Another no Unionville Sunday...

Interesting that an email I got this morning had this pictures.  Ravens and crows was in her message and ravens were huge in the book club book I just read.  Interesting to me in the "coincidence".  Reached out to one of the swimming ladies to see if she needed an extra set of hands for anything as she got ready for Christmas company.  A bird feeder thing is all she had but she said why not just stop by for tea and cookie post walk today.  I took her up on the offer.  Will plan on heading out at 11-ish again today.  Registered for another Kessler zoom at 3 p.m. but can get the recording if I don't get back in time, but that will give me a range of time if it feels right. 

Yesterday wandered to the Shoppes.  Don't think they could cram one more thing in the aisles at Kohl's or Shoprite...people and stuff.  Never ceases to amaze me.  Got pictures sent to my picture frame by son.  He was at a fundraiser at Berry Gordy's home where one of his buddies' art was up for auction.  Never know where that kid is going to show up.  

Talked to sister #4.  Shared with her the items I saw on my Shoprite recon for me to contribute to Christmas Eve dinner.  Will see what she takes me up on.  

Today is pancake of the pancakes/fried egg &toast rotation.  Yesterday #2 meal - elbow noodles with butter, orange, boiled egg, chunk of cheese, blueberries, peanut butter sandwich 4 slices of bread, 5 vanilla sandwich cookies.  Today tuna sandwich plus the regular "sides".  I am tracking this because I am kicking myself for not seeing how the meal #2 changes over time or when I got serious about the 2 meals per day...the things I think about. 

Today - walk, tea klatch, Kessler.  Will see what fills in the blanks.  3rd cup of coffee.  5:13 a.m. 

Be careful who you confide in as the new week begins because not everyone can be trusted. That applies to all areas but especially to work-related matters as some people could use what you tell them to aggrandize themselves at your expense.

Try not to rush through tasks as Mars and Neptune square off, darling Libra. You'll be eager to get chores and errands out of the way, so you can enjoy what remains of the weekend. However, haste could trigger bigger issues that take longer to correct. Luckily, as the Moon moves through your sign, the universe will be on your side. Aspects with Chiron, the Sun, and Jupiter encourage you to know your own mind, making decisions accordingly. Seek indulgences that offer comfort once Luna enters Scorpio this evening. Your home life gets busy throughout the coming weeks after Mars migrates into Capricorn, though you might require additional rest as well. 

All indications are that you're feeling mentally and physically great. Your professional and financial interests could take a sudden turn for the better. Love matters should also be going well, and children bring great pleasure today. This is a good time to make plans for the future and pursue your most cherished ambitions.

In the "what a difference a day makes" category...where I was on Dec 14 2024. Sedona. San Francisco next stop.  Yesterday and a lifetime ago feeling thinking about last December's travels.  

Have a good Sunday.  Just a dusting of snow so no real shoveling today.  :)

Good thing I stopped by the library on my walk yesterday. :)

Got an early morning (3:16 a.m. as we speak) email from PD buddy.  He is making big bucks on overnight overtime and I am waking up for the day.  He is like my local son.  Couple of years older than my son and we became friends when I was the police secretary for the town from 2010-2013 and we keep being friends.  Sent him this email to him after he reported out what he was doing up at 1:47 a.m. doing is word work.  :)

You do not need to outline "odd hours" to me.  :)  I just finished a book I enjoyed.  Couldn't wait to wake up this a.m. to read.  Per Mr. Google: To the Bright Edge of the World is a 2016 historical novel by Eowyn Ivey, following two parallel stories in 1885 Alaska: Colonel Allen Forrester's perilous expedition up the Wolverine River, and his pregnant wife Sophie's life at Vancouver Barracks, where she discovers photography and nature. Told through journals, letters, and documents, the book explores themes of love, endurance, and the clash between civilization and the wilderness, blending historical detail with myth and folklore.  Our January 3 book club book.  Can't get more riveting than my life.  :)

Good chat with son yesterday.  You know I am a bit worried about his upcoming 3 months in Mexico City...but he does live on the bright edge of the world.  AND took his Dad to the DIA for the first time for his father who grew up in Detroit...the boy opens up the world for both his parents.  Dad wanted to see  https://dia.org/events/exhibitions/guests-honor-art-faith-jewish-museum-new-york  Dad and his wife just got back from a trip to Israel.  

