The Last Farewell...RIP Mr President.

Today was  the funeral for President George HW Bush.  IT was held at the National Cathedral in DC.  According to one of the news reports I heard you had to be invited to this funeral.  That makes sense in ways that I can’t begin to imagine. All Living Past Presidents were to be in attendance I believe.  I heard or read that the Bush Family and President Trump have put aside their differences for today (that’s a no brainer Mr. Trump).

There were   many dignitaries from around the world.  There were members of President Bush Sr.’s cabinet in attendance (some of them have shared memories in interviews on the news radios, and of course on CNN) and members of the Carrier with President Bush’s name  on were his pallbearers.  USA Today printed up an Itinerary.

One of my coworkers asked why the banks and Post office closed for the President’s funeral.   She made the comment no other Presidents were garnered this honor. I had to look it up. Especially when I told her because it announced as a day of mourning.  I am guessing it is at the discretion of the sitting President.

I confess I had it on in the background.  I saw the videos of the past Presidents in the church, the procession from the rotunda.  I couldn’t help but get emotional. I did during the memorial Service too. Its loss, and sadness,  I would do it for anyone.

Work was good I got to spend it mostly on Scanning since the banks and post office were closed.  A few people came to see if I was feeling better from the Pink eye. I even apologized to HV when she stopped by.  Clearly she wasn’t the one who said anything but the person who did has been avoiding me today. Except to remind me to wipe everything down.  Told her i got it covered. Shakes head.

Late this afternoon I heard from OB/GYN regarding the bone density and I have what is known as Osteopenia.  One step before Osteoporosis and she recommended i have calcium supplements and VItamin D.   Will update Health Blog with this information. I also will share with Alex.

OH man i should have been following discussions on Meetup.  For the Finding friends group. There seems to be someone who doesn’t like the wednesday night set up or location  and if we do other things and Why always in North Haven. Great. Have this feeling there might be a power struggle coming along.  I will need to let Gillion handle this. I will be leaving work around 5:15 to join them.

WHen I get home I will need to feed kitties and empty the garbage and get ready for tomorrow’s activities.  I know I won’t be doing cards. I want to finish the organizing project first.

A lovely Service

I left here a little late and by then stressed and annoyed with myself because I looked up the address and the name of the church 4 times today and still couldn’t remember either.  Even though I drove by the church a gazillion times over the past year.  I managed to get there 10 minutes before it started. 

This woman gave a nasty look to me because I knocked over her walker that was folded up and leaning against the pew.  I sat with my friends Mary D and her father Frank N.  While most of Serena’s family and when Liz arrived with Nelson sat together.  The music was lovely, and the readings and of course the Eulogy given by Serena and Warren’s two children was equally wonderful.  The reception following was at Gabrielle’s.  I sat with my cousin Serena (the same one I was concerned with being scrutinized by). 

It was nearly 2:30 when I left.  Liz had left for her retreat and Nelson headed home.  I made my rounds of saying goodbye to my family and headed home.  My original intention was to head to Milford and pick up the pants and go to the Service Dept.  Instead I headed home and crashed.

I got changed and checked out the mail.  I was quite surprised to see a reimbursement check from the auto insurance it was the last part of my last car.  It couldn’t have come at a better time.   Especially with the next insurance payment that’s coming up. 

I also got a couple of wonderful Christmas cards from Chris and Jess and their kids and of course Cousins Don and Lorraine.  I got their cards signed and will mail out tomorrow.

When I said I crashed I had been watching various shows all afternoon.  Including the Willy Wonka Movie (again) and now I am tired.  The kitties even slept on the couch with me.  It was great.

Now I have Manheim Steam roller and Trans-Siberian Orchestra on YouTube.   It’s great. I will listen to it for a little bit longer and then head up to bed.

Got laundry going and will finish it in the morning.  I have all the other errands to run and then will do the letter writing and card writing for the rest of the day.

Quiet time

I have some quiet time before going off to Serena’s Funeral.  I have the TV on and I have been surfing the net.

Among some of the things I am thinking about was “was I okay at the wake.  Did I say stupid things?  I was somewhat nervous around my cousin Serena over the years (as though she is annoyed with me but she really wasn’t).  Did I talk about the cats too much?

I will just have to take one moment at a time.  I guess.  Just don’t over analyze and just be me.  I did do some straightening up as I went along before going to bed and when I got up.  In case any of them come visit.

