And so, the last day of the year has arrived. It’s just after sunset on a cold day here in West Brookfield. The wicked sleety, ice storm left a pile of frozen slush ankle deep. The early evening show of thunder and lightening yesterday was bizarre. Still, the lights stayed on, the howl and spatter only rattled the windows.
Stellina and Tesoro emerge from slumbers long enough for breakfast, dinner and a quick run around chasing old shoelace “snakes”. A lucky life they have here. Soft blankets to purr on. A welcoming voice to greet them should they arise.
The house is starting to feel too small now. We just turned back towards the light. The feeling of stuck inside prevails. Last week, the wild forsythia patch felt the nip of sheers. A new short limb saw is ready to continue the task. A few afternoons, it was clear and almost warm. On Saturday, it was so balmy, I sat out on my beach chair for a few minutes, feeling the sun’s rays on my face. Sunning in December? From calm and friendly to roaring frost, it changes so fast here. It’s a long way to go. January will be what? I think January’s full moon is called snow Moon.
What happened in 2019? A big big ouch in the back. It hurt a lot. Horses, there were horses some of the time. The dream has to slumber for now. The spirit wants to go, but the body is tired. And, the want keeps getting buried behind the needs. I did what I could. I’ll do what I can.
Tesoro has been the biggest surprise of all. He came home in January 2017. A three year old house cat who was afraid. Afraid of everything. He wasn’t like that in the cat shelter. He was big eyed and playful. He hid under the bed for four months, only emerging from time to time for company. So cautious! So sensitive! Almost three years it’s taken for him to decide it’s okay to sit next to me on the couch. The last month, he decided it’s fun to cuddle with Mom. He’s happy. He looks up with his big eyes with happiness deep inside. This summer, he finally joined us outside in the backyard. I caught him sneaking out the front door and coming down the side yard. Suddenly, the big scary basement was okay. Every weekend, he came outside to walk on the grass, or watch from the doorway. The beast came out as he chased a grey squirrel up a tree. He’s whole! Tesoro accepted us! It just took almost three years, but he loves his new home.
So, any plans for tonight? I’m a quiet soul. Crowds and cold are no fun. Star Wars! The Skywalker saga may have come to some sort of end lately, but Luke will always be there. Maybe it’s time to watch “A New Hope” where it all began so long ago. Tomorrow, we’ll take that fine long walk in the fresh air tomorrow. Plans are on for the afternoon. Thick boots, thick gloves and socks will rule the day.
After that, it’s back to the grind. How lucky I’ve been to have this early winter break. To be quiet for days. To sleep in everyday. To enjoy home! To visit. To be warm and safe. The streets outside are quiet already. Only light traffic goes by. People are doing what they do. I’m hopeful to see another winter, another storm, another day.
LuceStellare 