Interesting thoughts for me to start the day.  On a "back to the real world". note..  I did get in my car and go to Shoprite yesterday.  Could not pass up the weekend specials - navel oranges and eggs - and I threw in some more sale blueberries.  $7.47/$5.50 trip.  

Walking to Shoppes today.  PTL category that I stopped by the library on my walk yesterday and restocked my bedside stand with books.  Would have been high and dry with my enthusiastic finish to Bright Side.  😲

Signed up for a couple more Kessler sessions.  Still have Christmas and New Year's to make it through. :)   free Holiday Grief Support with David Kessler. :)  With the holidays in mind, sent an email to sister #4 (hostess for Christmas Eve) for what I can be on the lookout for on my Sr. Disc Tuesday shopping.  Just 5 of us for Christmas Eve dinner.

"Also - I am thinking of the same timing for coming to your house as I did for Thanksgiving.  Arrive at your house as you are leaving for your exercise class.  Same CA ZOOM at 1:00 p.m.  Would leave on Christmas Day.  I will be on the hunt for more Sister Schuberts.  Let me know what else I can put on my Tuesday Sr Disc shopping list.  Some doorbusters for Dec 18-25 at Shoprite that spoke to me - Asparagus $.99/lb, green grapes $.99/lb., nestle toll house morsels 9-12 oz bag $2.99." 

Good picture Christmas cards from former school #2 boss and a former co-worker from Houston.  My son and I really need to get a pic that I could send out on some non-holiday schedule.  :)  Also would make me make a conscious list to leave behind for him of people to keep on his rolodex.  

If you get obsessive about an objective that is clearly unattainable this weekend then you will be disappointed when you fail to make the grade. Instead, lower your sights a bit and focus on a target that is within reach but still a worthy challenge.

You may feel pressured to make big decisions this morning, dear Libra, as Mars and Uranus form an unbalanced aspect. Though a sense of urgency could trigger hasty actions, try to consider how your choices will play out in the long term. Take time to weigh your options, then proceed with caution. A sweet connection between Mercury and Pluto encourages you to embrace change. Get creative with your visions to ensure you land comfortably after taking a leap of faith. Meanwhile, Luna moves through your sign and aligns with Venus later today, encouraging you to flirt and find joy with those you love. 

A member of your group may have gone away without telling anyone where he or she was going. This could be worrisome for the rest of you, but don't fret. Your friend is probably OK, but may just need to do some thinking alone. You have to accept that you won't hear from this person today. Have faith and don't worry.

Have to smile with my cosmic guidance...Me, obsessive?  :)  Pressured to make big decisions?  :)  Have faith and don't worry?  :)  Good thoughts/reminders all.  To wrap up my food journal.  I am on cup #4 of coffee at 4:04 a.m. appropriately.  :)  Yesterday post walk meal #2 - 2 big glasses of water, half a juice glass of gingerale, hotdog sandwiched on 2 upper/2 lower pieces of store brand white sandwich bread mustard and relish, chunk of chunk white chedder cheese, one of my navel oranges, a handful of blueberries, a hard boiled egg, 5 vanilla sandwich cookies.  :)  

Have a good Saturday.  Pulling up All-In as we speak for listen.  Then Boston Blue :/ - bad but I can't look away.  Then will head out for walk at 11-ish.  

My morning routine - have to smile :)

Waking up, making coffee, writing in my bedside journal with time I went to bed, when I woke up and any dream recollection, reading for as long as it takes me to drink one cup of coffee, then to the office after refilling my cup and putting on my parka and wrapping my legs with a fleece blanket like a sarong, checking email (and hope not to let myself get distracted by shiny objects), writing my blog, then checking a 8 websites, then linked in, then go with whatever gets my attention from my morning thoughts. This would be the time I watch my Wednesday shows, Thursday shows, TMZ daily show  :).  Was drawn to recount that this morning.  4:07 a.m. as we speak and I am on blog/second cup of 4 of coffee.  Coffee is followed by two more "courses" - next grapes and a banana.  Then a "rotation" - egg and toast one day, pancakes (add water mix) the next.  Rinse and repeat.  Word games  - LA mini crossword, WAPO mini and regular, 32, 8, 4, 1 wordle versions.  