Tiger is sleeping beside me right now on the couch.  Sky was above me but now is ambling around.  I think he wants to go downstairs again but may be later.  They both sat with me last night on the couch before going to bed.  They both came to bed with me last night for several hours.

My plans for after the reception this afternoon will depend on when I leave there.  My hope is to go to the tailors, car shop to reset the tire pressure and probably write some letters and get some cards written.  Oh and go grocery shopping.

The sun is shining now.  It looks a little breezy out not sure of the temperatures either.

Well I have some things to do before I get ready so I am going to go..Have a blessed Friday everyone.

Playing Catch up

This week is about playing catch up.  It took me until Thursday to post my midweek reflection and  I couldn’t do the the thankful Thursday post as it was pretty full day (which in of itself I am thankful for).

The funeral for FC was Thursday in Cheshire at St Brigid and it was my first time there so I made the traditional wish for being in a new church.  The church itself reminded me a little of St Agnes here in town.  It was in the shape of a cross as well.   Fran was cremated and placed in a beautiful Eggplant colored urn with butterflies.  After the services we traveled 26 miles to North Haven to All Saint’s Cemetery on Middletown Avenue.  I was a little nervous because I was afraid I wouldn’t know how to get back to the office even with the GPS however it wasn’t far and I got back after 12.  I am happy to report that Tanner FC’s fur babie found a new home as of Thursday.  LAS has graciously stepped in and took him into her home.  By all accounts the first night went well.

There is great concern that during this whole time Management did not acknowledge Fran’s death.  They did offer Grief counseling but many believe they could do more.  By sending out an email or a notification of some kind informing the staff of their co-worker's death.  As i said Tuesday it is usually by word of mouth and flyers for collections.  Management has never done any acknowledgements since our first move to CSS and our current location.  This is going to be the committee's latest task in getting this protocol changed.  I think it will be a losing battle personally.  I hope I am wrong.

Members of Local 34 and the committee were asked to stand and witness the civil disobedience yesterday I wasn’t able to participate because I had the woman’s club dinner but I heard about it this morning.  I didn’t know it was a civil disobedience until I saw them on TV getting arrested.  It is usually pre-arranged with the city before they do this.  Over the years I have only been to one or two of them.  Usually the union posts the bail of the “offenders” and I am not sure what happens after that.  I was reminded that yes traffic and others who unaware of what’s going on is hassled but this is to bring awareness to those who are not a part of it.    THere are several more “actions” between now and commencement.

Last night was the Woman’s Club Dinner and Meeting.  Before the meeting all the awards and presents for the Creative Writing Contest reception were put together.  AFter the business portion (including reviewing of last activities) and the ones coming up including the creative writing contest.  Then we have a final meeting in June.  After that the girls in the exchange student program will be returning to China for the summer.  I don’t know if any of them will be returning next year.  I also don’t know when the president will if ever tell them that she moving in the summer to Florida.  She did give out some lovely gifts last night.  A collage of all of our activities and certificates and for me a license plate cover from the GFWC.

Oh I have officially become a board member of the Ladies Guild at church.  I am chairman (at least I think i am) of the nominating committee.  We have our installation on June 22 at the Yacht club.  

This past week was the campaign kickoff for the mayor’s re election bid.  I was unable to attend and made sure I called them two days prior.  I had misplaced the flyer and so i looked on line.   I found the flyer upstairs on the night table next to my bed this morning.  

I have been getting emails from chairman Phil regarding preparations for our annual awards night in early june.  I have to get an ad for the ad book that will be present at the dinner.  I am thinking of asking my hairdresser tomorrow.

Last minute confirmations about the scholarship presentations for one of the schools.  I can’t believe its that time again.  It will be here soon.  I have a message to JIm..I let Rich know we expect to be there.

Last week was reunion weekends for both Foran and Linden Hall.  I haven’t heard any glowing reports for the Foran one but a number of my classmates shared the Linden Hall ones.  THey look great.  I wish I went to the Linden Hall one but I didn’t have the time or money for the trip.  It looks like Endicott had commencement last weekend and have several Alumni activities including a Red sox game.  I didn’t see if they are having a reunion weekend or not.

The kitties have been dutiful in getting me up this week.  They have been sleeping else where while I have been sleeping on the couch.  Sometimes Sky would sleep above me on the cushion or in the chair by the window in the living room where he is now.  They have been a little skittish this week but loud noises (hangers dropping from  the bathroom door.  

