I picked up “The Eclipser” glasses for the 2024 Viewing Party behind the New York Hall of Science. Many people were there ahead of me, and I scanned the lawn for a spot, spying one at the top of a small ridge. I opened my picnic blanket beside a woman of my age who said this was her first time seeing an eclipse. People continued to swarm in with camp chairs, blankets, food, and drinks. A few of the Queens Night Market vendors had set up booths, and I planned to at least buy a drink, but the lines were much too long. (I got delayed while writing this as I saw an article about the Night Market – a foodie lover’s delight and cheap prices too. I can hardly wait for the season to begin on April 27.)
We put our glasses on and watched as the moon began to come between the earth and the sun. The live music could not be ignored, but far more impressive was the amazing order of God’s creation. Once, the music stopped because a small boy wearing a gray T-shirt was lost. “Please, listen,” the DJ said, “His name is Luke. Look around for a boy in a T-shirt. Call for Luke.”
And a thousand people or more called, “Luke.” Then the DJ announced, “He’s coming from the bathroom. Luke was in the bathroom.” And a thousand people or more clapped.
On my back, my head propped up, I beheld the finale at 3:25 pm when 90 % of the sun was covered. It was truly amazing, and I’m so glad I went. I almost didn’t as it was only this morning that I decided I shouldn’t miss this spectacular event.
I soon picked up my blanket, told my eclipse friend good-bye, and walked into Flushing Meadows Park. I noticed the quiet, the birds singing, and the cows and sheep in the zoo. I walked on, stopping now and then to check out the sun. Others in the large park were doing the same. Some were having their own eclipse parties on the lawn under the trees. It’s spring and the park is beautiful. I meandered for maybe a mile before going up the ramp and bringing the 7 train home.
It was an unforgettable eclipse experience. Tell me about yours. Berniece
An Ordinary Life 
I had an Eclipse party of one while sitting in my recliner with a glass of water for refreshment. The sky turned a strange shade of darkness as music was played by Thunder. The cover was provided by Cloud.
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My experience is almost too special to write. And parts of it I’ll leave out.
But I’ve thought for years that today I would be in the path of totality. Not so when it came down to it, but we were in the 86% range, which is worth stepping outside to see.
As it got closer to the peak darkness, I kept peering out. Clouds. Clouds on clouds. Suddenly, right at peak, the clouds broke for just a couple minutes. It truly felt like such a special gift from God. He cares.
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I was mowing the lawn! Had my eclipse glasses with me so I could check the sun out. It got cold as the sun disappeared but warmed right up again as it got brighter. God must surely have been pleased to see us all enjoying it.
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Enjoyed reading about your experience! We brought the welding helmet up to the house and took turns looking through it! At bedtime the boys were overhead saying their names were ‘Solar Eclipse’ and ‘Moon Blocking The Sun’ so I think they were impressed too! 😃
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I’m impressed with their names too!
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Halstead Kansas! Standing on the sidewalk outside of Daphne Mae’s with daughters-in-laws and 2 year old Laura. We borrowed someone’s paper glasses and I will long remember how Laura was just as enthusiastic about it as we were, paper glasses plastered to her upturned face! Kris
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I can picture my great niece. 😎
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