No lobster, but not a problem :)

Would have been tasty, but timing of lobster dinner delivery and evening DC made it not work.  Oh well.  I had a hotdog and potato salad leftover from last Saturday's get together with sister #1's group.  :/  Adequate substitute.  One more meal and leftovers are over.  Today is working on possible Shoprite only grocery run tomorrow.  We will see.  

I am realizing what I did with time spent going to/from pool over last couple of month.  Finished another book this a.m.  Lisa Gardner - You'll Be Sorry.  A two day read now I am bookless except for Hamilton...do have a pick up ready at library for tomorrow - C J Box - The Crossroads.  Put holds on The Correspondent and Whistler but I am way down the list on those so I will need to look around a bit on Monday.  

So yesterday All-In, read, chatted with landlord for a bit running into him when we were both heading out, walk to Shoppes, stuck my head into Shake Shack, home, LA DC.  Will hope to go to Shake Shack on Monday even if only for a milkshake when sister #4 is in town.  But don't know what her plan with her high school friend will be.  She alerted us both that she would be in town and I am thinking sister #4 will be anxious to spend some time with her friend who just wrapped up a 40+ year career living and working in Bermuda.  We will see how the day rolls out.  I have a load of wash to run, groceries, ZEN DC in evening.  

Today - walk to Unionville (might be an umbrella walk), grocery list, send text to my PD boss on the one year anniversary of his mother's death, Hemlock Society of San Diego webinar on VSED at 4:30 p.m., Albany CA DC at 7 p.m.  Will see if sister #1 does sibling calls from sister #3's house.  She is holding down the fort while sister #3's wife if gone with grandkids to beach for the week and sister's mobility is still limited by post broken leg surgery.  

Too often in the past you have made things difficult for yourself by aiming for perfection when you don’t need to. However, with Venus in your sign you can relax and not worry so much about end results. Focus instead on having fun.

Big personalities clash this morning, dearest Libra, as the Capricorn Moon and Mars face off. Choose your battles wisely and try not to let personal issues interfere with your public image. Conflict with loved ones will be easier to resolve in private while the Virgo Sun and Chiron align. Show a willingness to evolve and learn from disagreements to squash drama and strengthen connections. Plan for a relaxing evening at home when Luna squares Saturn, encouraging your housemates to do the same. Brace for moody interactions once Venus grows restless tonight, and do what you can to put yourself and others at ease.

A powerful desire for a current or potential romantic partner might come over you today, Libra. This person could live far away or be on a trip, so you might have to be satisfied with a phone call or email instead of the meeting you'd prefer. Don't get frustrated. Distract yourself with an exciting novel or movie and look forward to when you can get together.

No aspiration for reconnection and "fun" is not a oft used word in my vocabulary or in life, but I will aspire to evolve and learn.  One out of 3 isn't a bad day.  :)  Have a good Sunday.  

Cancel the lobster? :)

Landlord and landlady returned home last night.  Hope they found my bed work acceptable post sister #1's stay last weekend.  :)  

Yesterday was very interesting on many levels.  Mona's Eyes...hit me between the eyes on page 415...I was loving everything about the book then I got to page 415 and whammo.  Death with Dignity/VAD, honoring a loved one's wishes and unresolved grief. Bowled me over in a completely and totally wonderful way.  Sent that to the person who referred me to the book - a high school classmate - and a DC and FEN person. Finished the book and returned it to the library on my walk yesterday.

Went to the ZOOM episode of the MEA week's exercise.  Big push for the pay for play session by them online in Sept.  $1000-ish money...glad I got to participate in the free, "draw them in" activity.  I don't begrudge them the push, but I can't imagine pay for play in my life.  Think I will pay my car and apt insurance due in Sept.  :)  So Zoom, finished Mona, MEA session at 11 a.m., walk, text from family friend letting me know that they would be doing lobster drop off today not yesterday...I have LA DC 6:30-8 p.m. so I am thinking that I might miss out for drop off since I can't be on my stoop to receive when they are coming into town during that time.  Oh well.  

Today - listening to All-In as we speak, walk, might do a recon at Shoprite since the 75th anniversary sale might have this week be a Shoprite vs ALDI week.  I will do more thinking on that.  Will see if lobster is possible since friends are eating earlier (insert praying hands emoji) :)  LA DC. 

Sister #4 is headed my way to do an airport drop off on Monday.  She has a high school friend to visit but I will hope I see her for a snack or a walk.  We will see.  

If you don’t stand up for yourself today and over the weekend your enemies will walk all over you. You cannot afford to allow even a single person to say bad things about you, because if they get away with it others will try it on too.

