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.  

Well that was an interesting Saturday... :/

More heart thoughts and lots of thoughtful conversation... The famous poem is "i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)" written by E. E. Cummings. It is a well-loved piece about deep love, connection, and devotion.  Not my usual Saturday - lots of people.  Oh well.  Good to have a shake up now and then...but I am looking forward to tonight when I am "alone again, naturally" as something sang.  :)

Yesterday - LaSalle for sister #1 to have breakfast.  A short walk.  Walk to/from pool.  Get together with sister #1's high school buddies.  Small group - thankfully.  :)  AND great time spent talking to one of my school classmates and wife of sister #1 classmate.  That was a gift.  And me - I walked right into a screen door going out to hosts' screen sliding door.  They kept opening, shutting it...I sincerely did not sense it was closed.  One of 2 people not drinking alcohol...I felt so bad but hostess said her friend did the same thing recently.  So much for my outfit...all in the washing machine soaking as we speak for Monday wash day.  I will hope it was in time.  Always something.  :)  Me and people are a hard convergence. 

Did share some info with sister #1 for one of her friends whose husband was just diagnosed with dementia.  Also talked with my classmate about her brother in law with dementia.  Her husband's family had 4 boys - each one nicer and handsome-er than the other.  The brother with dementia did a guest visit while he was in college in our senior English class.  The famous poem talking about Xanadu is Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, written in 1797 and published in 1816. Its iconic opening lines are: "In Xanadu did Kubla Khan / A stately pleasure-dome decree: / Where Alph, the sacred river, ran / Through caverns measureless to man / Down to a sunless sea."  He was mesmerizing as he drew images on the chalkboard as reciting the poem and we later discovered, he was high as a kite on marijuana.  :)  Ahhh, the good old 1968-1970 years in our high school when the wheels came off.  Drugs hit our town the summer between my sophomore and junior high school years.  :)

Today - breakfast at LaSalle.  Sister is going to take off my 8:30 a.m.  She is going all the way home, no stopover at her gentleman caller in Philly.  Then I will take a walk.  Don't know if I will get to Unionville.  Walk to/from pool for LAST DAY...sad day and again so glad that I have a full week on my paper calendar and the FEN blog is hitting its stride again.  Official restart meeting on Thursday.  4:30 p.m. Alameda DC.  My latest piece is out for thumbs up/thumbs down from review committee.  So far all ups.  :)  Perfect start of my week.  

Listened to All-In - data centers is the talk of their town...and Friday's Mettle video in prep for Monday ZOOM.  

Whatever it is you were recently held back from doing, you will now get the green light to proceed. But don’t go racing ahead at such a speed that you risk making a wrong move. There’s no rush, time is very much on your side.

Be mindful of how your time is divided between work, friends, and romantic relationships, darling Libra. Loved ones will be eager for your attention as the Moon moves through your sign, aspecting Venus, Mercury, and Jupiter. This surge in popularity may feel flattering at first, but a harsh opposition between Luna and Saturn highlights how finite your time and energy are. It might be necessary to take space from people or goals that aren't rewarding enough to distract you from more satisfying dynamics. End your day with a bit of self-care to ensure you're energized and prepared for Monday's arrival.

Serious thinking and communication are enhanced today, Libra. They're already strong qualities in you, and with this added boost, you'll need an outlet for expression. A journal is an excellent vehicle. Talking is another. If you have issues or worries, consider getting together with all involved and airing your thoughts. It's a perfect day to resolve problems.

I will settle in for today and see what it brings.  Sister #1 send off, last swimming day with swimming ladies, get as much walking in as possible, Alameda, want to get deeper in to great book - Mona's Eyes.  Alone again, naturally by day's end.  :)  Have a good Sunday.  

No Shake Shack but the day worked. :)

Got this from cousin yesterday.  We will try and connect before the weekend is over to see how her first semi-retirement summer is going.  As to the balance of the day - blog work on a new article to submit with the assist of the "editor".  Recreational walk.  Transportational walk to/from pool.  Sister #1 arrived after a trip where getting used to her new car offered some challenges as to phone/car communication.  I have not entered that realm of technology.  :)  I am still plugging in a Garmin GPS purchased in 2014 into the "cigarette lighter" plug in my 2007 car with roll up windows.  Not a problem that there have been times when my maps were not quite right based on new configurations or exit numbers...close enough for my very limited travel.  We went to At the Rooftop for dinner not Shake Shack.  Oh well but it was fine.  Then to Beau's for soft serve ice cream.  Then to Fresh Market which we promptly walked out of with their front and center produce selection from Taylor Farms.  I am sure all was OK, but showing up at a party with a bunch of Taylor Farm salad offerings might not be "the thing"?  So we back tracked to Shoprite and used my phone number to get her some savings.  But savings are not an issue for sister #1.  :)  She does not even look at the receipt!!!  Que barbaro! :) Then back to apt.  She is sleeping up at the landlord's/her high school classmate.  Landlord and landlady are at their beach house and sister #1 wanted to have AC available just in case. 

