Folks…
Friends Sybil and Joanne haveboth written me to tell me more about the retrograde of the planet Mercury that we’re entering. A retrograde is when a planet appears to move backwards through the signs of the zodiac. Right now Mercury is going retrograde into Aquarius.. the sign of my birth. I think it’s pretty interesting that Mercury is coming up so much in my life.. I’m reading a book chapter on mercury the day that the first space probe to orbit mercury arrives at the planet.. and now I hear it’s entering an interesting (if not terribly uncommon) astrological cycle. I’ve always loved the element Mercury… Quicksilver some folks called it. . I remember that we used to play with it as kids.. rolling little balls of it around in our hands.. losing it in the floor boards and carpets of our youth. Now it’s considered so toxic that a drop is enough to evacuate a school (I still have several kilos of it stashed away in a safe place.. but don’t tell)
I’ve never put much stock in things in things such as astrology.. but with what we’ve seen and experienced this past year.. who’s to say that the movements and positions of planets couldn’t effect our world and it’s working ? . Though it’s a stretch for me, I love the thought that the movement of a planet through a pattern of stars perceived her on Earth could effect everyday life here..
Sybill tells met that
… Mercury rules thinking and perception, processing and disseminating information and all means of communication, commerce, education and transportation. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in these areas, especially people who work with their minds or their wits: writers and orators, commentators and critics, gossips and spin doctors, teachers, travelers, tricksters and thieves.
“Gossips and spin doctors, teachers, travelers, tricksters and thieves !.”. That’s such a cool collection of professions.. I think I’m at least 5 out of the 6 of those ! I Joanne tells me that we can expect the following during a retrograde of Mercury:
1. Communication breakdowns. Anticipate crossed wires, misunderstandings, confused communications and incorrect information. Double check all relevant information for accuracy. Take time to verify instructions, numbers, directions and appointments.
2. People tend to change their minds in midstream, backing out of contracts or agreements at the last minute. It is NOT in your interest to sign contracts during this cycle. It’s OK to consider options, but do not expect or plan to complete negotiations until after Mercury has moved forward.
3. Mechanical problems seem to arise with greater frequency. This includes vehicles, computers, locks and keys, and other vital appliances. If something mechanical breaks down, the culprit is generally the transport mechanism, such as piping, tubing or wiring. Expect a greater frequency of car problems such as flat tires, stalling and accidents. Whenever possible, be prepared with an alternate plan. Throughout the retrograde and shadow periods, back up your computer regularly. Have at least one backup copy stored in a separate location.
4. Schedules get thrown off, often requiring last minute adjustments. Be accessible and flexible.
5. Repairs completed under a Merc’ Retro may have to be reworked.
Hold on to documentation such as receipts.
6. It is best NOT to start new projects under this cycle. Wait until Merc’ moves direct for a more productive beginning, such as opening up a business, an account, mailing proposals or starting a new routine.
7. Expect increased accident-proneness in fingers, arms, hands, limbs, nerves, lungs, vessels
8. Anticipate delays in receiving info- mail can be delayed or info might be filed incorrectly.
9. Watch the tendency to do silly things like lock yourself out of your car or home. And be sure you have the proper paperwork on hand when leaving for outside appointments.
10. Undergo surgery only if it is essential. If surgery is absolutely necessary, be sure that all documentation is in order and that the surgeon knows exactly what is to be performed.
11. Travel plans go awry. Double check flights & accommodations. Prepare for last minute changes or glitches.
My understanding is that this retro period will be over in early march.. so until then … keep the above in mind.. or not …. as you see fit..
While we’re still on the topic of our quickest planet.. here’s a cool new picture beamed back from the MESSENGER spacecraft 2 weeks ago.. I knew about the Spiders from Mars.. but never heard about them on Mercury.
OK.. enough about the cosmos . Here’s what’s going closer to home (and I’m sorry about the italics.. my editor wont seem to allow me to turn them off) .
It’s been a couple of days of very interesting weather.. I caught this sunset on Thrusday night from Champlain.. As always.. pictures of sunsets don’t do them justice. the sky was a blazing red after a day of rain and sleet
By Friday night we had ice everywhere. the windows all looked like those old rippled glass shower stall doors. Here’s a picture of some of our old Christmas lights as viewed through the ice on the back door.
This morning everything had a thin sheet of ice on it.. very cool.. and treacherous driving ..
Diane and I did a quick run into Richmond this morning.to say hi to my friend John M whom I knew was going to be at Bridge Street. While I was there, I had a great talk with Marvin. He showed me the new ink he got in honor of Brandon K. Brandon worked at Bridge Street and was Marvin’s daughter in law’s brother. Marvin chose ‘Bam-bam’ because that’s what Marvin’s grandkids called Brandon. We talked about how the families were doing, how the folks at the Cafe were doing. We also talked about Myspace.. about how the kids use Myspace when someone dies.. I went home and looked up
Brandon’s Myspace. It brought tears to my eyes thinking about him.. and thinking about the early days after Sam’s death .
After Bridge street we went home.. I took a run while Diane took Gabe and Jack up to the mountain. Soon after we got back Avery, Dani. Kevin and Hannah showed up for a surprise brunch they’d put together. It was such a wonderful surprise..
The girls brought these cool fake mushrooms .. they looked absolutely real but were actually made of merreinge and chocolate . (editor’s note. I just Im’d my friend Bryan.. one of the students I’m working with how to spell merrenge marainge ? mierengge ? he said
johncohn at ibm<..timestamp style="display: inline; font-size: 11px;"> (12:25:54 AM)….timestamp–>: how do you spell merrienge ? as in the thing on top of a pie ?
Flessen0<..timestamp style="display: inline; font-size: 11px;"> (12:26:17 AM)….timestamp–>: Ummm John you just asked ME how to spell ..
)
Then we sat around and watched Kevin and Nate’s ‘Bigfoot ‘ video
Gabe got home around 5:30 after a good day at Bolton.. we all piled in the car and headed to Green Mountain Gymnastics for an open Gym day.. The coaches there worked the kids pretty hard.
While the kids did sit-ups, I stole out and took Bryan and the gang working on the IBM project a bag full of empty calories and caffeine. Bryan is working on the Flash programming tonight (and is still at it as I type at 12:30 AM) The Game lab was full of intense young game devlopers doing their homework on a Saturday night.. ok.. doing their homework is playing halo.. but.. hey.. it’s still homework !
After that.. I zoomed back picked up Gabe and Diane.. and a passel of other kids and we went to Rocky’s for dinner..
All in all.. a very satisfying day… I’m still just watching out for that trickster Mercury
All for now.. more later.. Love you all. Love you Sam
-me
