Day 1637 a very early and tired Rambling Sloth today – that once in a lifetime Aurora came back!!

Since I stopped drinking I have found a zest for life, that crops up at times, that feels a high way beyond what alcohol could give me. Wow.

Now I should say here, I am actually working at Tartan today. I haven’t worked a Friday in a long time but I’m full time this week to give me a Monday off for my trip to Milan at the end of the month.

I knew the Aurora was a very strong possibility last night. I kept getting alerts on my phone and then Rachel two doors down was the best alert ever….. “it’s here!” so I call Claire next door and drag her out the back and we “meet” in our respective gardens.

I then tell her that I’m now dragging her out the front and slightly up the hill so we can get the best views. 😆

We walked out the front door and met Emma, another of our running girls, wondering the streets 😆 and the 3 of us set off.

It’s not visible to the naked eye, but I still pretty impressed given that the 10th May showing was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

There are a lot of electric lines up here that spoil my shots so I use them. 😆

It was so beautiful… I stay out longer than the others as I keep taking photos and never know when to walk away, in case it gets better.

This is the village hall.

Back in the garden.

I am so chuffed and tired. It’s 10.20 by the time I get into bed which is late for me! Craig remarks when I come in that I just look SO happy….. this is what makes me tick. Capturing and sharing beautiful things. It may not pay the bills but the buzz I get off this is incredible.

I’m fast asleep when Craig comes up to bed at 12.30 and I get up for the loo…. My brother has posted some very vibrant shots above his house, on our family chat so I head out into the back garden and it’s there above our house and all over the sky, visible to the naked eye. Red.

I get dressed up and head out the front. Purple from this angle.

I head across the road and up the hill again.

I have no fear at all…. Even when I hear a cow munching in the field beside me!

That once in a lifetime opportunity is back and it’s brighter than it was on 10th May.

I am close to tears.

I cannot explain how this makes me feel. I am so glad to be alive, to witness this. So grateful for my courage letting me walk out in the dark and not be scared for once.

I should also say that I’ve put none of those through my photo filter yet. This is just an iPhone 15 pro and holding it in my hand.

💥 ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️💥

The stars are so vibrant too behind the colour.

There’s a car coming from the bottom left. Zoom in on those stars. ✨

Same car lights dull the Aurora but brightens the stars a bit.

Unfortunately Craig’s car was right outside our house.

The village hall again. The streetlights are stopping the real beauty but that’s kind of what you can see with your eyes without the phone camera.

And I am just blown away with gratitude for life. If Craig hadn’t come up to bed late I would have missed it.

He woke me in that high peak.

My alarm didn’t go off this morning because it’s not set for Tartan starting…. Oops… but thankfully I wake at 6 randomly with a pain in my right big toe joint….. 🥴😆 I went straight back out.

It’s cloudy and raining but very atmospheric.

What an amazing night.

Now I have to get a shimmy on or I will be tired and late for work!

And sending positive Aurora vibes for my Canadian bestie Tracey who’s off out to chase them in Vancouver now. It’s just starting for her!!

Stay safe everyone ♥️💜💚