Overload day in my easily overloaded way :)

My sister #4's cat who died on Good Friday, but using this pic as I was just "assigned" to cat feeding while swimming lady is off to see her sister and BIL in Arizona next week...I am not an animal person but glad I had the experience of doing cat related tasks when I was at sister #4's.  :)  It is also the same time that sister #1 and friend from Paraguay are in town.  Maybe good that it is all in one week.  So one week of "connecting" then back to solitude until son is here in June.  Speaking of son - sad about Pistons.  Have to smile at the lack of national support - my TV station that was network to show the game - showed a college softball playoff game instead.  Why would anyone around here want to watch Pistons and Cavaliers?  Detroit SO does not get the respect it deserves.  Double whammy that Cleveland was their opponent.  :)

Getting to my machine at 5:54 a.m.  Restless night - next week AND trying to decide how to approach grocery shopping with Shoprite's abandonment of me and the senior discount.  I will hit ALDI today for grapes, bananas, and bread and then...next week with sister #1 here, but she stays at an airbnb so not disruptive to meal #1 but meal #2 will be a crap shot for Wed, Thurs, Fri.  I will be eating lots of regular people food in restaurants. 

Spoke to sister #6 and #1 on Sunday.  #6 is on double duty time - finishing up school year and working at "the tent".  Just noticed that Lyle Lovett is going to be there this season.  :)

This week - PA DC today, CA DC and library consortium talk on Tuesday, Wednesday EOLD with the 3rd of 3 series with VSED doula, Thursday walk with former co worker from first job I had when I came home in 2006, 1 p.m. FEN webinar, 7 p.m. Rochester DC.  As to "holiday weekend", I am hoping Albany CA DC is still on for Sunday, and I know ZEN DC is on for Monday, and CA DC for Tuesday then with company in town I will miss May 27 EOLD but will hope to be home for GA DC Wednesday p.m.  Company leaves and swimming lady comes home on Saturday so I will be back on my own on May 31!!!  

Do have to go online and make my summer "investment" in my Senior discount pool membership - $25 for the season.  June 18-August 23, 2026  $25.00.  $7 a visit if son decides to join me when he is here.  :)  He is renting a car so we will have more mobility than my MAZDA allows, so we might be doing some visiting.  Niece, sister #4.  We will see how long he has in the area.  

So today - wash clothes, walk, bananas/grapes/bread run to ALDI.  Beginning my head in the sand approach to town politics so not watching BOF meeting...I am over it all.  And do not have the patience to watch the "watch paint dry" pace of how local government works.  They have taken care of it before me for centuries, I think they will do fine without me now.  

Your ruling planet Venus moves into the career area of your chart today, which means you will get many opportunities to move up in the world. Don’t be afraid to take risks, because even if they don’t all pay off enough will to make it worthwhile.

Be mindful of how your conversations with the universe unfold, dearest Libra. As the Moon moves through Gemini, the signs you receive hold significant meaning. Be an agent for change once Mars debuts in Taurus, triggering major shifts throughout the coming weeks. Release what you do not need to ensure the transitions you face are positive. Professional growth could find you after Venus and Luna enter Cancer this evening. Focus on your highest aspirations, forge solid connections, and work toward manifesting your dream career. Dreamy visions may reveal what the future holds while Mercury and Neptune align tonight.

 Discipline and a sense of duty have been major themes for you lately, Libra. It might seem like someone has put the brakes on a current plan of yours. Try not to see this as negative. In reality, this is an important time for you to slow down and plan. Be aware of the passage of time and consider using this period to organize your scattered energy. This is a good time to focus and streamline your life.

Shoprite and town government have thrown me some curveballs.  Focus and streamline - always good advice.  Wish me luck. 6:23 a.m. already and still on my coffee course of meal #1...better get cracking.  :)  Have a good Monday.

Almost forgot to write this a.m. :)

Calm day yesterday after some rumbling days.  I am in my head in the sand phase as to town politics.  I will keep eyes off and stay quiet and calm.  Did some recon yesterday as to ALDI and Shoprite.  Transition underway.  Will see how that goes.  Also have to transition to warm weather walking garb...I had given away a lot more than I thought when I did my 2024 de-cluttering.  :)

Didn't talk to anyone yesterday.  Walk.  L&O and Chicago shows watched.  SO glad I did not do the Neighbors helping Neighbors yesterday.  Yesterday was exactly as I needed it.  :)

Today - walk to Unionville, visit with swimming lady re her trip to Arizona and when she needs me to house/cat sit.  