Today - regular walking may not be part of day...will get swim in.  Then off to sister #1's mini high school class reunion.  It is going to be a small group so it should be OK and it is 3-7 p.m. so no late night.  Tomorrow - thinking sister #1 will take off before I leave for my walk to pool...will incorporate my Unionville walk into the week ahead at some point.  Alameda DC at 4:30 p.m.  Sunday is closing day at the pool...seismic shift in my life and times in this seasonal scheduling change.  I do have to smile when these seasons surprise me every 3 months.  :)

Got my auto/apt insurance renewals...I think I am too lazy again to do what it takes to switch...I am one of those people who find financial relationships "sticky" as to seeing ease in moving from one plan to another...I will take another look at it after the weekend.  

If you don’t like what partners and colleagues get up to this weekend, then remove yourself from the scene and do something on your own. The planets warn if you follow the herd, you could end up on someone’s dinner plate.

Promote inclusivity and give the people around you a chance to shine, dearest Libra. You'll be a beacon of light for those who wish to be seen as Mercury and Jupiter unite. Luckily, you won't have to fight very hard to command the spotlight once Luna enters your sign. However, a harsh square with Mars could stir up conflict with anyone who sees you as a threat. Put up guards if you sense someone is trying to intimidate or agitate you. Keep good company by your side as the Moon aspects Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus to repel negative influences.

Today you may feel very creative and ambitious, Libra. You might want to use this energy to work on an artistic project, or you may choose to channel it into such activities as organizing your home or workspace. If you plan for it, there should be plenty of time to do both if you have a mind to. Make the most of the day.

Not sure how my cosmic guidance will lead my day, but here goes.  Will see what the presence of people not normally a part of my day brings to my mind and spirit.  Have a good Saturday.  

1:11 a.m. morning

Another pic for my "calm" folder.  PD buddy and his lady friend are in Jamaica and he sent this pic.  Also woke up to 1:11 a.m. today. It is going to be an interesting couple of days for me...sister #1 arrives today.  Will see high school classmates tomorrow at SMALL gathering tomorrow.  Pool closes on Sunday.  Son did not get any placement with the COSM company...

Angel number 111:  "a powerful spiritual sign of new beginnings, rapid manifestation, and divine alignment. Seeing it means your thoughts are turning into reality, urging you to stay positive, take charge of your life, and trust your inner power."  I will try to follow my morning lead.  :)

Yesterday - extended my Thursday route by a bit and ran into my 6th grade teacher's daughter.  He is long dead.  She is a breath of fresh air for me.  Earlier on my regular route, ran into PD buddy's daughter.  We were wondering why her father/my buddy did not invite our generations to his Jamaica getaway.  :)  So recreational walk, transportational walk to and from pool, home.  Told the swimming ladies about my juice box incident on Sunday.  They had not heard my story from a couple of winters ago when someone called the police on an "elderly, disheveled, possibly disoriented" person on the rails to trails...me.  I had headed out for a quick walk to loosen up after a long shoveling stint...can't make up my life.  :)

Today - walk, walk to/from pool, meet up with sister #1 and hope to eat meal #2 at Shake Shake.  Hamburger/FF/Milkshake.  Tomorrow - drive to/from pool, to be ready to go to sister's high school class' get together and see one of my dear friends from high school who married one of sister #1's classmates.  :)  Sunday sister #1 leaving and I walk to/from pool for last day of swimming but luckily a 4:30 p.m. Alameda DC to help me re-steady the ship...This weekend will be a tumult in the  "A deep, troubled feeling or wild storm inside your mind" definition way.  Good news - next week, something on every day on my paper calendar right through to Thursday August 27.  Including the FEN blog group reconvene after a couple months on hiatus. PHEW!  I will have lots of help in my Fall season reorienting.  

If you push yourself too hard today you could strain yourself physically and have to sit out the fun and games over the weekend. Ignore what others say you should be doing and embrace the “lazy Libra” tag – which is actually far from true.

