:: northern lights

There's been a huge solar flare this week, which caused a big geomagnetic storm. It could blow out satellites and make your mobile phone play up -- but the really good news is that it means there may be some good aurora displays.

I've never seen the northern lights, so I'm excited.

Actually it says on the BBC link up there that "aurora have been seen at night all over the globe." Not in my 'hood. But I live in hope. More flares are expected.

The only lights in the sky so far this week have been from damned fireworks. Yes, it's that time of year again. I used to love fireworks -- now I've got a big chicken-hearted dog who paces the house crying and peering out of windows. I've been leaving the curtains drawn when I go to work, and radios on.


Here he is hiding behind the chair last November.