Thanks for the heads-up about the eclipse. I photographed one from beginning to end back in October 2004. It took over four hours. I also hope the weather cooperates. Kt Repost Eclipse With Photo

LOL, donn - you must have been outside at the same time as I was, because this was exactly what I saw when I went outside at about 5:35. I kept peeking on and off through the night but finally went to sleep and got up at 5:30. I tried to see the other end of it, but I guess the sun was too bright because after the moon disappeared, it never came back! Thanks for the photo. My son, who was too tired to get up (and this being the first day of school wanted to sleep as late as possible) asked me first thing if I took pictures. The thought never crossed my mind, so I will show him yours. A beautiful morning today! Nice to be out so early! :) Dee

Pillog thank you so much for that website! I'd looked online for a long time and didn't find one that complete. It's interesting that so many things symbolize wealth and prosperity, but we are not a group that seeks or values that, so I'll veer toward the things that might more symbolize family (although we are not related, we are a sought family), cohesiveness, togetherness and longevity (I want my friends and me to live a long time). I found a recipe for something that I might make if I can't find the Forbidden Rice....I guess the pork, rice and round shape will work for what I desire for the new year....I'll post it here in case someone else is ever searching for something similar. Pearl Ball Appetizer.- Rhonda Parkinson What makes this appetizer stand out are the grains of glutinous rice (also called sweet or sticky rice), which turn a pearly color when cooked. Note: While the preparation and cooking time for the Pearl Balls is under an hour, be sure to allow several hours for soaking the glutinous rice. The easiest method is simply to soak it overnight. *Makes approximately 28 - 30 balls. Ingredients 3/4 cup glutinous rice (also called sweet or sticky rice, available at Chinese or Asian markets) 1 pound pork or ground pork 1 large green onion (spring onion) minced (at least 3 tablespoons) 2 water chestnuts, minced 1 large egg white 1 tablespoon light soy sauce 1 tablespoon dry sherry1 teaspoon Salt Black pepper, to taste 1 teaspoon cornstarch, or as needed Total Time: 60 minutes Yield: Makes about 28 - 30 balls 1. Soak the glutinous rice in water for at least 6 - 8 hours (preferably overnight). Drain well in a sieve or colander. Spread out the rice on a baking sheet. Note: Drain and spread out the rice just before making the pearl balls, so that the rice doesn't dry out too much. Mince or grind the pork if not using ground pork. In a large bowl, combine the pork, soy sauce, sherry, green onion, water chestnuts, salt, pepper, egg white and cornstarch. Prepare the steamer for steaming. Take about 1 tablespoon of the ground pork mixture and form into a ball. Roll lightly over the glutinous rice and place on a heatproof plate. Continue with the rest of the pork mixture, placing the balls 1/2-inch apart. (You will need at least 2 plates). Place the plates in a steamer container or on a bamboo basket in a wok. Cover and steam the pearl balls over boiling water for between 25 - 35 minutes, until they are cooked through. Steam in two batches if needed. Serve the pearl balls hot with soy sauce. Variation: Add a few softened Chinese black mushrooms and/or minced ginger to the pork mixture. recipe and photo credit

There's a lot of good pictures of the Eclipse online. Pretty much all I saw today was lots of heavy clouds and rain.