You may harbor some resentment against loved ones this morning, darling Libra, as the Virgo Moon and Saturn form an unbalanced aspect. Feeling overshadowed, dismissed, or bossed around could be the source of such sourness, though other factors are likely at play. Diminished motivation and dwindling confidence are issues that stem from within. If you're not operating at your best, it will be difficult to appreciate when others are. Put in the work to untangle any complicated feelings that have contributed to negative outlooks. Keep busy with simple tasks to move energy and release stress as you go.

Don't discount your excellent resourcefulness, Libra. If you haven't got everything you need or all of the information required, take some time to think. Who do you know? What resources can you access? Who might know where you can find what you need? Rather than panic because the pieces aren't all there yet, make a list of contacts and go for it. Trust in yourself.

Here is to untangling, keep things simple and deep trust.  (insert praying hands emoji)  :)  2:28 a.m. as we speak so I have plenty of day to work with.  Have a good Friday.  
 

Seasons and "see you next year"

Change is in the air.  In Lansing DC last night - me in my sleeveless shirt, lady from Australia in her winter sweater.  Change.  At the pool, saying "see you next year" to one of the regulars who won't be there the balance of the week hence before pool closes... TX/NM friend soon to be only NM called from the airport.  Back to TX to put the closing chapter on that house they have had since 1995.  Dream about son's job search with that COSM group.  Lots going on in everyone's lives.

Sister #1 called to talk primary results.  Sister #6 called to share that she saw Nick Saban's lake house on her latest trip to GA.  She travels in a good circle when she goes south. 

Yesterday - Cleaned apt, Walk, EOLD - great presentation by a lady from https://epiphanyglass.com/.  Making glass remembrances that incorporate a bit of loved one's ashes.  And just blown glass objects in general.  Then walk to/from pool.  Lansing DC.  Nothing on my paper calendar for today.  Sister #1 arrives tomorrow.  Walk, pool, hope for Shake Shack meal #2.  Fingers crossed.

No matter how dull life may have been in recent weeks, you can tell that things are picking up nicely. Do whatever takes your fancy today and don’t waste time wondering if it is worth the time and the effort — because it most certainly is!

Get your affairs in order before making major commitments or career moves, dearest Libra. The Virgo Moon aspects Chiron and Mars this morning, nudging you to settle negotiations, establish strong partnerships, and quietly build yourself up. A positive referral could propel you toward big opportunities while Mercury and Venus align, so don't hesitate to ask for character statements or introductions. You should also do what you can to elevate peers you trust and believe in. Pay attention to any strange experiences or profound epiphanies that arise when Luna squares Uranus this afternoon, as the universe may be guiding you.

You could feel as if the battle has begun and you're the target, Libra. If you don't have a solid force behind you, this period could be difficult. Emotionally, this may not be your best day. Instead of feeling your feelings, you examine them in a methodical, rational manner. It may seem like you're dealing with them when you're really trying to talk yourself out of feeling them at all.

A bit push and pull on today's cosmic guidance...will see how the day lands.  Day 4 for countdown start for days left at pool   Have a good Thursday.  :)

Well that was a Tuesday...

Should have busted out a calm pic for yesterday's beginning, but I will try to pull calm back in.  :)  Wednesday ran dishwasher, walk with family friend on Tuesday, eating meal #2 too early, CA DC, "late" swim, but swimming ladies stuck around for check in, family friend's daughter boys, husband and father all showed up when I did, no SD since I was late at pool, stopped at library on the walk home from pool to restock bedside table, no sangha - Please accept my apologies! We had a technical glitch yesterday during the kickoff for the Death Sangha and couldn't launch the meeting. Message in my inbox this a.m. BUT I had stayed up to 8 p.m. to "attend"...8 p.m. for me is pretty much midnight for regular people.  :)  Rumble bumble from beginning to end of day.  One uplift - heard from Peace Corps friend who started a repeat chemo treatment in March and I had not heard much from since it started.  Hope she will flesh out her quick note but regardless - glad to hear from her.  

I will look to today for some calm, but time will tell.  Clean apt, walk, EOLD - Art From Ashes: The Healing Power of Memorial Glass with Shannon Teeple, swim a few minutes late due to walk to/from, Lansing DC tonight.  Sister #1 and landlady going back and forth on text and looping me in...  I will do no more prep/unprep for her arrival on Friday.  Landlady offered sister their parking space behind building which is very nice perk for a weekend visit.  

Listened to a podcast that talked about 3 must haves for a healthy civilization - Communication Protocol with integrity, Mathematical protocol with integrity, Scientific protocol with integrity...I feel we are measuring low on integrity. Integrity means being honest, doing the right thing when no one is watching, and following strong moral rules. It also means staying whole, complete, and unbroken.  Will look at primary election results to see if I am moved to more positivity.  Family friend and I talked about how about an open primary.  Unaffiliated picking a side for primary and voting.  Might give a better feel about who can really win in the general election...a gal can dream.  

