"There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the Moon howls." - George Carlin

I heard afterwards that this most recent full moon was the largest of the year. As it happened, I was taking a last look out a window, just prior to climbing into bed, when I saw the full Moon arriving. To my consternation though, I saw that it was hanging with a pretty tough crowd.  

A crowd of clouds, I mean.  Personally, I have no problem with daytime, well-behaved clouds that float by against the blue, busily going about their business. Morning and evenings bring out the more flamboyant sort. They flaunt their uniqueness with a multitude of everchanging colors. Sometimes they're a bit 'over the top,' but I can't help but admire their imagination.  After dark however, the cloud crowd, it seems to me, is generally up to no good. They seem to know exactly which star or planet or moon I'm hoping to photograph, and purposely choose that sky-corner to loiter on. A tough bunch. 

Fortunately, on the night in question, the Moon seemed to be holding its own against the dark side.  It was the work of a moment for me to grab my camera and get some shots of my friend doing battle with these toughs, and as you will see, ultimately succeeding. 

First, a look at what I saw from my window.  At this point, I thought the battle could go either way. The clouds are out in force tonight. 

I could only watch and lend moral support during the following skirmish.  

  

Oh-oh, not looking too good for our side at this point.

They've got it in a head lock. 

But then, it rallies, and, as you can see, the Moon is slowly getting the upper hand.

Gautama Buddha must have seen a similar battle between the Moon and the cloud crowd at some point because he suggested to humanity, "Like the Moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine!"  

You can see in the above picture that a few of the dimmer members of the crowd tried to get a few last licks in, but by this time, the Moon didn't even notice.  It ruled the sky, as it ought to, and although I didn't hear any howling from it as such, I may have missed it, having taken my hearing aids out some time earlier, and because of the cheering I was doing myself. (Fortunately I woke neither Jeanne or any of the neighbors.)  

It's been a pleasure sharing this plus-sized lunar victory with all of you.  See you next time.   -djf