Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Paraselene

A paraselene is a bright spot, especially on a lunar halo. It's sometimes known as a mock or false moon. I'm not sure I entirely follow, but it's a nice word and maybe my friend Sheila will come along and explain it properly.

The picture is of the actual moon, taken by Gary. He's one of the bright spots in my life.

Wednesday, 10 September 2014

Looking at the view

Here's Gary photographing the view on the second day of our trip (er yes, he is stood just behind the sign warning of dangerous cliffs. He's like that) View used in this context means what is seen from a particular point. Of course what we can see might be a row of overflowing bins, but usually it's taken to refer to a picturesque, natural scene.

It can also mean the extent of visibility (his mistake was made in full view of his mother-in-law) a visual or mental survey (she viewed the results), an opinion or mental attitude (his mother-in-law held strong views about his intelligence) or with the aim of attaining something (she had a view to a divorce) or to bear something in mind (in view of what she'd seen him do).

A viewing is an opportunity for a visual inspection, such as when house hunting. Once you've viewed it you might want to take a long term view of it's suitability.

In view of the length of this post, I'll stop now and fill the kettle with a view to making a nice pot of tea.