You could awaken to thoughtful messages, darling Libra, thanks to a sweet aspect between the Sagittarius Moon and Mercury. Spend your morning catching up with friends, filling the spirit as you’re reminded of all the wonderful people that make your world vibrant. Opt for a quiet afternoon at home once Luna drifts into Capricorn and aspects Chiron. These vibes are perfect for releasing stress and connecting with loved ones in a cozy environment. You may experience a tinge of sorrow when the Leo Sun unites with the South Node, widening gaps between you and companions you’ve drifted from. Enjoy those you feel close to now, trusting that true friends will always find a way back to you. You’ll need more time to rest and reflect throughout the coming weeks after Virgo season kicks off this evening. Embrace softness, but try not to zone out while Neptune brings warm and fuzzy energy your way tonight.

Don't be surprised if your inbox fills with email or your phone rings off the hook, Libra. Friends, relatives, and colleagues could have great news and useful information. One or more of these messages could inspire you to send a few of your own or even pay some visits. Most of what you learn should be positive and exciting, although some things may be confusing.

Had this in my inbox this a.m.  I completed, will hope that many do the same - Participate in Research on End of Life Attitudes: Join Columbia University’s Bioethics Study.  Interesting cosmic guidance as people coming and going in my life.  It is an interesting time for me.  Fingers crossed for lobster. Short range, long range - what will be will be.  :)  Have a good Saturday.  

Lobster fest day

Old sign, but you get the idea - The 44th annual Canton Volunteer Fire Company Lobsterfest takes place August 21–22  $40 per ticket...The only time I ever purchased a ticket it cost $20...  Lobster, ear of corn, cup of chowder and a soda.  Family friend always invites me to eat with her family and her husband's company's location supplies them with 10 tickets so that the Fire Dept can use his lot to park cars in.  So I ate with them once, then just got a ticket yesterday and pick up my meal on Saturday, and this year husband will drop off my meal on Friday at my apt and my plan is to pull the lobster meat out and have lobster roll and sides on Saturday.  We will see if all pans out as planned.  

As to yesterday - did my MEA online submittal, no posting seen on their social media - guess my stuff did not make the cut.  :)  Met family friend and her gang at the reservoir and then did my regular Thursday route. Spoke to son as I walked.  He is taking on a class with Per Scholas.  Not sure of the end game on that but just piecing together things that have come in front of him. 1 p.m. Psychedelics in End of Life Care, 2 p.m.  O&E blog committee meeting.  Heard from TX/NM friend.  She will be staying with me on Oct 21, 22. Her family will be gathering in town. Will see if there are only NM as of then.  Fingers crossed on the sale of their TX home.  

Today - 11 a.m. online wrap up of this week's MEA exercise.  I am sure they will hope that we all sign up for their onsite event in Sept...not an expense I can take on.  Oh well.  Aging with privilege is not my situation.  Walk post that meeting. Be available to receive lobster dinner.  :)  Rest of my paper calendar items for weekend - Saturday LA DC at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday - Death Sangha 1 p.m., San Diego Hemlock Society VSED discussion 4:30 p.m., Albany CA DC at 7 p.m.  Will walk to Unionville pre Sangha.  :)

Venus in your sign opposes Saturn today, which among other things suggests that you won’t get along with certain people no matter how hard you try. So don’t even try. If they don’t want your friendship that’s their loss, not yours.

Ask for support if you need it, dearest Libra, as Venus and Saturn face off. A fear of inconveniencing others often causes you to keep personal struggles under wraps, but internalizing these issues will only create distance in your relationships. Trust that the people around you are strong enough to help shoulder burdens too heavy to carry on your own. Simply confiding in a sympathetic companion can do much to elevate your perspective, thanks to a helping hand from the Sagittarius Moon. You may also feel validated by friends who have gone through similar experiences, and will benefit from the encouragement they provide.

Emotionally, you may feel as if you're running up against a brick wall, Libra. It could be that your first reaction is to drown your sorrows in drink. Escapism is only a temporary remedy. If things slam in your face today, use this as an indication that you need to take necessary action. Don't keep bouncing around from one thing to the next in order to avoid the obvious. Face the music.

Looks like I need to monitor my interactions if any arise.  That is one thing about my life - interactions are limited.  I guess I will let my "sadness" about MEA not posting my stuff go.  :)  No drink for me.  Focus.  Wish me luck.  :)  Have a good Friday.  

Good Wednesday...making it OK through week one of no pool. :)

Using this pic for my MEA post this morning as soon as I get my 8 a.m. prompt.  Got this yesterday - I'm the Content Marketing Specialist at MEA, and I'm putting together some social posts drawn from the Back to School for Midlifers virtual classroom. Your post really stood out to me, and I'd love to share it on MEA's social pages – LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.  You know that set my hair on fire.  I will never be able to afford their pay for play events but I am loving this free week of interaction.  