There are a lot of neat things going on in your life, and with Mercury moving into the most adventurous area of your chart, you can build on those things to create something truly original. Don’t aim just to be good, aim to be great!

Indulge whimsy and adventure throughout the coming weeks, dearest Libra, as Mercury enters Gemini and your solar ninth house. You'll feel capable and spiritually aligned when the mind is no longer burdened by restrictive views. Break cycles of procrastination and streamline goals that are genuinely inspiring as the Gemini Moon aspects Neptune, the nodes of fate, and Pluto and Saturn. If challenges arise, trust your ability to learn from and conquer them. Harmony and healing can be found through self-care or romantic interactions as Venus and Chiron align. The universe seeks to shock, thrill, and exhilarate you once Mercury and Uranus unite this evening.

Seduction through words is your real power, Libra. You have a great talent for anything involving words. So you're going to be able to attract even more admirers around you today! With the current planetary energy at work, you'll surely get first prize in any contest of words. If you've been thinking about writing a love letter or a profile for a dating website, by all means, do so now!

Yikes...have to smile with my cosmic guidance.  Adventurous?  Whimsy? Harmony and healing?  I will have my eyes peeled for all of that... :)  Have a good Sunday.  

Ended the day with a show :)

Tied up lots of mental loss ends yesterday.  Sent off my missive to chairs of BOS, BOE, BOF.  I will go back to my "head in the sand" stance.  As the BOS chair shared. Thank you for the very long day you and others continue to perform every election/referendum cycle.  Democracy would not flourish were it not for people like you.  It does not go unnoticed.  Lots to digest in your commentary (I’ll leave it at that). I wish things were easy but when government is involved, it never is.  

I do wish that people who complain about something would provide examples (like you did)so that we can focus on certain areas of concern and either correct or educate the premises behind the issue. See you soon at the next referendum,  get some rest!    :-)  He will discover that I will no longer work the elections.  I will let those who have the patience and long term commitment to the end result carry the load.  Will see who steps up.  I was interested to see that a town that usually goes down swinging on their budget deliberations - Yes: 876 No: 685 Total # Voted: 1,561 Percent Turnout: 12.0%  Pop: 19,324.  My town - YES = 796, NO = 1447.  23% turnout , Pop: 10,419.  So back to the drawing board and another referendum and I will vote absentee and not work the polls.  I can't support a broken system by my presence and active participation.  

So back to real life...yesterday:  walk with family friend.  Ran into town 1st Selectman and CAO on tail end of walk.  :)  They were hustling into town hall to start the "what's next" conversation.  Very funny episode with family friend and her trip to our local bank - can't make up small town stuff.  Heard from brother and sister #4 asking about their buddies I ran into at the polls.  Heard from son who has ended his vagabong-ing until he heads east in June for a NYC wedding and visit with me.  Have not seen him in person since Jan 1 2025.  Listened a bit to the psychedelic and aging webinar, but it was mostly the presenter reading from her book.  THEN my massage!!!  Then watched L&O.  Then to former school #2 for Spring Musical - The Addams Family.  The girls were great.  Enjoyed seeing people from my time there.  

Today - did not get up until 6:16 a.m.!!!  Long couple of day and the massage hangover.  SOOOO glad I cancelled myself on the Neighbors Helping Neighbors today.  I finished my Gauguin book this a.m.  Will go for a LONG walk maybe to include an orientation walk through of ALDI.  :)  So watch All-In, L&O SVU, walk, watch Chicago shows.  Tomorrow 1 p.m. to swimming lady friend's to get my orientation for watching her cat and house while she goes off to Arizona to see sister and BIL who is not well.  

What happens this weekend will help you make sense of a situation that has left you in a state of confusion. Most likely you were unable to see the big picture, but once you do, there will be no doubt in your mind what must be done next.

Constructive conversations elevate your status and partnerships, dear Libra. As the Taurus New Moon aspects Jupiter and Mercury, don't shy away from expressing desires. Others will view your transparency as courageous and refreshing, and doors may open as a result. At the very least, you'll likely receive valuable advice that will benefit your journey. Romantic connections might require some tending to when Mars and Chiron join forces. Spontaneous dates and passionate demonstrations of love will strengthen and revitalize bonds. A spiritual charge unlocks psychic downloads and creative genius once Luna enters Gemini and unites with Uranus this evening.

