My partner and I traveled from the Bay Area to Austin, Texas in April to watch the total solar eclipse that crossed North America. Like many around the world, we camped out and watched as the sun cast a silvery ring across the sky. It was mind-blowing, magical, and definitely one of the best things to happen to me this year.
Today, as we approach the halfway point of the year, we're sharing the highlights of 2024 that our readers have written about. Some of you wrote about big birthdays. Others wrote about new family members and amazing adventures. Send your stories to CAToday@nytimes.com.
Below are some edited and condensed highlights.
“Two years ago, I started working as a substitute teacher in San Diego. I was working three part-time jobs to make ends meet, but switching back to full-time work gave me the summer off to recharge and refresh. I can't remember having a summer off since high school, so I plan to make the most of it. There will be a lot of sitting on a porch and eating gelato in the near future.” Barbara Rekes, San Diego
“I took a trip to Yosemite in late February to see the Firefall. The first night was okay, but I didn't get to see the whole show. So I decided to push my luck and stay another day, hoping Mother Nature would live up to my expectations. And she did. I've seen countless photos, but nothing beats seeing it with your own eyes. Thousands of strangers came together to witness something truly amazing that only nature can provide. You can't see it unless the conditions are right.” — Mark Chotiner, Thousand Oaks
“A year ago, my family took an online course called 'Becoming Friends with Death' at the request of my adult son. The course sparked conversations about many taboo topics, such as health, inheritance, money, time wasting, and of course death. As a result, my adult children wanted to spend more time together, even though they live on the other side of the world. So we celebrated both of their birthdays on a Danube cruise and experienced the magic of exploration, concerts, history, food, and conversation for two weeks. It was an amazing experience. Ultimately, it inspired all of us to want to take on new adventures, near or far, in the years to come.” — Lori Silver, Carmel
“My father turned 100 in March. Born in Portland and raised in San Francisco, he lived through a full century of dizzying technological advances, winnable world wars, and life-saving medical procedures unimaginable when he was younger. It's incredible that one person embodies 100 years of history.” Janet Gallen, Menlo Park
“2024 has been complicated so far with injuries and illnesses in our family. However, the greatest joy so far this year was the birth of our ninth grandchild, Coco Clementine, in late April. She is healthy, sweet and very loved. She brings us joy and hope for a positive future.” — Jody Bomba, Lake Arrowhead
Before you leave, here's some good news
Members of the Melrose Leadership Academy chapter of Youth vs. Apocalypse, a climate justice-focused organization, successfully petitioned the school to use heat pumps instead of air conditioning, The Guardian reported.
The students studied the effectiveness of heat pumps, which use electricity to heat and cool the school, and presented their findings at community and school committee meetings. They estimated that the pumps, which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, would cost about $5 million, part of the district's more than $700 million bond.