Letter and Invitation to our Neighbors

We delivered little baggies of bells and this invitations to our immediate neighbors in advance of the Solstice this year— The letter:
“Hello neighbors- You have no doubt noticed that Norman and I have been ringing a bell at sunset ever since we began sheltering in place last year! What you may not know is that we have actually been observing every sunrise and sunset since 2008 as part of a dailybell project* (though usually with much quieter little bells). We hope that you have not found this too disruptive to your evening. Perhaps you may have even anticipated this end of the day commemoration.

This weekend is the beginning of summer. As we did last year at this time, we are planning to do a special observation in honor of the Solstice on Sunday, June 20th. We have included a plan (other side) and some bells for anyone who likes this idea (and is short on bells), and we invite you to join us.

Best wishes from your neighbors at 1358 35th Avenue.
Brenda and Norman”

The Invitation:
Celebrate the Summer Solstice – Sunday. June 20th this year.
I’ve distributed little bags of bells to my nearest neighbors and have invited them to join us.
If you like this idea, please join in wherever you are.

Surround the sunrise and/or sunset with a 10-minute observance, keeping in mind other people who have, are or will experience this same sunset sometime today.
For instance, sunset in the Bay Area (sunset 8:35)

8:32 Stop whatever you are doing and step outside or open a window.
Find a comfortable place to sit or stand.
Orient yourself towards the sunset, even if you can't see it.
Think of others elsewhere who may be joining you at this moment.
Ring a bell, sing or hum along.

8:37 - 8:38 Observe a moment of silence.
OPTIONAL: Invite your neighbors to join you.
END
To look up the sunrise or sunset times where you live: https://www.timeanddate.com/

That's a chocolate (birthday) cake I’m holding here--

June 15, 2021. Sunset 8:33 PM. San Francisco, CA.

That's a chocolate cake I’m holding there-- Celebrating the official end of covid restrictions here in California AND-- my birthday. While we have no plans to jump start an evening social life, we do plan on continuing to ring the big bell out here on the sidewalk each night.

However, if something comes up that takes away from here at that moment, we will go (and ring and observe the sunset wherever we are - as we’ve been doing every sunrise and sunset since 2008).

While the exact dates of boundaries of the shutdown and reopening are somewhat arbitrary, we have taken them seriously as meaningful indications and warnings of the threat and virulence of covid here. I only hope that this is the beginning of the end here, and that it will be true for everyone as soon as possible.

Please come by if you are in the neighborhood. Day 461

free to fly (or walk)

June 15, 2021. Sunset 8:33 PM. Vallejo, CA.

“Tonight’s walk on Mare Island” - Elisabeth Beaird and Richard Marriott

COMING SOON—OTHER LOCALES!!

June 14, 2021. Sunset 8:33 PM. San Francisco, CA.

After 460 days, California is lifting all COVID restrictions tomorrow, June 15, 2021!
While it has been a once in a lifetime opportunity to publicly observe the sunset in the same place every day for 460 evenings, I will be glad return to a less physically restrictive practice. As we are able and willing to be away from home at all hours, I will continue to observe every sunrise and sunset (with bells) and invite everyone to do the same as the spirit moves you. If you are in the neighborhood ay sunset, please come by. We will continue to drag the big bell down to the sidewalk in the evenings when we're at home, but no longer take photos of this same scene every day. I have loved our evenings together and am grateful for your company and mutual support this past year.
Good luck and many blessings. Day 460

birthday wishes blowing in

June 14, 2021. Sunset 8:54 PM. Ironwood, MI.

“Happy ‘early’ Birthday Brenda”
- Kathy Roman

Day 459

June 13, 2021. Sunset 8:32 PM. San Francisco, CA.

It's great to be back home-- fog and all especially with such a warm welcome (even our little neighbor who peers out the window next door joined us this evening- he's very quiet)
Day 459 – one more day to go until all restrictions are lifted here.