That was different ... :)

Memory lane items - creating a winding road - did tried to outweigh the awkwardness at the gathering.  A bit of a "you can't go home again".  Hard to gather people on a holiday weekend and turn back the clock.  But I got to visit with two people I do enjoy.  The surprise classmate of mine...not as uplifting.  He was there with his 4th wife.  My massage therapist and her mother were fun to talk to.  So the age range was 90-ish to Class of 77.  My chips and dip did not even get out of the bag. That was a totally wasted effort.  Too much food set up where no one was hanging out.  I do have "a thing" about wasting food.  Not sure how many there were expecting, but I would say 15-20 tops with food with twice that.  Oh well.  Me and get togethers...always a challenge - my 6 person limit is reinforced. Will take my chips and dip with me on Thursday and hope it gets eaten over the weekend.  

Yesterday - walked to Unionville, read - Careless People.  Very good so far.  Walked to party 4 p.m.  Walked home at 7 p.m.  Sibling call.  Sister #1 off to PA, then Cape Cod on Tuesday. Fun call with facilitator of Albany CA DC on my walk. Will check in with sister #4 to make sure my coming down to her house on Thursday works.  Two ZOOMS on Thursday night.  Niece #4's graduation from nursing school on Friday.  Back home for me by 1 p.m. on Sunday.   

Today - Wash clothes, drop off A Long Winter at book drop at library.  Walk.  Read. 

Setbacks of one kind or another are inevitable over the next few days, but they don’t have to be harmful. Deal with them as and when they arise and then move on to the next thing that needs to be done. Move toward success with every step you take.

Lack of self-care may cause you to hit a wall before the work week has a chance to kick off, dear Libra. Honor your needs and set better professional boundaries while the Cancer Moon squares Venus. Disgruntled peers could make a power grab once Luna enters Leo and clashes with Chiron, so try not to leave anyone in a lurch. Luckily, there will be plenty of people who are ready to defend and support you if necessary when Pluto and Neptune activate midafternoon. You'll be in an impulsive mood as Uranus activates this evening, and should explore your community.

Issues regarding love and romance are at a climactic point right now, Libra, and you could be rather combative. Your energy in this area may come in waves, and you're likely to be so charged up about the situation that you feel like a time bomb ready to explode. Don't destroy something wonderful by wanting a great deal more than you really need.

Calm and focused will be my approach today.  Do not envision any encounters with other beings for the day so I will try to stay out of my own way.  :)  Have a good Monday.  

Guided by the light :)

SO happy that I did my snack shopping on Friday.  Late start yesterday, got rained on on my walk which would have made toting my satchel even more troublesome.  Choices reek havoc with my word work and are always there everyday as I decide "what now?"... Friday was such a better shopping day, yesterday was such a better - no "have tos" day.  Except for the Lansing DC which is like a breath of fresh air on the 1st Saturday and 2nd Wednesday of each month.  

Lots of input from GA DC group this weekend - NY Times articles about Quietus, Wendell Barry, France passed MAiD law.  Blog work a couple more articles approved and put in the queue.  Watched an interesting show about University of Wyoming program trying to keep "Made In the West" still alive in the arts - Rather than a standalone academic degree, it is an acclaimed integration of traditional Western craftsmanship into higher education curricula designed to preserve dying art forms. I get encouraged by all apprentice type programs or the like of what sister #6's school is trying where a project rather than essay is a part of their progression. Obviously don't know much about it, but sounds like a good option for many students who need more hands on as part of their day.  

Ran into birthday girl and her brother as they drove by me on my wander.  Brother said there was someone from my high school class who would be there...party and surprises...two favorites.  :)

Ouch on the Clemson score.

Today - walk to Unionville, par-tee at 4 p.m., nothing else on paper calendar until Tuesday when it is CA DC, FEN program, Death Sangha line up.  Should be ready to return A Long Winter to library drop slot tomorrow.

You have taken a lot of decisions on the heart level over the past few weeks but not so many on the head level. That will change when Mercury enters your sign in midweek, so keep thinking and keep looking for new ways to prosper. 

