A lot of weird and annoying things have been happening since Nyel was checked into the Critical Care Unit at Good Sam on Christmas Eve.  Fortunately, the hospital seems to be in a protective bubble but those of us out here in the periphery are apparently vulnerable to continual and unexpected vexations.

Our family has been staying in a place well known to me – a place near the hospital that gives a ‘medical rate,’ has great breakfasts and even occasional dinners, and with flexible policies and a caring staff.  AND those new-fangled key-cards for our rooms.  We have been locked out more than once – not a big problem but definitely irksome to walk back to the lobby through the rain to get “re-keyed.”  It wasn’t necessarily reassuring to hear that it’s been happening all over the facility.  They blame the cold weather.  Marta blames Mercury in Retrograde.

Then, my computer went berserk.  That’s the only way I can explain it.  First the screen went black and couldn’t be revived.  Then peculiar looking messages appeared that only Charlie seemed to understand.  He got it all up-and-running again but went along with Marta’s analysis of the situation: Mercury in Retrograde.

Next were the brakes on my car.  Grabbing.  A nearby Les Schwab to the rescue.  The back brakes needed some adjusting (though that didn’t solve the problem completely.)  I am reassured that the car is safe, that brakes and wheels have all been checked out, and the brakes are working smoothly.  Mostly.  There is very little wear on the brakes they said.  What caused it?  The mechanics weren’t really sure.  Maybe because it’s a dual-fuel car they said.  I’m thinking that it might be because of that damned Mercury in Retrograde.

Mercury, A NASA Photograph

This is what I know:  from December 19^th to 31^st this year, Mercury appears to be traveling backward through the Zodiac and that phenomenon is known as “Mercury in Retrograde.”  This is what the Old Farmer’s Almanac has to say about it:  The planet Mercury rules communication, travel, contracts, automobiles, and such…  Perhaps Mercury’s retrograde periods can cause our plans to go awry… This time was traditionally associated with confusions, delay, and frustration so, when Mercury is retrograde, remain flexible, allow time for extra travel, and avoid signing contracts. Review projects and plans at these times, but wait until Mercury is direct again to make any final decisions.

I thought that when I moved to the Northwest from California in the 1970s that I had left all of that “What’s your sign?” talk behind.  I haven’t heard or thought much about the zodiac or how the planets are affecting us for years.  Leave it to my California kids to get me back in orbit.  All I can say is, January 1^st and the New Year can’t come fast enough!