Well that was a Monday!!!

This picture from my cousin's trip to the beach in Sept - it will be my locale on Thursday.  The whirlwind starts tomorrow.  Luckily I will have until Thursday to get involved.  TX/NM friend will land in town tomorrow night.  Pick me up on Thursday a.m. to head to the beach for the day and lunch at Lenny & Joe's.  Meeting up with sister #4 and maybe now, my cousin.  It is going to be sunny and 60's so weather is doing its part to assist in the people weekend.  

Yesterday - I changed up my route to land me at the library toward the end of my walk so I could pick up my Nov W&T book.  And that set off a chain of events.  :)  But first things first - $17.43/$7.71 Shoprite and $11.09 at ALDI.  Butter, cheese - "PERKS"  :)  Now that TX/NM is staying somewhere else, I did not need to stock up on anything.   Whew.  Washed clothes.  Headed out for walk at 10 a.m., did not get back until 12:30 p.m.  Met the lady who helped me with some money stuff back in 2024.  She lives on one of my routes and she is taking care of her grandson on Mondays and Wednesdays and she was out for a walk.  I added a bit to my route, but fun walking with her.  Of course I ran into PD and workmen on her street.  Replacing 100+ yr water pipes proactively is a big thing in my town of late.  Then I ran into the lady who is going with TX/NM friend and I to Cambridge MA on Oct 26.  THEN I finally got to the library and picked up An American childhood by Annie Dillard.  Working my way through what was the last book on my bedside - THIS DARK NIGHT: Emily Brontë, a Life, by Deborah Lutz.  

In the in between times - happened on Dr. Christopher Kerr interview on The Diary of a CEO.  GREAT interview.  And when I sent that to one DC person, she sent me back this one from Hospice Nurse Julie...another great listen.  AND then this from family friend who I walk with on Wednesday who volunteers her time at one of our town cemeteries and where our family friend is being buried this weekend.  "Chris and I met Shelly up at the cemetery this morning to discuss Nancy's placement. After Shelly left Chris and I watched an eagle circle us overhead for 5-10 minutes. I figure it was Nancy."  You know I loved that thought.  Then a great Mettle discussion about last Friday's webinar and then PA DC where there were some new faces of people taking one of the UVM death and dying courses.  Going to a DC is one of their homework assignments.  :)  Then I called it a day!  

Today - run dishwasher, walk, CA DC, IOWA DC, Death Sangha is the plan.  Will see what comes into my day today.  Felt very "led and guided" yesterday by people, places and things.  Changed my walk route for one reason - and it was like a kaleidoscope as one turn changed the entire picture for my day.  :)

It might be a smart move to take a look at your finances, especially if you have been free and easy with the credit cards of late. Do it now rather than at the end of the week when the Sun moves into the financial area of your chart.

You might struggle to stay motivated today, dealing Libra, as Venus rx and Pluto square off. A sense that progress has stalled casts disenchanting shadows all around you, taking some of the wind out of your sails. Rather than shaming yourself for feeling off, give yourself permission to wallow just a bit. It will be difficult to see silver linings while the Aquarius Moon squares Mercury, but peering into the darkness will allow you to resolve issues you've been avoiding. Cut loose to shake off stagnancy when Luna opposes Jupiter, making a vow to greet tomorrow with an improved outlook.

 This is a terrific day for you, Libra, and you will glow brightly from head to toe as you radiate your true inner self to the world. You will find profound joy in the simplest, most ordinary circumstances. If you run out of things to say, feel free to whistle a tune. This isn't likely to happen today, since you will overflow with things to talk about.

Feeling mixed messages from my cosmic guidance this a.m....I think I squeeze blood out of the day-to-day money turnip even though I know the big picture is not that strong.  I have never been free and easy with money but I also let fear of what if's keep me from making the best moves over the years, but I am old so steady works for me now.  I will hope the spirit of yesterday will carry me through today.  :)  Have a good Tuesday.  

The start of a different week for me :)

I am trying to deeply embed the "let life come to me" motto for this week.  So many of the things I thought would be "issue-esque" have smoothed themselves out without my intervention...wish I had learned that lesson 70 years ago.  :)  

TX/NM friend arrived in NM yesterday after 11.5 hour ride.  She will fly out here on Wednesday.  I will see her on Thursday when we head to Hammonasset for beach walk and L&J's.  She will be staying at friend's condo the entire stay.  She will have a rental car.  We will go to Boston area a week from today to see an old friend and bring with us friend's sister in law who she has not seen since her brother died 8 years ago.  Yikes.  Bien emocional!  So I can stay on my own until Thursday this week.  Phew. 

