Wowser...6:54 a.m. already

End of Day poem from niece. At the end of the day - a mirror of questions.  Good reminders of questions to ask myself at the day wraps up. As to yesterday...hot it was.  A bit of tossing and turning but then - out.  Hence the "late" start.  Also forgot to include peeps arrival from cousin on Wednesday.  Thought I would need some "salve" from all the family news and son's return home.  :)  She is a good person.  And I put her and - as I shared with another cousin re his inclusion in my "36".   https://agingalmanac.substack.com/archive  I was taken by the author's last two posts.  

So peeps, swimming and walking.  Getting me through the heat wave week.  No AC or fans yet so all is well.  I am glad I was not sister #6 yesterday.  She left her house at 3:30 a.m. to get to her daughter and then left her daughter and SIL at 1:30 p.m. and did not get home until 6:30 p.m. for a usual 3 hour drive.  Holiday and heat...everyone was going in her direction to get to the water.  

So for me - shorter than normal walk.  Picked up book at cooling station/library - Judy Blume a life.  Did not want to run out of reading material over holiday/library closed starting today weekend.  Pool.  Today...pool.  Will see what fills in the balance of the day.  Lansing tomorrow a.m.

Took a look at Shoprite coupons for the week ahead.  Save $7.30 on Chock full o'Nuts Ground Coffee When you Buy ONE (1) 23 to 26-oz. can,, Any Variety *Redeem up to 4 times in a single order.  That might get me in the Shoprite buying mood.  But balance of needs can be ALDI on Monday.  Don't need much more than grapes and banana replenishment after last week's shopping.  

What occurs today may not turn your world upside down but it will set the scene for what’s coming over the weekend. As one of the zodiac’s cardinal signs you know that opportunities tend to come in batches, and the first batch is on its way.

You won't gel with judgmental peers while the Aquarius Moon and Venus face off, dearest Libra. Weak egos are revealed by those who waste time putting others down. Be an advocate for kindness to discourage unkind gossip. If your pleas land on deaf ears, it might be best to look for new friends. Luckily, the universe will anticipate your needs and send kindred spirits your way once Mars and Uranus unite. Allow connections to evolve quickly when they hit at a soul level. Get a full night of rest to shed work week related stress after Luna enters Pisces tonight. 

You may say one thing one minute and the opposite the next, Libra. Usually you can jump from one issue to another with no problem, but today people are likely going to call you on it. Think about what you really mean before you say it. Don't do all your thinking aloud where other people can hear. Your continuous thought process might be mistaken for a final analysis. Confusion could ensue.

I used the word "muddled" this a.m.  Good word for me on this week of lots of input.  Will try to keep mind clear and body cool and look forward to the break in the weather this weekend.  I know my muddle is nothing compared to what others carry so I will be grateful for that reality.  Have a good Friday.  

PS:  fan on at 7:25 a.m.  

So far, so cool

At swimming pool on Tuesday watching family friend's grandkids at swimming lessons and I got called in to hold the youngest of 3 in the swimming lessons family.  Grandfather was very excited to get this pic.  As I told him...not a look of a person comfortable with the concept of nurturing.  :)  Surprise, surprise.  

Yesterday - 8:30 a.m. start for walk with family friend, returned Dear Abigail to library on way to pool, pool at 1:30 p.m.  Dipped into my worry spot about some money stuff yesterday but confirmed all was OK.  Sent a birthday email to niece #4.  Her D&C is today.  Sent her these words this a.m.: "I am reading a good book - This Land is Your Land.  And it had a quote from my always enjoyed Teddy Roosevelt - "Do what you can, with what you've got, where you are"  Feels calming and removes the frenzy in my mind.  And 4 words that felt to me to be a good way to attack quandaries:  PAUSE: Take a moment to breathe. REFLECT: Think and research before you act.  QUESTION: Look for red flags. CONFIRM: Verify the details. Reach out to those you already trust."

Today - short walk.  Need to swing by library for more books. Library closed Fri, Sat, Sun this weekend.  Pool.  Not much else.  Need to check on what paid for my car tax last year.  Car is only valued at $1,450...but tax went up - $47.07 - from last year from my memory bank.  Need to see what I paid last year.  :)  

Sad report that one of swimming ladies got a diagnosis of macular degeneration.  Shots everyday will keep it at bay?  Yikes.  Will see if we talk more about that or let it sit.  

If you are in any way dissatisfied with your lot, then what is taking place in and around the career area of your chart will offer a remedy. You will, though, have to accept that your best future lies a long way from here.

Keep projects and goals under wraps until you've had a chance to perfect your vision, dearest Libra. Sharing ideas prematurely leaves you susceptible to outside opinions that might throw you for a loop and diminish confidence. Be selective when asking for early feedback while the Cancer Sun and Aquarius Moon form an unbalanced aspect. Enjoy some light-hearted fun to maintain a positive outlook as the day continues to unfold. Bond over hobbies or interests you can pursue with your sweetheart or bestie once Luna aspects Saturn later this afternoon. Now is also a good time to consider if artistic outlets have earning potential. 

