Moon On The Wane

Yesterday morning’s moon was particularly cool looking. If the lit body of the moon leans left, it is diminishing – on the wane towards a new moon. If it is on the right, it is waxing towards a full moon. Last night was a perfect representation of God’s fingernail, leaning left, on a waning moon.

The new moon will fall during the 12th though 14th this month.

Blue had settled back onto her downstairs couch for a nap,

so I followed Jeter upstairs and outside to the front property just to keep an eye on him while he waddled around doing his business in the dark. He cannot really see much beyond lights and shadows these days and his hearing seems to be dissipating faster than my own. Still, I have to give him his freedom and dignity to believe he is still tough enough to remain independent, but you don’t want him to suffer the indignity of getting grabbed by a predator while he is passing a parcel. So I remain far enough away from him so he doesn’t know I’m there, but close enough where any predator in the area knows that I am there. Like a parent who follows their kid home from school from a distance, just to avoid the unthinkable while their child builds their confidence in the world. Deterrence through strength.

Getting older is going to suck, no matter how well one does it. But the alternative always sucks a little worse. Count each day as a blessing.

While I was outside, I was startled to see Claire and Honey hiding out by the girls along the driveway.

I have taken to leaving the side gate unbolted when I come in from feeding the mules at 2 am, so when Claire decides it is time to venture forth onto the full property, the neighbors don’t first have to listen to her jail cell tin cup serenade, as she kicks the gate open.

Once free, if Claire sees no sign of life at the back door, or spots me through my office window, and thus sees an opportunity to extort treats, she’ll often lead Honey on a Casa Claire walk about. Making sure all is right with the world.

Yesterday, I was up on the first floor. I had fed the feral cats and had started to car to let it warm up before taking Lisa to work. So the car’s fog lights were illuminating some of the driveway.

Jeter then scratched at the door, signaling his need for one of his numerous bathroom breaks. I let him walk out alone turn the corner on the back deck and then followed him from a distance.

After my eyes acclimated to the relative darkness, I noticed a large figure moving in the shadows. By the time I realized it was the two mules I could make out Claire standing guard over Honey staring directly at me through the darkness.

Two parts cool, one part eerie. All parts – do not screw with Honey.

Claire was just watching over her ward. Deterrence through strength.

And if there is any magic associated with Casa Claire, it arises from the idea that here, all creatures, of whatever species, look out for one another.

I tried to capture that magic when I created the fictional family of mystical misfits in The Claire Saga.

You see, one of the ways a family expresses their love is that they look out for the other members. The members want to support and encourage each other’s independence, and each must learn to stand on their own two/four feet. But those who are doing well want the others to know they are always there to help when it is truly needed.

And like the cycles of the moon, the needs of all members shift as they progress from waxing to waning. The trick in the malleable family dynamic, is to be able to recognize those shifts and adapt accordingly, in a way that protects the member-in-need’s person, while preserving their dignity.

So, I’ll continue to follow Jeter on his early morning bathroom rounds from a distance, so when he walks back through the door, he proudly chuffs to let everyone else know he’s back, done his business, and ready for service to the family, even if that service is just him crawling back into one of his floor beds and starting to snore.

Speaking of service, I need to gather up the recyclables and bring them out to the road. Then a kitty cuddle and my rounds, after I drop Lisa at work.

It’s Thursday, Friday’s loyal handmaid. The weekend can be heard whispering in the weeds.

So you fine, five readers go forth and wrap your work weeks in a fancy bow.

Maybe cast a quick glance at your family members to make sure they are all okay, but don’t let them catch you looking.

And whatever else we do, let us make today a great one.