Yesterday - Sibling call and mention of a Paraguayan musician at Berklee. Friend we are going to see in Boston, her husband has been a teacher there since the '70's.  Can't wait to bring that up when we are up there.  Walked to Unionville.  Dropped storm windows on the two windows I was holding out for.  Want the apt as warm as possible - without turning the heat on - for sisters this weekend coming up.  And all my chore days will be done before anybody gets here.  I will be playing catch-up next week.  :)

Today - wash clothes, Shoprite/ALDI combo day to take advantage of some perks for things I do use from Shoprite.  Drop off The Original at library.  Need to remind myself tomorrow to pick up Nov W&T book.  Mettle discussion.  PA DC.  Tonight is the town tri-board meeting, kick off for budget discussion for FY28.  I will stay away keeping to my pledge not to care.  I watched the paint dry last cycle...too painful for me.  

Saw a former co worker yesterday on my walk.  She wants to meet and walk...will send her some date possibilities.  Told her it would be after the company period.  :)  

The Sun leaves your sign later this week, and when it does, it won’t be so easy to complete a task that has been dragging on too long. So get your act together and focus on it to the exclusion of everything else. It could be now or never.

You'll grow frustrated by stalled progress that forces you to go backwards, dearest Libra. As the Aquarius Moon aligns with Pluto, Venus rx, and Uranus, past mistakes require addressing. Whether you skipped steps or blew through tasks, revisiting these errors could have unforeseen benefits. Rather than begrudging mundane work, allow yourself to slow down and have a look around. It's possible that in your haste you glossed over bigger opportunities, which you now have a chance to seize. Thoughts drift toward romance when Saturn stirs midafternoon, but you'll need a consistent partner to feel safe. Impromptu invitations might tempt you to enjoy an evening on the town when Luna opposes Mars, but doing so may trigger burnout. 

By being around negative and flip people, you might inadvertently pick up these habits. Be careful about your associates, Libra, because you will find that others judge you according to the company you keep, especially if you start talking like them. Make sure to maintain a respectful attitude and proper manners no matter who your company is.

Hmmm...sounds like a day ahead.  Wish me luck.  Let life come to me...fingers crossed.  Have a good Monday.  

Church supper "linner"

Great card from someone who lives on the beach.  :)  Part of the group who will be descending on town weekend of 24th.  TX/NM friend will be staying for her whole visit at the vacant home of the family friend who died last year and for whom people are coming to town on 24th.  Honoring her with dedication of our town high school athletic fields complex.  Her sister is keeping her condo for her retirement living option while she currently lives in their family home which she purchased from her siblings when her mother died.  Many I know have lots of real estate.  I have passed on that in my lifetime except one time in TX when I think we are the only people to lose money on RE in Texas in the 90's.  Oh well.  

Yesterday - watched All-In and Boston Blue.  Walk to Shoppes.  Chicken Pot Pie dinner at local church where family friend I walk with goes.  Ran into her daughter.  She was transporting take-out for her family.  A bit of memory lane in the church hall.  Informative to the swimming lady who went with me - and drove us there.  LA DC when I got home.  AND loving my latest book - The Original.  Might have to check out another of author's books - Vanessa and Her Sister by Priya Parmar is a historical fiction novel published in 2015 that explores the early adult lives and complex bond between the gifted painter Vanessa Bell and her sister, the writer Virginia Woolf (then Virginia Stephen)

Today walk to Unionville.  Nothing on paper calendar.  

Venus, your ruler, squares up to passion planet Pluto this week, so you need to be careful when dealing with matters of the heart. If your feelings for someone get so feverish that you can’t even sleep you may need to rein in your emotions a bit.

You won't be in the mood to clean up other people's messes, dearest Libra. Loved ones may be especially helpless and needy under the Capricorn quarter Moon, but that doesn't entitle them to your help. Offer advice to those who seem lost, but leave them to carry out tasks. Watch out for guilt trips when Chiron grows restless later today, standing firm in your position. Have a personal goal to focus on if you need a distraction. The atmosphere shifts once Luna enters Aquarius, bringing a more playful ambiance to the table. Enjoy an easy and romantic night when Neptune stirs. 

Discipline and a solid plan are your friends today, Libra. Slow your approach and consider the consequences of your actions. This is the time to concentrate on what you need to get done and devise a plan to make it happen. There is restlessness in the air that might cause you to act hastily. Don't forget the old saying that says haste makes waste. This is an important lesson.