Get up and get going today, Libra. You have no time to lose. Your quick mind will be busy working on many tasks, but this suits you just fine. You're well equipped to deal with the many frantic situations that are apt to crop up. There is a great deal of strength to your emotions that you can use to connect with others and communicate your thoughts in a healthy manner.

Remarkably comfortable sleeping night last night.  No AC, no fan.  I am a lucky gal.  Window ballet is working.  I will go with that thought for today and tomorrow.  :)  Have a good Thursday.  

Settling back in...

Woke up to a 4:44 a.m. on the clock as I headed to my coffee.  I will see where the weather takes my mood today.  Woke up to emails from niece who had the miscarriage  and D&C scheduled for Thursday, sister #1 sharing that her gentleman caller's brother died yesterday and that sister #3 fell and has to have her knee operated on July 14.  Yikes...  But a great balance of good news with NC friends moving - first time in 43 years - on July 8!  Exciting.  

Yesterday for me - did my financial report :/, ran dishwasher, long walk, popped in at swimming lessons. Good visit with family friend, her husband, daughter and grandsons. Left apt at 9 a.m. on foot, got home at noon.  Pool at 1:30 p.m.  Cleaned apt to get that off my schedule as the heat ramped up.  AND finally finished Dear Abigail.  Phew.  Moving on to This Land is Your Land (timely with July 4 this weekend) and then Atlas of Unknowable Things.  

Today - walk with family friend, EOLD - Planning the Journey: Exploring Medical and Legal Options at EOL with Bill Knight, pool.  Setting the bar low for activities.  See if the heat hype happens.  :)

Take time out of your busy schedule to remind yourself that what’s going on in your life is part of the cosmic plan. It may seem as if so much is chaotic but that’s only because you are looking at it from too narrow an angle.

You may be forced to backpedal as the Capricorn Moon opposes Mercury RX this morning, dearest Libra. Issues at home or work will be difficult to manage, especially if others are disappointed or hurt by your actions. Take accountability and correct mistakes without hesitation to expedite resolution. Some will be more forgiving than others once Luna enters Aquarius this afternoon, forming a harsh t-square with Chiron and Jupiter. Offer sincere apologies, but don't grovel just because someone feels like holding a grudge. You'll have bigger and brighter roads to travel when Mars and Uranus throw unexpected blessings your way this evening. Show your soft side to evolve romantic relationships while Neptune and Pluto stir tonight. 

Your physical stamina is apt to be quite strong today, Libra. You should consider working out to release some of that pent-up energy. Engage in a sport or something that involves strategy and good coordination. Pick up a tennis racquet or join a basketball game, if possible. You'll find that your high level of energy will be the key to coming out on top.

Hmmm....I am wondering what today will bring.  That backpedaling seems a bit daunting/ominous?  Will see what develops.  Heard from one swimming lady - no swim today.  Other one - swimming today.  Will see if family friend wants to pop down to the pool.  :)  Have a good July 1, rabbit rabbit, rabbit day, Wednesday.  

More shifting AND "extravagance" :)

Sent this pic to my niece.  She is having a D&C on Thursday post miscarriage.  So sad for her and her husband.  She and I went back and forth on text yesterday.  Life...

My day yesterday - walk, Shoprite, walk to and from pool.  I was pretty much done by the end of the day.  :)  Especially "done" with my $76.33/$47.98 shopping day.  No ALDI.  "Splurged" yesterday on 2 or $5 Klondike bars, $3.69 Oral B dental floss, $14.99 20 roll Scott TP, 4 for $5 Schweppes Gingerale, cherries/peaches/corn/grapes all on sale, $2.99 - 8 package Nathan's beef franks.  Oh well.  Feel I am stocked up. ALDI next week for just produce.  

Lady crossed a major road to introduce herself to me on my walk.  I see her all the time walking, but had never met her.  :)  

Sick about Scheffler, giddy about Paraguay on the sports front.  

Today - dishwasher, do financial report, walk by swimming lessons to see family friend's daughter and grandsons.  Swim.  Might drive to pool today and through this heat wave.  Will see what I decide.  

You will be in one of those moods when you prefer to think rather than act this weekend, and that’s fine. You may be one of the zodiac’s cardinal signs but you don’t have to be on the go all the time. Give your body a well-earned rest.

The Capricorn Moon and Saturn square off this morning, dearest Libra, suggesting that you've been carrying too much. Tending to family, household duties, romantic partners, and work demands can quickly become overwhelming without proper structures in place. If you feel irritable or tired, try expressing your needs so loved ones can offer support. Just avoid pointing fingers or blame shifting where shared burdens are concerned. Seek wisdom from someone you respect when Luna and Venus form an unbalanced aspect later today. A bit of encouragement might be all that's needed for you to see the situation from a higher perspective. 

