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.  

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.