No haste for me today.  No schedule.  Feeling settled about how "life came to me" as to how visitors are fitting in to the week ahead.  No need for orchestration.  Relief.  :)  Have a good Sunday.  

Last day of a quiet week

Started my day today at 3:33 a.m.  Will see what action I am drawn to.  I have mixed feeling about the week ahead, but today I will enjoy the quiet but with a chicken pot pie dinner at family friend's church with one of the swimming ladies.  Sorry I mentioned it when I thought there would be a quilt raffle included in the event...but now just pie which is fine with me but I would have not mentioned it to the swimming ladies without the quilt piece...oh well.  Luckily I have a LA DC at 6:30 p.m. so it will be "early bird special" timing - 4:30 p.m. and eat and get home.

Yesterday - watched my Thursday shows.  Walked.  Mettle webinar.  Got a dry walk in before a very wet afternoon.  :)  Talked to sister #6.  She is still coming up next Saturday as of yesterday.  She did fall again this week...  Told her that she might want to slow it down but her schedule for weekend of Oct 24 does not reflect any "slow".  Friday after work or Saturday a.m. - 3 hr drive to my town, go to town event where family friend is being honored, Saturday night or Sunday a.m. drive to her daughter an hour away, get on train, to to NYC for a play and then Sunday night drive 3 hours back home...  Will see if that plan sticks.  Luckily with her fall, she did not break her fall with the wrist she broke and had to have surgery on earlier this year...Yikes. 

Today - watch Boston Blue.  Embarrassed to say I watch it but it's like a car wreck, can't look away.  Walk, Chicken pot pie.  LA DC.  Enjoying my latest book - The Original - A Novel - By Priya Parmar.  Novel, nonfiction?  I am having trouble with where this book came from, but am still enjoying it.  

Sounds like TX/NM friend will be staying in the condo of a family friend.  That works out well with separate spaces, but close enough.  She arrives Wed night. We will go to beach on Thursday for a walk on the beach and seafood lunch, Boston area on Monday, she heads back home on Tuesday.  Will see what fills in the gaps.  You know I am happy with nothing much.  Sister #6 and #4's arrivals and departures center around Friday or Saturday arrivals, Saturday or Sunday departures.  They will both stay here if they stay.  I will stay calm and carry on between now and Wednesday p.m.  

You have too many options to choose from and your priority this weekend must be to narrow them down to the few that will work best for you personally. If you’ve got a dozen projects on the go, you may end up finishing none of them.

Loved ones may seem mopey or distant this morning, darling Libra, due to a harsh square between the Capricorn Moon and Saturn. Show compassion and offer up support, but know your limits when it comes to nurturing others. If someone would rather wallow in their misery than accept love and advice, you'll need to respect their wishes. Luckily, a more composed energy takes hold as the hours pass, and people will begin to act like their usual selves. Break bread with your closest companions from your cozy home while Luna and Mercury form a soft sextile this evening. 

Your unique ability to communicate with many different groups and personalities will be extremely important today to maintaining a bridge between warring camps, Libra. Keep things moving and try not to let the situation stagnate on any one issue. If the conversation turns to raging and ranting, it's in your best interests to stop it right away. Don't be afraid to step up and take a leadership role.

I have but one passion project...it does need focus, but timing is not rushed.  I just have to look to the week ahead as a "this too will pass" moment and just let life come to me. Hope I miss the "warring camps" moment... Fingers crossed.  Have a good Saturday.  

Week winding down

Had a jolt this a.m.  Thought my "e-calendar" entries had disappeared...that would have been an interesting re-construct.  I guess I am sitting with too many thoughts from the Eggers books.  :)  And now it is Friday before the week ahead that will shuffle the deck as to people and activities.  Oct 21-27.  I will get as set in mind as I can, then let it roll.  :)  A very good precursor for this was my N CA DC yesterday.  The group of people in that discussion are the best.  Glad I logged on for that and the meeting I was supposed to have in that time slot had been moved.  

So yesterday - Watched Chicago shows, walked, N CA DC, reading The Every.  Really should finish that today.  Today - watch L&O shows, walk, Mettle - why we talk about illness, grief, and loss with children. Will see how the forecasted rain impacts walk timing.  Not much big thinking of late...I made "a move" to save money by not using conditioner for my daily hair washing...gave that up after a week as hair turned to straw.  Need to get "a bit" bigger on my thinking on how to make things work.  :)  

Self-discipline has never been a problem for you but not everyone in your world is as focused and competitive as you are. Make allowances for that fact over the next 24 hours. Don’t expect others to do what is clearly beyond them.