It's okay to admit that you're out of energy to give, dear Libra. The universe encourages rest and strong boundaries while the Cancer Moon aspects Saturn and the Virgo Sun. If loved ones truly want to spend time with you, let them know what you need to feel supported. A bit of peace, quiet, and pampering is likely all you require to reclaim balance. You'll benefit from a sudden burst of motivation when Mars stirs this afternoon, and should use this boost to catch up on responsibilities. Review long-term goals and the progress you've made once Luna and Mercury align tonight, adjusting your plans if necessary.

Weariness may have you feeling a bit listless today, Libra, and you're likely to want to stay home in bed rather than go anywhere. This goes against your normal inclination, so you could be tempted to bite the bullet and get out in spite of your malaise. Don't fall into this trap. Get some rest so that when you absolutely have to go out, you'll be your old self again.

Will try to be "un-malaised" at the get together today.  It is only 3 hours.  I can do this.  :)  Have a good Sunday.  

Full Friday - in my silly life's way :)

Got this from Emberlight in my email box this a.m.:  Two gatherings this season ask a version of the same question: What does it take to become someone a community can lean on, and what happens when that person is the one who needs holding?  Leaning in and leaning on...Always an interesting balance for me.  But yesterday I had another example of me being guided and led.  Not in any monumental way, but in the "snack item" pursuit.  I decided to take the bull by the horn and do my shopping - on foot - on Friday and not today. ALDI is packed on Saturdays and I had my additional task of getting store credit for the Millville pancake syrup that was uneatable. So, reading and writing, set off for walk with a satchel with plastic bottle to cash in at Shoprite - name brand Lemonade sister #1 had purchased when she was here and I finally finished off.  Then to ALDI - I had looked at their weekly flyer and decided I would go with chips and salsa and chips and dip AND hope to get out for $10.  So with my store credit of $2.35, I walked out at $7.17/4 items. Done.  It was a long feeling walk home with my satchel AND salsa was heavy and did not want to crunch any of the chip items.  :)  Life in my world is a funny thing.  Did drop off Eggers at the library on front end of walk.  About half way through A Long Winter.  Very good and very short.  Also glad I did my errand yesterday as I have Lansing DC at 10 a.m. this morning and that would have put a time restraint on yesterday than I do not have today and I can do my regular Saturday route.  

GA DC member shared the NYT article about Quietus.  Did not take NYS long to figure out a cottage industry approach to MAiD.  I keep thinking if more people see there is money to be made...the bandwagon and the range of motion will increase.  BUT my hair did get on fire with the latest GeriPal episode...the elderly and GLP-1s... per the internet - "More than 600,000 seniors have signed up for GLP-1 weight-loss medications in the first two months of the new federal program."  More from the internet - "Scott Galloway argues that GLP-1 medications will have a greater, more transformative impact on human well-being and the U.S. economy than artificial intelligence."  What a world...

AND got home from my walk to find the landlady had dropped off some of her homemade ginger snaps.  She must have "sensed" that I was have a day.  

So today - Lansing DC, walk.  "Pack up" dishes to take with my sharing for Sunday.  I don't want to have to bother the birthday girl or her brother so I will bring my bowls and such.  

Got a text from son yesterday - "All good with tornado Detroit new on my end :) seems to be making national news.  Nothing else.  I will see if he calls today.  He has been working on projects of late that have been full days so last week he called before he headed to his pizza work.  :)  

Have nothing to do with someone who says one thing but then immediately starts doing the opposite. If they are unable to make up their mind about their own activities, it’s unlikely they will be able to help you. They are not to be trusted.

Wishes are granted early this morning, darling Libra, thanks to sweet aspects between the Gemini Moon and nodes of fate. Muster the courage to dream big, gathering the strength to see these visions through. The universe rewards determination once Luna enters Cancer and aligns with Chiron. Double your effectiveness by partnering up with someone you've been wanting to collaborate with. These vibes also bode well for matters of the heart, helping you move romantic connections forward. However, you'd be wise to protect yourself from those who have a habit of making empty promises when Neptune stirs up deceptive vibes this afternoon.

Some new information could come your way that causes you to focus on a new interest, Libra. It'll set your mind traveling to faraway places and times. You may also communicate with some new people who are highly educated, from foreign lands, or both. They might have fascinating stories to tell! Whatever happens, today promises to excite your curiosity and stimulate your intellect.