No word from son since he and his dad returned from their Rock the Country concert weekend trip.  :)  

The best way to get ahead in the world is to join with people whose aims and ambitions are very close to your own. Life is not and never will be a zero sum game — one person does not have to lose so another person can win.

Accepting your limitations can feel more empowering than defeatist, dearest Libra. Determine where reinforcements are necessary and what to let go of as Mars and Chiron align. The Leo New Moon rises in the sector of your chart that governs community ties, reminding you of the vast support network you have to fall back on. Honor the spirit of give and take by asking for and performing extra favors throughout the next six months. If you know of two people who can assist one another, make an introduction when Mercury aspects Uranus this afternoon to score major karma points.

This is a great day to start new enterprises with others, Libra. Possible gatherings with friends or group activities could lead to ideas for new projects that fire your energy and enthusiasm. New immediate and long-term goals should be set. Some people may not be interested and could drop out, but don't worry. Others who share your interests will quickly step in to take their places.

Meet and join?...  Don't see "encounters" on my schedule today.  No swimming ladies - they have a luncheon they are going to.  But I will stay alert to see if I feel/see any connections that need to be made.  :)  Have a good Wednesday.  

My walking "look"

Forgot to report a deet from Sunday.  When walking home from the pool, I look at bit...disheveled.  I come out of the pool, chat with the ladies, and head home.  Cover up over my bathing suit, no comb touches hairdo...  So on Sunday a very kind man drove by and then turned around and pulled over and gave me an ice cold juice box.  Not sure what the words were, but the face shared his concern for my welfare... :)  Good the season is almost over.  Maybe next year I will address my "look".  The "elderly, disheveled, and possibly disoriented" call in to the police dept when someone saw me on the rails to trails following a shoveling day a couple of winters ago...  Would love to be able to "pick up" the thoughts of people walking by.  Many stop to say "I see you everywhere".  "Weather never stops you".  :)  But this man with an accent that made it hard for me to catch any words.  Did give me pause but also showed me the kindness of strangers.  

Niece #4 passed her nursing exam yesterday!  Makes moving through the next few months easier.  Congratulated her and the nurse's mother, sister #6.  Sister #1 got an offer from my landlord/landlady to stay at their house when she is here this weekend.  :)  They will miss the gathering of the Class of '69.  Sister #1 snatched that offer up post haste.  AC is in operation upstairs.  :)

So yesterday - ran load of wash, walk, ALDI $23.60/11 item day, walked to/from pool with stop at library on the way up to drop of Silva and thought I was going to pick up book, but nothing caught my eye so on to pool.  Came home to no TV/internet.  Had just paid my COMCAST bill that morning $120.35...so I knew they knew I was still wanting it.  :)  Came back on before I went to bed.  I had gone into a Plan B if for some reason it did not come back up - town library or now that I am writing this - LaSalle Market...  No smartphone so no internet to laptop is a bit more crucial to me than most people these days.  But all set as we speak at 4:13 a.m. 

Today - run dishwasher, family friend reached out yesterday to ask for walk today not Wed.  Fine with me.  She is going with daughter and her boys to Legoland on Wednesday...  Balance of today - CA DC, SD DC, and if I can stay awake - 8-9 pm - "Welcome to the Death Sangha - Deepening presence, connection and our capacity to live with greater intention and care".  Will see if my energy draws me there.

If you are invited to join a group of people whose ideals are similar to your own you must not hesitate for even a second. Together you will be able to do things that you could not possibly do alone － maybe even change the world.

You're on track to reach major milestones throughout the coming weeks, dearest Libra. Keep your eye on the prize while watching out for bonus opportunities as Mars moves through Cancer and the sector of your chart that governs success. Networking plays a vital role in your rise to fame as Luna debuts in Leo, uniting with Jupiter to help you make auspicious connections this evening. Work on yourself to drown out the noise of haters when Mercury aspects Pluto and Neptune. Developing skills and expanding your interests is a great place to start. Make a wish once Venus and Uranus align tonight, putting the universe in a playful and generous mood.

 If possible, a social event could take place today involving a small number of friends you may not have seen for a long time, Libra. You'll feel good about catching up and meeting exciting new people, too. Interesting information could come your way. Someone might be upset about something and want a shoulder to cry on. But this should be mostly a happy and gratifying day for you. Enjoy.

Keeping good thoughts for the day ahead.  Have a good Tuesday.