But back to yesterday - lots of writing in the a.m. after the meeting I was in Wed afternoon.  Might be firing myself from my blog volunteer job.  We'll see.  Great walk. Great lentil soup meal #2.  Contented day.  No negative or "less than" connotation for contented in my mind.  I did watch and share another great GeriPal episode.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmLO5CDuKFY&t=1847s  What smart people talking about things that are so important to so many.  Shut my machine down early yesterday.  

Today - nothing on my paper calendar.  But yesterday filled in nicely so I will think the same for today.  Have to decide whether I head to Shoprite for the 3-day sale again this week...hate that when they get me with something but bag of oranges and dozen eggs...! As I wrote to family friend yesterday:  Oranges AND eggs per the email this a.m. $2.99 and $1.49, respectively - 🍊 Orange You Glad? 🥚 Egg-cellent Savings for 3 Days Only  Might walk to Shoppes on Saturday with a satchel. 

But back to today - write, read, walk.  Didn't hear from son yesterday, maybe today.  

It may be tempting to use questionable tactics to get your own way but you must overcome that impulse and play things strictly by the book. You are in such a commanding position at the moment that underhand methods are simply not needed.

Focus on what you can remove from your plate, rather than adding more steps to your agenda, dear Libra. As the Virgo Moon aspects Mars, Uranus, and Neptune, find growth through calculated moves instead of spreading yourself too thin. Peers will recognize your efforts once Luna enters your sign and aligns with Mercury, marking the perfect time to self-promote. You should also be mindful of what you do not know, filling in the missing pieces with thoughtful questions. Build confidence by embracing what gives you power and releasing self-doubt when Pluto stirs this afternoon. 

 Discussions about religion could come up during your day. A recent rush of intuitive revelations could cause you to want to expound on your beliefs, but this could backfire. This isn't the day to try to convince others of anything. This also isn't a good day to think in terms of getting away for a while. Kick around a few ideas, but make definite plans later.

I will stay within myself today and be mindful of all I do not know.  Feel fine with that.  No one is dying to hear my thoughts on anything today.  I will leave others in peace.  :)  Have a good Friday.  And to use my boomer saying - Man, this week flew by!  :)

Distracted by shining objects already - at 5:26 a.m. :)

And a dozen eggs for $1.49...Shoprite is getting me on this week's weekend specials.  Will see if I walk that way on Saturday with a shopping bag in hand.  :)  I woke up with my hair on fire about the FEN meeting for blog team yesterday.  Sent "my blog boss" a note, but on his urge I will reach out to org director today.  This might fall into my "fire myself" pattern.  When orgs get too "org'd" it loses its luster for me.  Oh well.  But in the there are no coincidences - from the book I was reading this a.m. "...nothing is impossible.  Take one step, and then another, and see where the path leads.  Don't think of the obstacles, only the way around them."  Sort of like the phrase - Do something, it will lead to something.  We will see where my "do-ing" takes me today.  Good that I will probably hear from son today or tomorrow.  See if he comes up with any suggestion like he did before I headed into Thanksgiving - "Let life come to you."  It helped me get through that stretch.  See if he comes up with anything for this one. 

Yesterday - cleaned apt, walked with friend - circuitous route based on "treated surfaces only" but filled the 9-11 a.m. time slot, noon INCREDIBLE presentation by Melissa Wood from Texas - what a resource.  Before the meeting began the facilitator did her exercise for us all to quiet our minds and identify what intention we are bringing with us into the meeting.  Mine was to deepen my connection with the speaker.  It happened in the presentation.  Now I will see what this situation asks of me as to in the "take one step, and then another, and see where the path leads." category.  Then FEN O&E committee meeting.  Then Lansing DC.  Good thing nothing on my paper calendar until Monday. :)  These last few days have been thought provoking.  

