Preparing for the Solar Eclipse of 2024

       The word eclipse immediately brings to mind the last total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017, with the best viewing area in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, a small town 100 miles west of my home. This brought hundreds of thousands of people to Kentucky and Tennessee, not just Hopkinsville, but the entire surrounding area to be able to few the eclipse. This was right in the middle of the Kentucky State Fair and the move-in day for hogs and sheep. It was the day that we were on the road for over 6 hours making our way to Louisville, a drive that normally takes us about 90 minutes. Yes, the time is correct. We were on the road for 6 hours with 2 lambs in a trailer on a hot summer afternoon fighting the traffic with people from all over the world on every major road, secondary road, and literally pig path dirt road available. 

     The traffic on all roads was moving at a snail's pace. Knowing the back roads of our area, we thought we would be able to take a secondary road to Louisville without any problems. Wrong! I remember vividly our family arriving at the square in Elizabethtown with a 20-foot gooseneck trailer in tow and needing to make a right-hand turn, when another driver pulling a larger gooseneck RV trailer pulls up next to us and begins to turn in the second lane, barely missing our trailer.  It was a mess!

     The eclipse of April 8, 2024, can be viewed best in a narrow path across the United States which includes Henderson, Kentucky, a small town in the far western portion of our state. Bloomington, Indiana, has been advertised as one of the best locations near us to view the total solar eclipse for the longest time of approximately 4 minutes.

Map provided by NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

     I personally have no desire to travel to another location and deal with the traffic woes of getting home afterward, however, I do like to take advantage of God's great work and wonders, so I am preparing now for the event by ordering protective eyeglasses. NASA's eclipse safety website states to be sure to purchase glasses that come with an ISO compliance label, or standard, of 12312-2 on the packaging. This is very important information to have to make sure everyone in your family or group is protected while looking at the eclipse. 

     I have found a great source for safety glasses on Amazon, and also made in the USA which I really like! You can purchase 2 or 100 and many quantities in between to take care of your family, classroom, or organization. 

Don't delay! We are all procrastinators at heart and April 8 will be upon us soon. Please click on the link below to purchase the protective glasses now while they are available.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

NASA approved Eclipse Glasses

     

Valentine Gifts for a Livestock Family

     This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links,

     Valentine's Day is just a week away and for our family we have historically not made a huge deal out of the holiday. The fraternity Valentine's Day dance was our formal first date so maybe we should celebrate more than we do. I know that some couples make a point to go out to eat and have a date night, however, I would rather stay home and not wait an hour or longer for a table.

     Flowers are always a considerate gift, but not always preferred. Chocolate or candy of any kind is also a popular option. As a livestock producing family, I often think of items we can use in our daily life at the barn or on the road at livestock shows. We have a large circle of friends enjoying the same life and lifestyle so this blog is for you!

     Raising and showing livestock is hard work so having an opportunity to sit and relax in a comfortable chair is always welcome. Folding camp chairs are handy at the barn and at livestock shows and they come in a variety of styles and sizes, making it easier to find the perfect chair for everyone!

Camp chair

     

   

     The folding rocker is one of the most popular chairs available, offering a comfortable seat with the addition of soothing rockers. Great for anyone of any age but especially nice for families with small children.

  

     The Timber Ridge Heavy Duty Camping Chair with compact size side table is versatile and sturdy, holding up to 400 lbs. I like the way this chair folds and has a convenient carrying handle. The attached table is a must for food and drinks and the pockets are a great place to stow cell phones.

     Love the compact blanket! Rip-proof, water-proof, and sand-proof, make it a great option to have around the barn if you have children.  This is a great product to use first on the ground to protect blankets and quilts from moisture and dirt or used alone to provide a clean play area for kids! For the price and compact size it may be nice to have one or two on hand. Each blanket is 60" X 56".

 

     The Paw Patrol Kids Camping Chair is perfect for children ages 3+. Most kids love Paw Patrol and would love to have their very own chair.

 Livestock show supplies are always a nice gift! A bucket full of daily care products or show day adhesives and paint will put a smile on any age livestock exhibitor. Exhibitor harness and number clips are often lost, so replacements make great gifts. Supplements, electrolytes, and calming pastes and liquids are products used by the majority of livestock exhibitors. 

    As most of you know we are Champion Show Supply, the Sullivan Supply dealer for Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Give us a call and let us put together the perfect Valentine gifts for your family, or order some of the items suggested in this post.  270-404-5301.