Dare to express your ideas without fear of ridicule. This is what the planetary configuration has to say to you today, Libra. And this is exactly what you need to hear, because fear of ridicule is generally your Achilles heel. The challenge for you is to clearly say what you think without referring to or borrowing the ideas of others. Dare to do it!

I will be looking forward to the spiritual charge unlock!  I think my dare to do it was my missive yesterday.  :)  I will maybe not have a word spoken today or missive sent.  Fingers crossed.  Have a good Saturday.  

3:42 a.m.

Not sure how this image hit me this a.m. but it feels a bit like how to keep moving forward - what/who is the hub and what are the spokes and...how do we get it rolling.  Budget failed epically yesterday.  I walked up and arrived at Community Center at 5:15 a.m. and got home around 9 p.m.  Glad I walked - especially needed the fresh air and open space on the walk home. BUT I did not turn "my machine" on so did not see emails from yesterday until 3:12 a.m. this morning.  It has taken me a bit to get through them all AND the biggest gaffe yesterday...I FORGOT TO ENTER THE HGTV HOUSE CONTEST OR BACKYARD REDO CONTEST YESTERDAY...Sick about that almost mas than the referendum failing.  I will try to recover.  Entered for today already.  

I was the ballot clerk so except for one break to eat half a sandwich and go the bathroom I was at "my station."  Roiled at the some of the chattiness of the checkers BUT the good news I was ALONE at my station.  Will shoot something off to the chairs of BOS, BOE, and BOF this a.m.  I had most of it written but that was for the referendum passing...

In my inbox from yesterday.  Son was on a bus from Chicago to Detroit.  Guess he flew from CDMX at some point this week and is now heading home.  Swimming lady needs me to cat/house sit May 21-28.  Which I will do.  FEN O&E meeting is being rescheduled from May 18 to June 18 or 19.  CH friends are off to SC HS reunion for the wife and the mountains after that.  They do have a good handle on making life the most it can be.  

Today for me - rescheduled walk from Wednesday this a.m. with family friend, webinar at noon -Psychedelics and the Reimagining of Aging with Abbie Rosner , MASSAGE at 1:30 p.m.!!!, and if I get the gumption - Spring Musical at former school #2 tonight.  I will make that call post walk.  Massage lady came into vote yesterday and I told her to make sure she got a good night's rest last night because I was going to be a mess for today's appt.  :)  Can't wait for Saturday and Sunday to relax into myself.  

You like to be sociable but over the next few days you may decide to hold back a bit when dealing with people you don’t know too well. It’s okay to be suspicious of their motives, especially if your inner voice nags at you to be careful.

You might feel creatively stifled while the Taurus Moon, Pluto, and nodes of fate activate, darling Libra. Though the day will be successful and busy, you'll long for opportunities to express yourself artistically. Find ways to showcase your vibrancy when interacting with peers. Don't hold back if you see an opportunity to crack jokes, improve projects, or bring levity to challenging tasks. Coming out of your shell within professional or educational settings will make it easier to set yourself apart from others. The people around you will be inspired to do the same, and your world will quickly become more vibrant.

 You might feel like your emotions are up in the air, Libra. As soon as you feel emotional, there may be a more structured force telling you to be reasonable. Both camps are valid, so try not to let one overpower the other. Don't completely disregard your emotions in favor of a more cerebral way of handling a situation. And don't let your emotions take control of your actions either. Balance is the watchword today.

AND I have my Chicago shows and L&O shows to watch!  Better get cracking and make the most out of today and the weekend.  :)  Have a good Friday.  

2:14 a.m.

So much for the alarm I set.  Up at 2 a.m.  Will go through my routine.  Get to the referendum polls by 5:15 a.m.  Still wondering about driving or walking.  Will see how the morning goes.  15 minute walk to the Community Center/Polls.  Wish me luck making it until 8:30 p.m.  Hope the $200+ is worth it.  :)  Not sure what I wish for as to the outcome.  I have words for either outcome for the BOF meeting on Monday.

