I’ve been up since 2:41am, but all is well.

In dreamland, the Bohemian and I were driving through a maze of streets in Boston, trying to employ Google maps with my iPhone. I was all thumbs, pushing the wrong button on the screen and having to reload pages that were too large to read, while the Bohemian needed to know in that moment – take a left or right?

I don’t think it’s navigation that is keeping me awake. Well, in a way. These days it’s all about our pending move to a new house, a process that is about 3/4 of the way complete, but a constant in the back of my mind.

Another constant, (2:41am, no problem) is our trusty and loving companion, Moodha.

When we moved into our present sub-let situation, the house came with a dog, which has been a wonderful trial-run for our family which is not quite yet ready to commit to a canine. I haven’t written much about Moodha in the seven months we’ve lived here, but I think it’s mostly due to the fact that he’s consistently been a shadow of a presence, simple and true, by our side, but with little to-do.

Right now, as I type in this low-lit room, he’s curled up at my feet, as usual. He knows my morning routine. The familiar sounds of a spoon removed from the drawer. The rattle of the refrigerator door opening as I retrieve the milk. And I know the pavlovian jangle of his collar, rattling a chime that signals love embodied in a fur coat is shaking itself awake, and will be joining me at my chair with a yawn.

There are many things to look forward to as the Bohemian, Jeb and I begin building a foundation in our new abode (official move-in date: February 1). I’ve been crossing off my task list and looking ahead with inspiration. But there is also much to be grateful for in what this temporary dwelling has offered us, providing us with much more than basic shelter.

Ahh…puppy love…

We’re only moving up the road, and Moodha’s true caretaker is a good friend. We know this isn’t the last time we’ll see our furry friend. But it won’t be too many more pre-dawn mornings that he and I will share a cup of coffee and some writing time together.

It’s been said that home is where the heart is, and most definitely, Moodha will always have a home in our hearts.