Today it is 5:40 a.m. already.  Write, read and walk and possible talk to son the only things I am seeing in the hours ahead.  34 degrees as we speak but temp will be going down today rather than up as the day goes on.  I will sprinkle the sidewalk as soon as I am dressed.  I am smiling as I revel in my CFON coffee.  I hope this does not "ruin" me on routinely cheaper store brand coffee...I will try to just let myself be lost in the 11 ounces I have.  :)  I do get ahead of myself sometimes.  :)  

Also smiled yesterday when I realized that an author I had just listened to interview Morgan Housel was the visiting author this year at former school #1.  I sent a former co worker, economics teacher the youtube in case any of his kids could get extra credit for listening to it. I did share with co worker that I have JOMO - joy of missing out.  :)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9muF10VuLc&t=109s

More shiny objects dropped into my field of vision when I was looking for that link - new GeriPal episode just dropped.  Rehab and Death in Skilled Nursing.  Anxious to listen to that.  

If you listen to a friend or colleague who is an expert in a field where you are still a bit of an amateur you will learn something to your advantage today. Make good use of their experience to avoid making stupid mistakes.

Read between the lines under today's Virgo quarter Moon, dear Libra. Information others have been trying to conceal could slip through, giving you a better idea of what and who you're dealing with. You'll have the intellectual advantage once Mercury enters Sagittarius this afternoon, and should use your voice to push ideas through in the coming weeks. The louder you are, the bigger the payoff. Innovative strategies fill your head while Jupiter stirs this evening. Spend some time alone brainstorming your next plan of action. Take care not to put too much on your plate when Luna opposes Saturn tonight. 

There's some likelihood that your emotions have changed in the past six weeks or so. You're no longer attracted to the same people. You're unsure of yourself at work, and you even wonder if your attractiveness had deserted you. Beginning today, these doubts will be dispelled. Take heart.

Hmmm... as to my cosmic guidance.  Listen. Learn. Plan of action. But what feels most important in this moment.  "Take heart."  Those two words feel like a hug this a.m.  That is a very welcome sensation this a.m.  Have a good Thursday.  

7 at 7 - degrees, hour :/

Having some cosmic domino moments.  Trying to decide where I am being led... But as to yesterday.  Shoprite 7 a.m., 7 degrees on car temp display.  $43.08/$16.02 spend to save.  Had to smile - digital coupon made buying name brand coffee over store brand...VERY different aroma when I opened that can versus the generic.  Oh well.  Will hope for more coupons.  This morning's coffee is a wonderful experience.  :)  Grapes and mouthwash were my big non-sale items.  But "need" both?  Walk felt much warmer than Monday even though the thermometer said otherwise.  Did stop at OSJL for pit stop and saw that toilet paper and coffee might be items I could get there.  Will do the math on the 5% Sr Disc versus OSJL pricing.  Ran dishwasher.  CA DC.  SD DC. Documentary at 8 p.m. - lots of technical difficulties on this showing.  Suffering into Gold.  I will hope to see it in all its glory at some point.  The host said he would offer it again when they worked out the presentation bugs.  

Today 12, 2, 7 - EOLD, FEN blog meeting, Lansing DC.  VERY excited with the speaker at EOLD.  I am seeing her in too many places to not think she is a "cosmic domino" person.  I will hope to keep quiet in the FEN meeting.  Blog team might becoming too "work-like" for me under the new management.  We will see.  My pattern - get into something, hair on fire, then step away.  Nothing new or unsettling about that.  I always say it is not what I do, it is the who I do it with...  Will see if this involvement falls away because of the new "whos".  

Clean the apt today or THU/FRI?  Time will tell.  :)

Sent son an email that nothing on my paper calendar on Thursday or Friday if he wants to get me up to date with his Mexico City company last weekend and any more plans for his Dec 23 departure.  I am fear-full of his travels.  He is fear-less to my fear-full.  Tricky combo platter for mother and son.  Oh well.  We are who we are.

Family friend feels that we will get our walk in today before the weather.  Fingers crossed.  

The best way to impress important people is to show them that no matter what challenges you face you know how to stay calm and act in a clear and sensible fashion. The fact that you are not a hothead will earn their respect.