Yesterday filled in - walked along, with umbrella for most of the walk, family friend rescheduled for Friday a.m., great EOLD, good FEN volunteer meeting, very moving Lansing DC.  Watched FBI from Monday.  Today - Referendum.  Will watch my Chicago shows over the weekend if I don't get them in on Friday.  Friday - walk, Massage Friday!!!, former school #2 play is the plan.  Now that I cancelled on Neighbors helping Neighbors - nothing on my paper calendar Saturday or Sunday.  

Told Lansing group last night that today will be like a life review - seeing people who have known me all my life and then others who just know me at the crazy old lady who wanders around town...

You may not be secretive by nature, but the planets indicate it would be in your interests to keep certain information to yourself. The less people know about what you are up to today, the less likely it is they will be able to stop you.

Love should inspire growth, and never hold you back. Review your relationships while the Aries Moon aspects Jupiter, Venus, Mars, and Chiron. You’ll have a chance to strengthen valuable connections and may embark on an adventure with your favorite person. You’ll also feel celestially supported and strong enough to let go of dynamics that aren’t serving you. The Sun and Mercury join forces, showering you with empowering messages. Think about your goals and how personal transformation can help you actualize them. Change will be a slow process; you’ll grow more comfortable with it once Luna enters Taurus this evening.

It's possible that the last few weeks have allowed you to become a little bit clearer concerning certain questions you have about your vocation, Libra. You may even have a little more clarity about your feelings regarding what you think your destiny is. It would now be better for you to stop thinking about such things and let life take over. You're well armed for this!

My eyes will be peeled for empowering messages and personal transformation opps.  :)  Last sentence of cosmic #2..."let life take over".  Fingers crossed.  Have a good Thursday.  

Well that was a Tuesday... :)

So yesterday - $22.20/$8.25 7:10 a.m. check out time Shoprite day sans senior discount. Ran dishwasher. Walk.  Picked up W&T book.  CA DC.  SD DC.  Trying to finish Gauguin book.  Today walk with family friend, clean apt, noon EOLD, 2 p.m. annual FEN volunteer meeting, 7 p.m. Lansing.  BOS meeting that I will watch on computer tomorrow.  FBI episode from Monday I have not watched yet.  Got reminder from ROV about tomorrow. "Try and arrive by 5:15 a.m."...  Will have to get my coffee and breakfast in before I leave the apt.  4:57 a.m. as we speak, so I am thinking I better set an alarm for tomorrow a.m.  Wanted to walk up and back, but rain and time might dictate that decision tomorrow.  :)

Working on my words to share at the BOF meeting on May 18 about adapting to change due to financial constraints...and wham-o...checking my receipt at Shoprite and no Senior Discount.  So I go back to checker and discover no mas discount.  5% a week of not a big number but a number nonetheless.  So now I will give ALDI a try for 4 weeks and see if I can come in at the same or better numbers of Shoprite and begin a new tradition.  New day for shopping?  New time of day for shopping (ALDI does not open until 9 a.m.)  Just tried the ALDI web site...they are not wasting money on IT.  :/  Will have to work on my "relationship" with a new vendor.  Exactly what I am suggesting to town leaders as to really looking at what they are spending on and if they are locked into practices that need to be replaced.  Never fun but maybe the town needs a reason to "go ALDI" on some things.  

Discovered this on LinkedIn yesterday - new documentary at Tribeca Film Festival - Death Boom:  From director Jessica Chandler and producer Eli Roth, Death Boom flies in the face of the safety and sanctity of most documentary films. Crossing the country and diving deep into our recent history, this Mondo-style doc faces a growing dilemma head on: If 77 million bundles of American Joy arrived during "the Baby Boom" from 1946 to1964 and they are currently all clocking out in a similar generation of goodbyes called "the Death Boom," then what the hell are we going to do with all those bodies?! Fun but funereal, gonzo but philosophical, Death Boom literally opens the casket lid on the industrial complex handling or grief and our earthly remains. Master of Horror Roth (Hostel) and savvy documentarian Chandler (A Fine State This Is) explore the political, environmental and ethical ramifications of this startling and fascinating situation, asking an important question: If we are all headed to the same final destination, do we want to arrive open to its profoundly beautiful possibilities, or closed off in denial and fear?  Maybe us boomers can redeem ourselves by how we handle death?

