Calendar challenges :)

Was drawn to calm as my picture today.  Yesterday I am glad I had no "schedule" as it took a bit to work through my Shoprite Sr Disc Tuesday shopping.  As I shared with a friend yesterday.  Also, I thought they were going to have to call Mr. Joseph in...I was trying to use an e-gift card without a smartphone AND sister #4's printer ink was too light when she printed it out for me...Hope they were not rolling the video on my check out today.  :/  Give the workers something to talk about.  After involving 5 workers and moving me to 3 different check out spots, mission accomplished.  The last lady transferred the balance to a plastic gift card.  :)  

Shoprite. Ran dishwasher. Long walk.  Chilly but with a short warm up stop at the library, well worth it.  Reading my The Ride. The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night That Saved America by Kostya Kennedy is a 2025 book that offers a fresh, detailed account of Paul Revere's famous midnight ride.  Even knowing the end, I am enjoying the book.  

Missed a call from sister #1 and then finally picked up the call from sister #6...phone ringer was on vibrate only.  And I was deep asleep.  AND knocked the mug off my bedside table in the course of answering the call.  The mug held bookmarks.  Had had the mug since 1990...oh well.  From a co worker in Houston, handle broke off but mug still intact.  Once I turn myself over to sleep, I am asleep.  

Today walk with family friend.  Route will be convoluted after the latest snow.  Will see if I can stretch it to fill the time.  Clean apartment.  Happy New Year will come and go and I will recognize the event when I wake up tomorrow morning.  I shared with sister #4 that I will pass on going with her to her classmate's NYD brunch.  But that she is welcome to stay here Thursday night.  Just to let me know so I can preheat apt.  :)  Classmate's event goes WELL above my 6 people or less gathering size I want to involve myself with.  

Here I thought I had made it up the number to give me cover for not going to our 55th high school reunion this year...but found this on the wide world internet.  

A group of six is often ideal for gatherings because it balances diverse perspectives with intimacy, allowing everyone to participate meaningfully without fragmentation into subgroups, fostering better connection, managing social dynamics (avoiding cliques/loafing), and fitting within human cognitive limits for tracking interactions and ensuring sufficient "airtime" for each voice. It's large enough for varied ideas but small enough for comfort, unlike larger groups that lead to decreased participation and increased conflict.  

What a difference a year makes.  This time last year I was in LA getting ready to head back to CT.  Son back to Detroit.  In-N-Out Burger our dining place for New Year's Eve.  :)  

Just got this poem from a friend in Australia.  Good start for the new year.

And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so?

I did.

And what did you want?

To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the earth.

by Raymond Carver

Travel and social activities are well starred now, which is excellent news for the party season. But you must plan ahead before setting out to have fun. Unexpected delays and detours are inevitable, so give yourself extra time to reach your destination.

Leaving old habits behind won't feel like such a challenge this morning, dear Libra, thanks to sweet connections between the Taurus Moon, Uranus, and Neptune. Luna's debut in Gemini increases optimism and self-belief, further motivating you to prioritize self-improvement. Luck is at your side when you choose paths of empowerment, especially if passions and natural talents are given the chance to blossom. You'll crave homey environments over the hustle and bustle of crowded celebrations while the sun, Moon, and nodes of fate stir. Honor these vibes by rinsing in 2026 with your closest companions.

You have a keen mind, Libra, and are always absorbing new bits of information. What is amazing is how much of it you manage to retain. Today, however, even your considerable brain may be taxed beyond its limits. At work you may feel overwhelmed by the mass of information to sort through. At home there may be books and magazines piled up that you're anxious to read. Consider taking the evening off from intellectual pursuits. There is something to be said for passive entertainment.

Passive and solitary will be my key words for today.  :)  Happy New Year's Eve.  Have a good Wednesday, last day of 2025...