Having a solid support system benefits you immensely, darling Libra, as Mars and Saturn align. This energy is all about knowing when you could use a pep talk or helping hand, asking for what you need to reach the finish line. Connecting with loved ones throughout the day will provide the morale boost required to keep you moving forward. Check in with yourself as Luna moves through Capricorn, noticing when it's time to slow down and tend to personal needs. Just try not to get too comfortable while Neptune stirs, or it will be challenging to get back on track. Indulge in nostalgic comforts later today when the Moon aspects Venus rx.

Be careful about being manipulated by another person today, Libra. It's possible that someone is putting words in your mouth in order to get you to act a certain way. Don't fall into this trap. Be your own person and think for yourself. Your mind is susceptible and vulnerable now. Use your eyes and ears as a filter and don't let people unload their garbage on you.

Hmmm...I will keep checking in with myself.  I don't see many people as I go through my day except for those I see on my walks.  My "atmosphere" is pretty predictable.  But that will shift a bit beginning next week...will work on setting the table for letting go.  Stop, look, listen - then decide next steps.  Let life come to me.  Fingers crossed.  Have a good Friday.  

Oct 15 2026

Candle lighting picture for today. Need the inspiration. Still a week before company comes to town, but on my mind as to prep.  :)  Heard from TX/NM friend that we will be taking someone with us to visit friend in Boston area on Oct 26. Boston area friend's sister in law who she has not seen in 8 years. Nice development.  

Yesterday - cleaned apt, walked with family friend, EOLD, spoke with son and a guy from Houston - the guy hired to replace myself at the company I left when we moved to NC, Lansing DC.  Read The Every.  Could finish it up today.  Today - watch my Chicago shows.  :)  Walk. N CA DC.  Will see what else pops in.  

SS COLA news - with the Medicare premium increase...I might find myself $20-30 ahead each month.  :)

You find it easy to put yourself in another person’s place and see life from their point of view, but the only view that matters today is your own. Focus on your number one goal and don’t let anyone talk you out of going for it.

Take a good look around, dearest Libra, and you will find yourself surrounded by genuinely special people. You should feel inspired by and proud of your eclectic circle of friends while the Sun and Jupiter align. These rare and elevating vibes squash jealousy to make way for supportive dynamics. Don't pass up the chance to lift peers up. If you're in a position to spread opportunities, do it! The joy you experience will be rewarding on its own, but karmic blessings could also emerge. Enlightening conversations may guide you toward new interests when the Sun, Sagittarius Moon, and Jupiter align this afternoon. 

This is a terrific day for you, Libra, and you will find that the fast pace of the day suits you well for what you need to get done. There's a general feeling of grandeur in the air that reminds you to take your time when getting dressed. Feel free to go all out today. Put on a lavish display wherever you go.

The pace of my day is not known for its "fast-ness" or "lavish" look.  :)  I will see how "going for it" looks today.  Have a good Thursday.  

Fall came to me yesterday

Pictures from cousin's cottage in NYS.  Picture out my front window.  What arrived in my mail box yesterday.  Fall full day.  :)

Ran dishwasher, walked, Noon - PCV program which was very informative.  Not encouraging about what might be in the conversation in DC...  Then CA DC.  Then SD DC.  Wide ranging conversations and made for a full day.  Today - clean apt.  Walk with family friend. EOLD at noon - Navigating Eco-Grief, Lansing DC tonight.  

Not sure what else traveled through my mind yesterday.  We will see where my minds goes today.  

If you get the cold shoulder from a friend or colleague today, that’s fine. They don’t need you and you don’t need them. In fact, you will accomplish a lot more without them, especially as so much of their input always seems to be negative.

You could awaken to sudden fame, dearest Libra, thanks to supportive aspects between the Sagittarius Moon, Pluto, and Uranus. Use this energy to further expose the world to your art, ideas, and unique point of view. At the very least, now is a good time to ask for what you want and pursue what the heart desires. Passion fueled conversations will elevate you to a state of bliss, so be mindful to surround yourself with people who get you. Accept any midweek invitations that find you while Luna, Mars, and Saturn form a grand trine this afternoon, and you may establish valuable connections.

Good news about money could create some excitement in your household today, Libra. One of your goals might be to invest some of the funds in fixing up your living situation. You might even consider moving or purchasing a new home. You may kick around a lot of ideas about how to spend the windfall, but don't go too crazy. Hold on to some of that money as a nest egg.

No fame or fortune felt this early a.m. but maybe it will unveil as the day unfolds.  :)  Have a good Wednesday.