You might find that there's a quality of dreaminess to your emotions today that keeps you from focusing on the task at hand, Libra. People are likely to be stubborn and confused, and you could be one of them. It might seem as if your mind is going in two directions and you aren't sure which way to proceed. Try to incorporate more of your dreams into your waking reality.

I will try to keep me out of the stubborn and confused cohort and give myself a rest.  Will see.  Have a good Tuesday.  

Scheduling shift :)

End of the quarter but rotate, not flip quarter.  Don't know if I could have pulled off a flip after this month.  :)  Also washing sheets.  Also decided to move washing clothes to Sunday not Monday this week.  So yesterday - walked to Unionville and back, sibling call along the way with sister #1, call with TX/NM friend along the way.  Walked up and back to pool.  No swimming ladies - they went to a chamber music concert with their music group of friends.  Washed clothes. Worked on my grocery list.  Went to East-West DC.  Albany CA DC.  Good conversation at both.  Lots of same people at both.  That is why I had dropped off of East-West when original facilitators handed it off to someone new.  Rotated and remade bed, got into said bed.  :)  Saw that Travelers golf will be decided today...weather missed me, but not a few miles away.  :/

Today 4:48 a.m. as we speak.  Thought is walk, drive to pool, then to Shoprite on the way back.  Too many sale items that I need to boycott Shoprite today.  :)  Need to think about my monthly $ report.  Wonder how that is going to feel.  :/  From my picture frame, looks like son was lakeside somewhere yesterday.  TX/NM friend said she and husband are off on another adventure (just back from 3 wks in Italy).  TX to Chicago IL, Chrystal Lake MI, and ABQ - quite the drive.  Took all the gumption I had to get me to Wickham Park/Parkville Market.  :)  "One of One" mantra comes to mind again.

So yesterday wash done, today Shoprite, tomorrow dishwasher, Wednesday clean apt. July 1!  Yikes.  Summer window ballet - closing back windows, putting shade down in BR east facing window.  Window ballet summer, car ballet winter.  :)

Some people can’t help but make a drama out of a crisis, and one such individual will get on your nerves today. If you can, go some place where you can’t hear them. If that’s not possible, let them know how stupid they sound.

Today could feel like you’ve awoken after a rough night’s sleep, Libra. You’re groggy, can’t get moving, and don’t even know which clothes to throw on! No matter how much coffee or caffeine you force down your throat, nothing will seem to do the trick. This is because mental Mercury, our cosmic messenger and the planet of the mind and communication, has frozen in the heavens above. He will begin a nearly month-long retrograde. It can be a very confusing energy to navigate. This is currently known as the Mercury retrograde storm period. Go with the flow.

As you follow the path toward acquiring the latest, greatest, fastest, and best, you might find that you're leaving behind some fundamental principles and values along the way, Libra. Don't lose sight of your foundation. Things could get shaken up today. Your ego might be on trial for pig-headed behavior. Keep yourself in check and be aware of the way you project yourself to others.

Looks like I need to be cautious with my words.  Keep a good thought for that.  :)  Have a good Monday and send good feelings that I have a good Shoprite day.

Alone again - Day 1 :)

Another "calm" pic received yesterday from a cousin. I had sent him pics from the pool party for his birthday.  Really my second cousin.  He is the youngest (79) and my mother the oldest (she would have been 104 this year) of their generation of offspring. I am thinking he and his two brothers are last men standing of that generation. His father and my grandmother were siblings.  His branch of the family inherited this cottage in NYS.  My mother inherited the house she and my father moved to in the 80's.  Again one of those "what ifs"..."when you get to the fork in the road, take it" moments in what life would have been if that was flipped or no inheritance was made. But I got this from my son yesterday on his arrival back to his current homebase - "Probably a few different versions of myself and ourselves living out different lives if there is some kind of multiverse but who knows.  I am happy that I feel like I have the best relationship with both of my parents right now and love yall both."  So that was a gift.  We are a "one of one" group in the "multiverse" we find ourselves in.  :)

Some sad news from sister #6 yesterday.  The niece who joined us at the pool party had a miscarriage. Glad we had the day we did all together on Thursday.  I think she knows she has a good cheering section.