Also was taken by an article that was sent to me that originated in IOWA but was reposted in the local Raleigh newspaper.  COMMENTARY: Alzheimer's patient sets own terms.  Comment with the person who shared it and the thought that always bothers me - aging/dying with privilege..."At least he has the money to fly his family to Switzerland."  

Balance of yesterday - cleaned apt, walked with family friend, EOLD, took a second short walk - still fighting with what is that 1:30-3 p.m. filled with post pool closing.  :)  Reading Mona's Eyes.  Really want to get to the end to see what happens!  

Family friend reached out yesterday afternoon to see if I wanted to join her, her daughter and her 3 kids at the reservoir for a walk this a.m. 9:30 a.m.  That works for me and adds a bit to my usual Thursday route - more good.  :)  Then I need to get home in my seat for two ZOOMS - What does a practitioner's own relationship to death have to do with their capacity to facilitate psychedelic experiences? at 1 p.m., at 2 p.m. - FEN Outreach & Education committee Meeting Agenda.  

Tomorrow 11 a.m. MEA ZOOM as the wrap up event for the week's Back to School for Midlifers activities.  What a gift this week has been.  

It will pay you to look less at what is going on in the outside world and more at what is going on in your own head and heart. What you choose to think and feel will be the No. 1 factor that determines your future success.

Surround yourself with people who pique your curiosity, darling Libra. As the Sagittarius Moon aspects Pluto and Neptune, intellectual and creative breakthroughs stem from good company. Spending time with peers you admire can clear artistic blocks that have been stifling your potential. You'll also feel motivated to recommit to goals that have lost some luster. Confidence builds with each positive interaction you embrace, inspiring you to dive deeper into uncharted social waters. Matters of the heart will go your way if you pursue love with those who match your brilliance. Keep a watch for signs from beyond when Luna opposes Uranus this afternoon.

You'll find that your spark can easily turn potential energy into kinetic energy, Libra. Don't underestimate the power of your words. Realize the profound impact they have on others and take responsibility for their consequences. Try to use them sparingly if you can. Speak half as much as you normally would, but make each sentence resonate twice as powerfully.

Inspired by my cosmic guidance this a.m.  Not that I need much encouragement to look at what is going on in my own head and heart, or being drawn to people who pique my curiosity...but make each sentence resonate twice as powerfully...don't have to tell readers I do "go on" a bit with words.  :)  Have a good Thursday.  

Hump day on readjustment week. :)

My change/chance moment this week is the MEA back to school exercise.  I am keeping my writing from each morning and look forward to when it is "unlocked" each a.m. at 8 a.m.  :)

Yesterday - ran dishwasher, did my MEA exercise, walked, Patient Choices Vermont ZOOM, CA DC, IOWA DC. Meal #2 still benefiting from leftovers from sister #1's gathering.  I do miss the stretch and relaxation of the afternoon swim...but not enough to pay to join any indoor swim opportunity all which would mean getting in the car to get me there.  Oh well.  Can't remember if I shared that my latest writing for FEN blog was approved.  Will see where I get in the queue as to going live. ZOOM meeting on Thursday to kick off our back from summer vacay blog restart.  

Today - MEA, walk with family friend, EOLD - Companioning Grief: Practical Support, Resources, and Stories for Death Doula, clean apt.  Need to look for b'day card for brother.  Will put that on my list of things for Saturday walk to Shoppes.  

What happens over the next 24 hours will remind you that not everyone looks at the world the same way as you and not everyone wants to get involved in the same causes. That doesn’t make them bad people, it simply makes them different.

You could awaken to shocking news or an overfilled inbox, dear Libra, due to an early morning square between the Scorpio Moon and Mercury. Take a few moments to ground before interacting with others, or you may struggle to focus on what really matters. Embrace mindfulness practices as the day unfolds, and you'll be delighted by the simple pleasures and sense of calm that follows. Money-making opportunities may also arise if you maintain a sharp business mind. Hide away from the bustling outside world under tonight's quarter Moon. If possible, spend time in nature or indulge the senses.

Don't worry about being productive today, Libra. You might still accomplish more than you have in a long time. The cosmic energy indicates that if you didn't get everything done that you wanted to yesterday, you're sure to do it today. Dig in your heels and go. Things will get done with time to spare. If you're into a creative hobby, work on that, too. You'll find it rewarding.

I am not setting the bar high for this week.  Do need to figure out an afternoon outdoor exercise activity to replace my "transportational" walk/swim exertion...or not.  We will see how the balance of the week feels.  Have a good Wednesday.  

