FromtheEditor...
Have you ever found the perfect place only for it be overrun with hundreds of kids with musical instruments as the sun is blotted out of the sky?
Well, Wyndi and I ran into a couple with this very specific housing problem this weekend.
We started the day with a visit to Tarleton for the annular solar eclipse viewing party. Staff and students of the University’s science department were on-hand with scientific demonstrations and tinted viewing glasses so people didn’t scorch their retinas staring at the sun as the moon’s shadow passed over. (The Dublin Public Library was also handing out glasses and will have some available for the total eclipse in April.)
The Planetarium also presented a special showing on the eclipse and stargazing as well as 3d-rendered interstellar rollercoaster guaranteed to make you woozy.
After we got our bearings, we grabbed some chicken before heading to Mineral Wells for the regional band competition. (Wyndi handed her glasses to the staff who were wondering how to observe the eclipse, and the employees all took turns checking it out as we drove off.)
When we arrived at the Mineral Wells stadium, we could immediately hear the bands playing recognizable tunes as well as something else that sounded like “SCREEEE! Wai-wai-wai!” As we sat down, we realized a pair of hawks were nesting in the scoreboard and quickly determined the male must have found the home in the summer months when it was quiet. Saturday must have been a confusing day on the homestead as the sun dimmed and loud musical routines echoed around them all day.
Every quiet moment that followed a drumline elicited an audible bird complaint that didn’t let up for the two hours we were there.
I guess even it pays to research every property before moving in even if you’re a bird of prey.
- Paul Gaudette can be reached at publisher@dublincitizen.com.