Neptune stations direct in the sector of your chart that governs health and routines, dear Libra. Recognize how certain habits may be contributing to fogginess or fatigue, using this energy to get your wellness journey back on track. Negotiations you've been chipping away at recently could fall through while Mercury and Uranus face off. If talks go awry, keep your cool to avoid losing control. It'll be essential to give and take if you hope to salvage compromised agreements. Focus on lighter topics or tend to your needs in silence while the Virgo Moon aspects the nodes of fate and Venus later tonight.

Devote your energies to human psychology today. It's a good day to try to sell your ideas. Concentrate your efforts on those whose help you need. If you have faith in your originality, your sales efforts are likely to pay off. In fact, there is some chance you'll meet an especially dynamic person who can lead you into some fascinating, unexplored territory.

No hothead?  Keep my cool?  Human psychology?  Feels like the cosmos is guiding me for my FEN meeting today.  And then Lansing to bring me back to my happy place and people.  :)  I can read into anything what I think I need to hear.  More fingers crossed.  Have a good Wednesday.  I am reveling in my coffee this a.m.  I am easily impressed and uplifted - sometimes.  :)

The wheels have come off the winter bus...and it only Dec 8...

Record breaking cold for December is what they are saying.  They might just be hyping me up, but I wanted to be a responsible tenant at the temp is going into single digits last night and not back into the 20's until 11 or noon today.  Sun felt fine yesterday.  I did not do my regular route.  Bit chilly.  :/  So yesterday post walk, I turned the baseboard section on in the bathroom and the north wall of the great room.  I will turn it off at noon-ish today.  Worst should be over for a bit after that.  Rain/Sleet for Wednesday - glad I got my sand/salt topped off.  :)   I might look for a thermometer at Shoprite this a.m.  Would be curious what the interior temp is when I don't have the heat on.  Feels almost too warm for my conditioning when it is on...4:17 a.m. - have not turned the two baseboard runs off yet.  :)  Will turn off when I head to Shoprite.  8 degrees as we speak...

But not only the weather, shortened walk, I did my load of wash on Monday...what is my world coming to.  But the good news balance on all the dents in my Monday - landlady delivered beef barley soup in time for meal #2 and lentil on the way for today.  Will walk right by the Progresso soup special in Shoprite this a.m.  

More wheel issues...looks like I am out of time on NYT mini crossword for free time.   And the other crosswords except the archive from years ago.  Oh well.  It was fun while it lasted.  I am not going to subscribe to something for the crosswords.  I will have to see what else is out there in the word work universe.  NYT should have a free pass for word work for Sr Citizens.  We need to keep sharp.  :)

Sat in the sun yesterday and read a chunk of book club book. 

I was off to Arizona on the 2nd Monday of December last year...what a difference a year makes - on steroids.  :)

So today run dishwasher.  Shoprite.  Walk.  CA, SD DCs.  Movie "premiere" tonight.  Suffering Into Gold Online Premiere Dec.9, 2025, at 5 pm PT.  VERY late for me to stay up, but feels worth it.  

You must stay neutral when dealing with friends and colleagues who are at loggerheads over a matter they think is important but which you can see is of only minor significance. Don’t take sides but do try to bring them together again.

Reach outside of yourself for support, dear Libra, as the Leo Moon aligns with the Sun and Chiron. Remember that seeking encouragement doesn't make you a burden, but gives others a chance to show up for you the way you have for them. You'll feel upbeat, perky, and ready for action once Mars activates later today. This energy is perfect for following through on plans you and your friends have discussed but haven't yet pulled the trigger on. Consider calling it an early night when Luna enters a T-square with Mercury and Uranus before entering Virgo, which could cause you to hit a social wall. 

Take advantage of today to spend quality time in the cozy little nest you and your family enjoy so much. It's a happy, home-sweet-home kind of day. A healthy, peaceful atmosphere reigns and dispels domestic tensions. Seize the opportunity to recharge your batteries. Tomorrow you'll need plenty of energy.

