probably should have put them in a different thread, but as I was replying to George's post, they ended up here

Taken with my camera, but by my daughter who lives well out of Melbourne so no ambient light.
It certainly was a good one.

As the snow continued to swirl outside, Sylvia recalled a conversation she had with her godmother over afternoon tea.

Sylvia leaned forward, her dark brown eyes brimming with curiosity. "Lady Isadora, what is love? I mean, truly—what does it entail?"

Her godmother smiled; her gaze distant. "Ah, my dear Sylvie, love is a journey, not a destination. It involves continuous growth, seeking connection, and understanding. It's like a delicate tapestry woven across time. It's not a static state; rather, it's a journey—one that winds through joy, pain, and transformation."

Sylvia nodded. "But how do we find it? How do we recognise love when it appears?"
Lady Isadora traced patterns on the tablecloth. "Love demands courage. It's about embracing the unknown, stepping beyond our comfort zones, and embracing vulnerability. Rumi, the poet, once said, 'Love is the bridge between you and everything'. It transcends boundaries—time, space, even our mortal selves. It can blossom between people of different backgrounds and beliefs."

Sylvia leaned closer. "And forgiveness? They say it's essential for love."

Lady Isadora softly replied. "Indeed. We must practice acceptance and forgiveness. We must accept ourselves and others, flaws and all. Forgiveness paves the way for healing. Love is about mending, Sylvie."

Sylvia gazed out of the teashop window. "And the present moment? How does love connect to that?"

Lady Isadora sipped her Earl Grey Cream tea, enjoying the creamy flavour provided by the vanilla leaves mixed with the Earl Grey. "Love is about appreciating the present moment. The magic lies in the ordinary—the shared meal, the whispered secret, the rustle of leaves. Love is about slowing down and finding beauty in simplicity. It's about serving others, as compassion and contributing to a greater good brings fulfilment. And above all, it's about embracing life's mystery, for joy lies in the journey, even without all the answers."

She paused, then added, "You see, Sylvie, to find your true self, you must shed societal expectations to discover authentic happiness aligned with your core values. That's when you truly understand love."

And so, Sylvia sat there, torn between her duty to and love for the 'Karadow', particularly her dear friend and business associate, Eli, who was unmistakably smitten with Giles, Jeremy's closest friend. On the other hand, she was consumed by an intense longing to be with Jeremy. He was not just her cherished boyfriend of six years, but the man who dominated her thoughts, ignited her senses, and touched the very core of her being. She yearned for him to be more than a boyfriend; she desired him as her life partner, forever by her side.

I'm definitely a little to far south.

The Aurora Australis is seen quite frequently in Tasmania, though. I go to Tasmania quite often, but have never seen it.

Apart from that though it was unaffected 

Quote from: crewearpley40 on Yesterday at 04:30:46 PMservice will be unaffected

Except for all yesterday evenings journeys being cancelled and today only running Swanage to Norden with planned journeys through to the mainline being cancelled...

Quote from: Papyrus on Yesterday at 01:58:01 PMGutted. 

Just gutted.     

The first time since God was a boy that the Aurora Borealis has been visible in deepest Sussex AND WE MISSED IT!! Mrs P and I have never seen it and Friday night would have been our best chance but we were tucked up in bed as usual. It wasn't till the next morning when a neighbour started sharing photos of the event that we realised what we had missed. We stayed up last night but of course nothing happened. The sun is very active at the moment so we hope the chance comes again, but we're not holding our breath.

Bother, bother, bother.

Not 'appy.

Not 'appy at all.

Chris

@Papyrus
@Jollybob
@Newportnobby
You can reduce the chance of that happening again by installing the Aurora App on a phone or tablet. I have been using it for a couple of years now and it has alerted me to possibilities of seeing Aurora Borealis several times and delayed me going to bed. On Friday night I was also able to alert a friend in Oklahoma that it could be visible in her area. And it was! Just check out how far south Tulsa is and that is very,very rarely a sighting area, so most people would not even be expecting it.

Quote from: Papyrus on Yesterday at 01:58:01 PMGutted. 

Just gutted.     

The first time since God was a boy that the Aurora Borealis has been visible in deepest Sussex AND WE MISSED IT!! Mrs P and I have never seen it and Friday night would have been our best chance but we were tucked up in bed as usual. It wasn't till the next morning when a neighbour started sharing photos of the event that we realised what we had missed. We stayed up last night but of course nothing happened. The sun is very active at the moment so we hope the chance comes again, but we're not holding our breath.

Bother, bother, bother.

Not 'appy.

Not 'appy at all.

Chris

Your not the only one. I work the night shift and was outside all night in Gloucestershire. I even went looking for it. Didn't see a thing.
I was already having a bad night because of a computer glitch at work, I missed a career changing opportunity.
They say bad comes in three. That's two, just waiting for the third one now.

Rob.

Thanks Alan


Loco involved 50026

https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/24314444.locomotive-partially-derails-corfe-castle-swanage-railway/


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn40l2579qqo.amp

https://metro.co.uk/2024/05/12/vintage-train-derails-passengers-onboard-summer-festival-20823549/


https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2024/05/investigation-underway-after-locomotive-derails-at-heritage-railway.html


This service will be unaffected . Hopefully more information soon

https://www.aol.co.uk/news/investigation-locomotive-derails-heritage-railway-125113598.html

well, that toothpaste can be slippery