Yesterday - slipped right back into almost routine...abbreviated walk with a nice chat with someone on the trail.  Then walked back and forth to pool.  Had meals of my usual making.  Call from cousin from the road.  She and her gentleman caller on their way to MA for the weekend.  Son did a photo drop to my picture frame of his NYC wedding and our visit.  Trying to finish my latest book about Abigail Adams and her sisters...a bit too much detail for me.  But I want to see what the WH years were like.  We will see if I stick to it.  :)

Today - walk to Unionville, pool at 12:30 p.m., Albany CA DC at 7 p.m.  Maybe East-West Coast DC at 4 p.m.  "Holiday" week is a bit open.  EOLD on Wednesday and maybe Lansing on Saturday.  I am hoping the facilitators take the day off, but we will see.  Don't need much in the food stuff area this week.  Bananas, grapes, peaches and bread might be it - but I will check Shoprite sales and then get my "staples" at ALDI.

Just because a friend or family member has a negative outlook on life does not mean you must be negative too. The world is a marvelous place and the events of the next few days will have you smiling. Hopefully others will smile with you.

It may feel as though you're being guided by unseen forces throughout the coming weeks, dear Libra. Trust your instincts as Mars moves through Gemini, and notate any recurring signs that seem to hold important messages. Passions take on a life of their own, helping you break through blocks that have left you at an impasse. These vibes are also perfect for adventurous vacations and exploring your spirituality. Avoid taking in too much information while the Sagittarius Moon and Mercury form an unbalanced aspect this evening. Put your ideas on paper once Jupiter stirs tonight, or you could struggle with sleep.

Today is a good day for you to simply get things done. Take care of those annoying tasks that have been building up for a while. You have a great opportunity to accomplish quite a bit. People are less concerned with frivolous drivel and gossip than they are with setting a plan for meeting an important goal. Contribute to this trend by getting serious about the tasks at hand.

I will hope for guidance of unseen forces and no drivel.  :)  Have a great Sunday.  

Company - Day 4

No pic from yesterday but this river pic son took on Wednesday is my new "calm" picture.  :)  Yesterday was a no walk day, we met family friend, her husband, daughter and 3 of their grandsons at the town pool to visit and watch two of the boys in their swimming lessons.  Glad that son got to meet that group - family friend was my brother's first high school girlfriend and her husband's father and mother went to grammar school with my father in Naugatuck CT back in the late 20's/30's.  Son got lots of memory lane items for his family on my side during this visit.  So pool, wandered around the neighborhood (so glad son realizes I am a better talker when I am walking), then he took off at 1 p.m.  Goal was to get his TURO car back outside LaGuardia by 6 p.m. with a stop at Crust Issues pizza place in Norwalk.  Family friend had signaled me that he had posted from Crust, so I knew he got there and then son texted me that car was dropped off at 5:58 p.m...we had talked about what could be traffic issues, but I guess the Mets game was an issue.  His flight was leaving at 8 p.m. so I will hope for a signal this a.m. that he made it back to Detroit.  GREAT visit.  I think that I was good on my patient and present intention.  Could not feel better about where son is in his life and times and what he has on his horizon.  Always a good thing for a mother.

So yesterday for me - swimming lessons stop with son, teary send off from River St, drove to the pool to meet up with the swimming ladies, then home to have my leftovers from Taiwan Night Market!  And some of my standard meal items.  :)  Got laptop back into my office.  Watched some news - for the first time in days.  :)  Got a text from NC friend.  I will be watching The Bens at the Travelers - NC and CT new golfers on the block.  Read for a bit. Called it a night.  Had a 4:44 p.m. post eating and settling in to watch news.  :)  Feels very true.  Renewed energy.  The angel number 444 is a powerful symbol of divine protection, stability, and reassurance. Seeing it frequently indicates that you are on the right path, your hard work is supported, and you are surrounded by the guidance of your spiritual guardians.

Today - think I will take it easy, listen to All-In, walk to pool for 12:30 p.m. swim, then maybe a walk after depending where my mood takes me.  

You will be in one of those moods when you prefer to think rather than act this weekend, and that’s fine. You may be one of the zodiac’s cardinal signs but you don’t have to be on the go all the time. Give your body a well-earned rest.

Partnerships pay off while Mars and Jupiter form a sweet aspect, dearest Libra, especially when you're willing to share the spotlight. Remember that there's enough success to go around, and align with people who bring out the best in you. The Sagittarius Moon sparks your curious side, helping you ask the right questions. Romantic relationships strengthen as Saturn stirs midafternoon, and intellectual exchange will cause you to feel more connected and in love than ever. Take your sweetie out to a museum or bond over niche interests to make the most of this energy. Do some mingling if you're looking for a mate once Venus activates tonight.

An increased understanding of distant cultures as well as curiosity about the people who live there could spur you on to further learning about those places, Libra. Friends or groups with which you're affiliated could be involved in some way. You're likely to channel a lot of energy into intellectual activities today and inspire others to do the same. Take a walk at some point during the day to clear your head.

This is a re-set day in my mind.  I am loving my little paper notebook that sister #6 got at the Berkshire Hathaway annual stockholder meeting with her gentleman caller.  :)  It is those little things.  Have a good Saturday.