Perky?  Me?  Will see what the afternoon brings.  My version of perky could be interesting/unique.  Recharge for sure.  Will be curious if weather or home improvements get between me and family friend walk tomorrow.  Have a good Tuesday.  Doing wash yesterday is giving me pause when figuring out the day of the week.  I was telling PD buddy on Sunday - paper calendar and town church bells are VERY helpful in helping me track days of week, time of day.  :)  

Glad no video cameras on my life of late :)

This pic is a more "glamorous" version of what I wear pretty much all my waking hours.  :)  Have it on as I type at 4:18 a.m.  EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports store in Boston) "seconds" purchased Nov or Dec 1975 before I left for the Peace Corps in Jan 1976.  I was going to be up in the mountains so parka was on the packing list.  Bright red.  Probably helped its lifespan that it was not used 1979-2005 when I lived in the south.  But man it is a lifesaver now.  Yes I could turn the heat on, but I am more comfortable and warm in my parka than I would be in one layer in a heated room.  Conditioned behavior for me and it feels "right".  But an interesting thought to start the day.  I do take it off for my ZOOMs but it is wrapped around me in my chair.  But enough of my winter fashion.  Michelin tire man, weeble wobble...images for you to have in your mind for me as I work through the winter.  To tell you the truth, it is coming off as we speak as I am too warm as we speak.  The body is such an adaptable thing.  :)  So video on my wardrobe or me with my bucket at DPW OR trying to get a full bucket up to my second floor back hallway.  Entertaining to say the least.  

Yesterday I did my Tuesday/Thursday reservoir route due to rails to trails to Unionville too icy.  Ran into PD buddy on my wandering.  He pulled over and we talked for a minute.  I cannot get a handle on his schedule with his new department.  I did change up my route a bit at the end to walk by DPW and make sure there was salt and sand mix available.  I got in my car without going inside the apartment and drove my bucket to DPW and filled up.  Willy nilly with my driving last week and yesterday.  Will get back on track this week.  Tuesday to Shoprite is the only drive item I have.  :)  Great DC yesterday.  Long standing member died and her husband came to share with the group her last two weeks.  She was known for her Ask Isadora newspaper column and she was as skilled in living her advice as she was answering readers' questions about relationships.  You die as you live.  She did.  As soon as I turned my phone back on after the DC, sister #1 called.  She had already made her sibling call earlier, but later since she is currently in PST visiting her daughter.  The post DC call was about the death of a dear friend of hers and the wife of the last Republican US House of Representatives for my state.  She wanted to know if I had seen any local notice - I had not, but I found her a couple and sent them along.  

Today ZEN DC only thing on my paper calendar.  Hope my son's visit this weekend with a musician from Mexico City went well.  He does live a life of many faces.  Should have pushed him harder on learning Spanish earlier in his life.  :)  

So today - walk and ZEN.  Completely enjoying Jan book club book. I do want to set some goals for 2026.  Focus and intention...keep a good thought for that coming together.

The more plans you make the better, so keep thinking and keep coming up with new ways to make life more interesting for yourself. Yes, you have many allies but there is one enemy you need to constantly look out for – boredom.

The Leo Moon highlights how interconnected our world truly is, dear Libra, softening your heart to those around you. Appreciate the diversity that you encounter each day, considering what it is that makes you stand apart. Flirty vibes permeate your conversations while Venus stirs this afternoon, and you may develop an interest in someone you didn't fully understand in the past. This celestial exchange can also assist with gaining the attention of your latest crush, but you'll need to appeal to their intellectual side. Take steps to forge a stronger alliance between the body and mind once Mars squares Saturn. 

This is a good day to keep a low profile. Any attention that comes your way today is suspect. Don't trust the motives of anyone who asks too many questions or who seems too interested in anything you're doing. This isn't a good day to start new projects or move forward with any new acquaintances. Lose yourself in the pursuit of your own interests.

Have to smile with my cosmic guidance this a.m.  I am thinking most would be bored with my lifestyle, but that is not the emotion or response I feel BUT I do like the prompt "more plans you make the better".  I do appreciate what I encounter each day.  Also not hard to make it all about me...  :)  But in a good way.  

Have a good Monday.  I am committed to the same.