Heard this yesterday in SD that stuck with me. "Wise people have the ability to hold two paradoxes as equally true at once.  Not to resolve the tension between them, not to choose a side, but to stand in the middle of multiple truths and let both be real.  To be deeply disturbed by the state of the world, and at the same time, genuinely grateful and humbled by the gift of life."  

Will see where the day takes me.  I was where I needed to be yesterday.

As one of the zodiac’s Air signs, you know that brain beats brawn every time, so resist the urge to hit back at a rival on the physical level today and use your head to find ways round the obstacles they have put in front of you.

Having fun with loved ones could unearth long-forgotten memories, sweet Libra. As the Aries Moon, south node, and Pluto enter a yod formation, forget your cares and spend time with friends. Creative aspirations also benefit from these vibes, and digging around in the past can inspire your next great work. When it comes to romance, sharing secrets strengthens bonds. As Luna and Saturn unite, it’s important for others to understand how certain challenges have shaped you and your approach to love. Feeling accepted with all cards on the table signals that you are in a mature and sustainable partnership.

The only good thing about being on an emotional roller coaster is that you never feel the same way for long, Libra. One moment you're up, the next you're down. You can't figure out what it is you want today. Rather than bring your loved ones along on this wild ride, why not take some time away from your usual environment? You'll be a lot better off alone. Who knows? Something important may come out of these moments of solitude!

I did send in my notice that I am backing out of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors this weekend.  Person who reached out to me is the owner of our local Shoprite...my silent protest on another level.  :)  Lots going into Wed, Thu, Fri this week and will cocoon on Sat/Sun.  Have another week before sister #1 and friend from Paraguay arrive.  I will need every minute to prepare myself.  :)  Have a good Wednesday. 

Interesting start to the week

Mettle and ZEN were the focus of yesterday.  Good walk.  Lots of thoughts and talk.  Town budget and I was the only one to show up for the Mettle "de-brief" from Friday's discussion, so I got an hour of time with the facilitator.  Sent off "memo" to Park & Rec about Senior Center application process.  Made it clear that I was not a joiner so I would go quiet going forward - they have enough thoughts from me and it is pool time as of June 18.  Looking to Thursday and glad it looks like it will be a rainy day so I won't mind being inside all day working the polls for budget.  Did work on what I plan to share at the May 18 BOF meeting - in person.  Comments might change based on how the budget referendum goes.  Lunch, snacks, dinner provided.  Need to work on the timing of getting up and getting my coffee/breakfast done and get myself to the polls by 5:30 a.m.  Now that it looks like I will driving up rather than walking due to rain.  Hope the money is worth it.  I have so few "have to be somewheres" these days and this week I have a few... Voting, massage, spring musical, Saturday work day...

Also via LinkedIn post heard about a documentary premiering at Tribeca film festival - Death Boom. In this eye-opening and comprehensive documentary, director Jessica Chandler and producer Eli Roth, who serves as both narrator and on-screen guide, take viewers on an all-access-granted look at this under-discussed issue and how the funeral industry is handling it, sitting down with experts in the field for a firsthand report from the ground level. While never losing sight of the topic’s seriousness, Chandler’s shrewdly accessible doc is a wake-up call of a film that’s also highly entertaining and often quite funny.  What happens during this wave of death to the 77M who were born during the baby boom?  

So yesterday - walk, Mettle, ZEN, washed clothes.  Today:  Shoprite, run dishwasher, Walk, CA DC, SD DC.  Have to pick up W&T June book.  

If you must disagree with someone in a position of power today, you will need to be smart about it and make sure you have the facts on your side. Just because you have a “feeling” about something does not mean they will take it seriously.

The Pisces Moon aspects the Sun and Venus before slipping into a void-of-course state, highlighting how messy change can be. Though you'll feel inspired to take charge of your life and make better decisions, it's important to be patient with yourself. Instead of piling on demands, use this energy to appreciate small victories. Positive reinforcement makes it easier to stay on track and expand aspirations while Mercury and Jupiter align. Romantic surprises offer a pleasant escape once Luna enters Aries and aligns with Uranus this evening. Indulge your impulsive side and bring someone special along for the ride.

A new phase in your life is beginning, Libra. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities. And you did accomplish some good deeds to boot. Now you can relax and look ahead to what's next. Let yourself feel the welcome tug of the future.

Relax and look ahead... "Relax" - that is a concept.  :)  Today is pick of the week around here for weather so I will try and make the most of it.  Have a good Tuesday.