Transition Day 1...OK :)

Drying rack was folded up after another swim season.  :)  No need to have a place to put bathing suit and towel post swimming and ready for the next day.  No next day as of town pool closing on August 16.  So now, an open place in my bedroom and an open space on my daily routine schedule.  Good news, I had filler events on my paper calendar and a good exercise from MEA that is running each morning this week with a ZOOM conclusion event at 11 a.m. on Friday.  

So yesterday - did a load of wash including sheets and towels from sister #1's stay up at landlords.  Sister #1 did not trust me to know how to reset, so she took a pic when she arrived so I could recreate post sheet washing.  Trust in my capacity.  :)  

So Monday - wash, MEA exercise - Back to School for Midlifers: A 5-Day Reset for Fall, drove to ALDI 5 items/$10.36, walk, ran into PD buddy on walk post his trip to Jamaica with new lady friend, Mettle follow up to Friday's session - I watched the recording - at 2 p.m., PA DC 4:30 p.m., TX/NM friend called to let me know how things are moving along with NM house buy/TX house sale.  My life is so simple.  :)  Did write my email on Sunday to Park & Rec and 1st Selectman to say thank you for this past summer schedule.  

Today - Run dishwasher, MEA exercise, walk, noon PCV ZOOM - Having Family Conversations About End of Life, CA DC, IOWA DC.  Missing the Death Sangha gathering today...Tuesdays and Sundays have not worked since they started.  But will hope I get to it this Sunday coming up.

Obstacles exist to be overcome, so look at the barrier that is blocking your path as a challenge rather than a catastrophe. Keep pushing and don’t lose heart if nothing much seems to be happening. You will smash through that obstacle by the end of the week.

The world may seem too loud and bustling for you, darling Libra, as the Scorpio Moon and Jupiter square off. Limit your exposure to crowded environments, and take a break from social media. Giving yourself a chance to slow down will help you realize that you have plenty of time to make your mark. Consider what you want to be known for, and give more energy to relevant goals. A lack of consistency in your spiritual practices may cause you to feel stuck when Luna and Saturn form an unbalanced aspect this evening. Break out of your comfort zone and honor the magick within to challenge mediocrity.

Use your creativity to make things happen today, Libra. This doesn't have to take the form of a finished product. You can come up with new and innovative ways to approach a task, project, or problem. Trust your ability to discover such things. You're known for your sharp thinking and creative abilities. Combining them can make you unstoppable when finding solutions to almost any problem.

I will see if I feel the "smash" by end of week.  Trust.  :)  Have a good Tuesday.  

End of the swimming season... :/

Writing this "close of season" post a week earlier than last year.  This year was a 2 month - June 17 to Aug 16.  Oh well.  Lucky to have what I have.  

So yesterday - started day with sister #1 at LaSalle for breakfast.  I enjoyed that completely.  Did have my coffee, grapes, banana before I went but enjoyed my "entree" with sister.  Then sister headed out at 8 a.m. so I was able to do my Unionville walk.  Then walked to/from pool.  Us swimming ladies were a sad group.  Will see what non-swimming opps we will have to visit.  I had Alameda DC which was a good shifting gears to get back to my "usual" schedule and content of my days.  Today - doing a load of wash as we speak.  Sheets and towels from sister #1's stay at landlord's.  I will get that done and remake the bed and hope for a "no trace" feel of sister being there.  She let the landlord and landlady know that she was very appreciative of the space, decor and even though not turned on - the AC availability.  Today - all I need are bananas, grapes and bread.  So - walk, ALDI, Mettle at 2 p.m., PA DC at 4:30 p.m.  See if there feels to be a big gap without my pool segment - walk to/from and swim which has been a 2 hour segment.  :)  Wish me luck on making the day synch.  

Mars in the career area of your chart makes you determined to show what you can do, but with Neptune, planet of illusion, also strong at the moment, you must make sure your goals are realistic. Aim high but keep your feet on the ground.

Slow down and recalibrate before you make a mistake that's hard to come back from, dearest Libra. As Mars squares Neptune and Mercury aspects Saturn, you're celestially called to put harmony first. Though you likely have much on your plate, the quality of your work will suffer if you are stretched thin. Luckily, you'll find sympathy where it matters most when Venus aligns with Jupiter, and peers will step up to help where they can. Luna exits your sign and debuts in Scorpio midafternoon, forming harsh connections with Chiron and Pluto. Release self-doubt and build confidence by embracing hobbies you're naturally skilled at.

Today, Libra, your ability to stand up for your decisions and not let others sway you may be enhanced. This will be especially strong if you've solved a problem. You may find that others often try to change your decisions, but not today. Things are working in your favor and you'll feel new strength as a result. Follow your heart.

Harmony first, follow my heart...but be realistic.  Seasons of the year...being it swimming or Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring...always get my attention and make me pause.  Wish me luck.  Have a good Monday.