and other animals may act differently. Wild animals who come out at night may be active during the time of decreased daylight.
I hope that you have an exciting time viewing this special astronomical event.
Recipe of the Week: This isn’t a recipe, but rather, a suggestion for a tasty treat that can help you celebrate the upcoming eclipse. I am from the South, and one of the sweetest memories I have from South Georgia as a teenager was eating a moon pie and drinking an RC Cola. So, if you are brave enough, pop the moon pie in the microwave for about 15 seconds to let it get nice and gooey. Then imbibe a frosty RC Cola, although any soda would work. Enjoy!
Shout-Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to everyone who studies the stars and other heavenly bodies in order to teach the world of their wonders and how to stay safe. I loved visiting planetariums as a child. Pensacola had one that we visited before my father retired from the U.S. Navy.
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.