Listening to All-In as we speak.  Great email from niece #1 yesterday.  Can't get a better pic than the one of her husband walking their son into school on the first day.  What a gift that she found this man in the Southern Part of Heaven!  AND his school is right across the street from their house.  Magic.  Have a magic Saturday.  

Challenge of the day...snack item?

I should have stuck to what I know and said I would bring a bread item...snack item?  Chips and salsa and chips and dip are in my mind now.  I will see if anything else strikes me today as I wander ALDI and Shoprite.  Friday is not my usual day to walk to Shoppes, but I needs some extra nudges.  I also am not a fan of "get togethers" and I am thinking Sunday will be a greater than 6 people crowd.  Oh well.  I said yes to going and "a snack item" so here goes.  Good news I can walk back and forth so I don't have to add driving my car to my list of "angst items".  :)

So yesterday - texted TX/NM friend re anniversary - big gathering this weekend at her TX house for kids and families to say good bye to that house.  Walk.  Finished Eggers book (will return that to library on my wander today), started A Long Winter, CA DC (there are lots of CA DCs).  Very good group and now that swimming is over, I will try to make more of these 1st and 3rd Thursday gatherings.  Did watch a GeriPal episode about old people and GLP-1s...I am so not happy with that family of drugs.  "Scott Galloway has frequently written and spoken about GLP-1 receptor agonists having a more profound and immediate impact on human well-being and the economy than artificial intelligence."  or "An "Ozempic baby" is a popular term for an unexpected or unplanned pregnancy that happens while taking GLP-1 receptor agonist weight-loss and diabetes medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro." Yikes! 

Today - nothing on my paper calendar.  I had noted "pay insurance" but I took care of that last week.  So walk and making a plan for "snack item" acquisition...  :)   Keep a good thought that something jumps off the shelf at ALDI or Shoprite.  And that I get my store credit for - in my mind - not edible pancake syrup I bought at ALDI.  

With Venus, planet of beauty and pleasure, moving through your sign, you are unlikely to look kindly on anyone who tries to hurry you along. Travel at a speed that feels comfortable to you and ignore those who say you are lagging behind.

The Gemini quarter Moon puts you in a mysterious yet outgoing mood, dearest Libra. Enjoy the company of others while Saturn and Jupiter stir, but keep your secrets under wraps. You'll have a gift for reading the people around you, which could help you identify who to connect with when traversing large crowds. If someone grabs your attention, walk up and introduce yourself. A boost in charisma makes you difficult to resist, and the friends you gain may elevate your status. Speak less and listen more once Luna squares Mercury midafternoon, and you'll be surprised by how much peers are willing to reveal.

You could be in a fanciful mood all day, Libra, so you may not be too focused on this world. This is great for artistic or metaphysical studies, as well as being sensitive to others. Beware of a tendency to daydream when you should pay attention! You might want to break out of the mundane world and follow your dreams, but this isn't the day to do it. It's a good day to plan.

Will see where my mysterious mood takes me today.  Keep a good thought that if nothing else I "encounter" my snack item.  All planning, no daydreaming.  :)  Have a good Friday.  

Well that day filled in nicely :)

Those early start days always have me starting with "now what?" But not to worry it all filled in.  Cleaned apt.  Walked with family friend and her daughter and youngest grandchild.  Got my 10 for $2 corn off the cob and ready for my meals. Got info for the quilt raffle/chicken dinner event in Oct from family friend to share with the swimming ladies who wanted to get a look at the quilts and I am fine with maybe tagging along for the chicken pot pie dinner.  :)  Acquaintance who works at Safety Harbor Spa and Resort is back in town for 3 weeks.  She invited me to her birthday party on Sunday.  I have to bring a snack item...I will stew about that today and put that on my list of things to do on my walk on Saturday.  Also need to return for store credit the pancake syrup I bought at ALDI.  Not eatable.  That will help offset the off day purchase of a snack item.  :)  Good EOLD conversation.  Why do we do what we do when it comes to end-of-life work?  Getting people from point A to point B is something I always say about what has guided my energy...EOL addresses that last "point B".  :)

Zipper broke in the only pair of shorts that really fit me any more...rest are getting a bit baggy.  Oh well.  It is fall and I will take the shorts with me next week to sister #4's to see if she sees a way to fix them.  But it is fall and I will be out of shorts for walking shortly.  :)  

Today - TX/NM friend's 43rd wedding anniversary.  Her sister texted me yesterday.  She is off to TX next week to visit.  And now that swim season is over, I will try and pop in on a CA DC that I don't go to often.  Reading my Eggers book.  Nearing the end, glad I stocked up.  Nothing else on my mind or calendar to tackle today.  

