Once in a blue moon...

Last night, at about 4 AM, I quietly turned on the bedroom light so that I might safely go to the bathroom. [I take no chances since I fell in Feb.] I glanced across the room, and Flo's eyes opened. I told her that I was just going to take a bathroom break, and I'd be right back. Since during the daytime, Mom had expressed a desire to see the full moon, I said:

"Mom, would you like to see the full moon? It wouldn't be difficult to do."

"Sure! Yes, I would!"

Was I surprised that she would want to get out of bed to see it? Not really. Flo has surprised me more than once. I have learned not to think for her.

Picture it:

I rolled her wheelchair next to her bed, sat her up, and into her chariot she went! A very short trip to my side of the room, and we gazed out the window. There, shining brightly, was a very full moon.

"Oohh! That is certainly bright! And beautiful!"

I wondered if it was a blue moon. Then I recalled that it was not possible since it was the first full moon in September. I remember years ago while still teaching, my friend, Maureen, explained that a blue moon is actually when there is a second full moon within the same month. It doesn't happen very often, and averages about once in every two and a half years. The rare phenomenon of 'two blue moons' in a year happens about every nineteen years, with 1999 being the last time this occurred.

Flo, Gracie, and I sat for a moment staring at the full moon, and chatting a bit [at 4:30 in the morning!!]. I told Mom that I would 'Google it' in the morning and find out when the next blue moon would occur. Here's the news:

The last one was May 31, 2007. And...a drum roll please...

Get ready everybody...Dec. 31, 2009!! So this New Year's Eve, be sure to look in the sky for the full moon, and make a wish!! It could be lucky!

And this info ...compliments of the last person that you would want to consult about astronomy!!

Which is why I thank my lucky stars for 'Google'!!