If a friend or loved one makes a mess of something that is important to you, don’t criticize them. Instead, point out in gentle terms where they went wrong and how they can get it right next time. They won’t make the same mistake twice.

Self-discovery doesn't always have to be a solitary adventure, dearest Libra. As the Gemini Moon aspects Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, consider how loved ones have shaped your outlook and sense of self. Be mindful of what you have learned from others, and how past and present influences have impacted the trajectory of your life. Admitting that certain relationships have changed you doesn't make you any less fierce or independent, but shows that you are wise enough to keep an open mind. Continue with these sentiments close to your heart, and explore with someone you love.  

Your mood may be a bit detached and scattered today, Libra. This attitude could get you into trouble if you aren't careful. Make sure you keep at least one foot on the ground. It's important to stay strongly connected with reality or you could find yourself up a creek without a paddle. Feel free to get more deeply involved in a project that you might otherwise leave to others.

A quieted day with a quick stop in CA may be the trajectory for the day.  Hope it is a dry sneaker walk which it feels like it will be once this morning rain stops.  Have a good Thursday.  

Early start today... :)

I do need to look back and see if there is a pattern - day of week, day leading up to activities - to my early mornings.  But when I wake up, I wake up.  No "let me try to get back to sleep".  Oh well.  On with the day and I have a lot of it to work with.  :)

Also woke up to a full inbox so I addressed some with my "schedule send" approach so people do not know when I am really writing it.  Others I will revisit later when I decide what I want to do with the information shared.  

So yesterday - ran dishwasher, walked, stopped by library at tail end of walk to pick up - A Long Winter/Toibin, Careless People/Wynn-Williams, and Crying in H Mart/Zauner.  Stopped by the house of one of the swimming ladies.  Had not seen her since pool closed and her "kids" (in their 50's) and their spouses are coming up this weekend so I wanted to check in to see if she needed anything done before they got there.  No work, but she did ask if I would put on my September list of things to do - set her up with the Shoprite online account so she could do the coupons.  She got listening to me and the other swimming lady talking about it and wants in.  :)  The two of them do not need them, but it is something.  And she wants to redo her medical directives and she wanted me to be a sounding board as she did that.  I sent her mine and some other resources yesterday post our visit and we will circle back later in the month.  She is 86...husband died in 2011 and kids live in different states. But she seems to have a good relationship with her doctor. Did come home with a bag of tomatoes picked on Monday at one of her friend's homes!  6 p.m. found me "at" the MEA discussion about the Golden Girls housing option they now have outside Santa Fe NM presented by the MEA leader and 3 women who tried it out for a month.  Mr. Conley is promoting his programs and his housing options.  He is a good salesperson to say the least.  Aging - with privilege - can be a very attractive proposition.  :)

Today - will see if family friend wants to walk this a.m.  She just got back from Chicago yesterday.  We will see.  So clean apt, walk, EOLD - It's Wise to Know Your Whys with Kathi Waters.  Nothing else on my paper calendar.  Good back and forth with Michigan Death Care Collaborative.  MI and CA seem to be my go-tos for lots of my thoughts.  

Cosmic activity in the most sensitive area of your chart inclines you to worry about issues that are not worth the effort. You may need to remind yourself today that some things can look darker and more menacing than they actually are.

Take an honest look at who your real friends are, dear Libra. The Taurus Moon aspects Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury this morning, highlighting how the people around you impact your psyche. Be mindful of who is overly demanding, negative, or difficult to level with. While it may not be necessary to cut ties, a desire for genuine intimacy will inspire you to keep a tighter circle. You're in a transitional period as Virgo season brings forth endings. Use this energy to determine who you wish to become and who you want by your side once the dust has settled.

A trip by air may be in your future, Libra. You may be planning to tour distant states or foreign lands when that’s possible. You could be going with friends or a group you're associated with. Unusual new interests could capture your attention, enticing you to further study. You might enroll in an online workshop. You're looking toward expanding your horizons. Take care not to spread yourself too thin.

Will try and keep my mind out of the menacing arena.  Don't think I could get a tighter circle than I currently have.  No travel plans, no worry about spreading myself too thin.  "Tight" and "thin" are where I live as we speak.  :)  Have a good Wednesday.  

Lots of shiny objects in my inbox this a.m. :)

Thought I better get my journaling done first.  :)  Sept 1 - completely full dream night with lots of people coming to mind overnight and full inbox this a.m.  Sept is off with a kick.  

In my inbox, an application to talk to the woman behind "The In-Between Years" podcast.  Will see if she finds my story interesting.  NC friends in a CCRC sent out their blog.  I will be commenting after I finish this.  Former school #1 co worker wrote back after I sent him a "happy back to school" - he put his planned retirement off until this time next year.  Note back from ED of FEN.  I shared with her yesterday after her TGDS blog post - Was smiling when I got to the end and had to say to myself (my favorite person to converse with 😎) - "Who the leader is not everything, but it certainly can be a HUGE thing." Thank you for your year at the helm!  🎉  Onward and upward.  

So yesterday - did load of wash, headed out at 10-ish for walk (my new launch time now that swimming is over), dropped The Correspondent off at library, Shoprite for a $21.38 spent/$23.00 "saved"/17 items day (two more items I will not have to buy for awhile because of sales),  ALDI $19.85/5 items day.  Got the "compare to TIDE PODS"...hope I do not regret it, 47 tabs so I hope I like it.  I am stuck with them for almost a year with my one load a week routine.  And I told myself I would not buy nectarines again...but I could not resist with the sale.  :)  I ran into my landlady at Shoprite and she said I am quite a site with my little notebook (the one sister #6 brought home for me from the Berkshire-Hathaway stockholders annual meeting) prompting me for the sales I was there to find. She did try to talk me into the "natural" laundry sheets for washing clothes...not this year.  But they have a very nice looking web site if I ever change my mind.  Much better pricing than at Shoprite.  

Today - run dishwasher, walk, stop by library to stock up bedside table (getting hooked on Eggers' book).  6 p.m. - Live Event - Golden Girls Interview with Chip - Chip Conley talks to the 3 "Golden Girls" - Whether it's a Golden Girls–style shared rental home (a new category that is often called "Boommate Homes" and what MEA calls "SageHouses" and "ChrysalisHouses")  - A SageHouse has been created for long-term stability of a collection of women (and, sometimes, men) who want to live together for an extended period of time. Many women have been talking with their college friends about this for decades and MEA’s active alumni community, regional chapters, and Golden Girls workshops create a magnet for women to find their future housemates.  Nothing else on my paper calendar.  

Mercury in the most sensitive area of your chart will make you a bit touchy today, and with Mars in the picture as well you could say things you later wish you had not. Think before you speak and, if possible, say only nice things.

Prioritize healing as the Taurus Moon aspects Chiron and Pluto, darling Libra, even if doing so means severing ties. Relationships that have grown increasingly toxic are unlikely to improve without some distance. Romantic connections may also land on the chopping block while Mars and Saturn square off. Remember that love is supposed to be elevating, and shouldn't get in the way of your hopes and dreams. If you're hoping to salvage a dynamic that's become complicated, try setting new boundaries to see if the situation changes. Reflect on where you need to evolve once the Sun and Luna align this evening.

Money is probably on your mind now, Libra. A desire for increased financial security could force you to look for work or investments that would pay off big. Opportunities for one or both of these are likely to come through friends, perhaps someone with whom you've worked before. You're likely to accomplish what you want for now, but it's uncertain whether you'll continue on this path in the future.

Healing has been a big part of this segment of my life.  Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit.  Evolution. Keep a good thought for all that this first day of September has on the horizon.  :)  Have a good Tuesday.