The weather has been meh...chilly and overcast.  Thursday was nice but Friday was overcast for most of the day.  The weekend is a mixed bag.  Rain most of Today and Mother's Day.

I was so tired yesterday

I was so tired that I nearly fell asleep a few times at my desk.  I also said things that shouldn’t have been said (I actually hurt Guardian Angel/gargoyles feelings) and I had to apologize but I just need to “hold my counsel” as Mom would say over the years.

I have decided that I won’t be going to Aunt S’s funeral and wake which is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.  When I looked for hotels there didn’t seem to be any but when I looked at an email after chatting with Liz about arrangements there are a number of them.  The reason basically is I would have to choose either the wake or the service and not include the burial which is close to an hour further away. Liz offered to share a room which she rarely does.  I also have a doctor’s appointment and the other scholarship presentation to make.

Jim is going to make it to the wake at least and all of us will split the cost on flowers.  He wasn’t sure about the funeral but he hasn’t mentioned about coming up here for the scholarship presentation.  I hope he doesn’t change his mind.  I just felt that I couldn’t not be at the presentation and Liz agreed.  She also felt that all that travel would be exhausting for me.

Last night was fairly quiet.  I did some laundry and watched TV and went to bed.  I was hoping to get some letter writing done but it didn’t happen.

Today was fairly quiet Peapod came around 1 pm.  I chatted with Neighbor Don to ask him about the hose (I didn’t see them downstairs) so I attached one to the spicket outside.  Lawn Guy Tim was supposed to come but called and said it couldn’t make it.  He should be here around 10:30 tomorrow.  I will go to Lowes tomorrow and get the new sprinkler then.

Liz did invite me for pork dinner but when she called I was making homemade Boboli pizza.  I decided to just sit here and watch the NCIS marathon, and PBS, and all the other regular shows.

The Weekend is Here

Well the weekend is here.  Friday went very well.  I was able to get almost everything off my desk.  I have  a small pile to do (so far) for MOnday.  I was able to get my office cleaned up before leaving.  We did say goodbye to our friends in the Collections department as they packed up and started moving to their new location in WH.  

The WEather was absolutely beautiful it was in the high 70’s and the sun was shining.  It made the house itself very warm so the windows were opened.  It was especially warm in the bedroom.  The ceiling fan went on and cooled off the room.  It is overcast now as I write this but by the end of the weekend we are supposed to get some much needed rain.  Parts of the lawn really need it.

While I was busy with the scholarship presentations I discovered that one of our neighbors moved out.  It would seem the owner of the house has decided to move back from NY and gave them a month to move out.   We had no idea (actually I had no idea but neighbor K told me about it Wednesday).  I have mixed feelings about the newest development and the return of “M” because she was very difficult when she first moved in.  SHE eventually moved out to NY.   The young family that was here was very nice and somewhat private.  That’s not to say they didn’t have problems. My hope is they have better times ahead.

The house flippers are busy working this morning and have been on and off since Thursday.  I have noticed  they do most of the work from THursday to Sunday.   I can’t remember if they were here last monday or not.  In any case it is looking great.  

This morning I am going to do some light laundry and straightening  until it's time for the Celebration of LIfe for my friend’s Mom.  I am not sure how long it will be but I will then go to my niece’s for the graduation party.  I should bring a change of clothing with me.  It will be a long afternoon.

Sunday I need to do some grocery shopping and hopefully get to see my BIL .  He came home yesterday afternoon.  I didn’t go over yesterday because it was his first day home and didn’t want to overwhelm.  THe weather is supposed to change by the afternoon.

I know  I have to work on my budget and bills. I can do that  late in the day.   As usual the parking bill hasn’t arrived yet.  I am going to have to check to see if they sent it via email (I haven’t noticed it yet) and others are due this week.  

It looks like it's Jurassic Park weekend on AMC and the Harry Potter series on ABC Fam this weekend so I will catch them at some point tomorrow.  I may even catch a small NCIS marathon.  Right now is a Rick Steve’s European travel special.  I just realized I have seen this at the last fundraiser PBS had.

WEll I am going to take off and check the net.  Have a great one!

:)

the funeral is today

This morning is my friend’s husband’s funeral at the cemetery  It was raining for most of te morning and by the time we left the office it stopped. It was a brief service.  

Well we got the thunder and lightening storm around 1:30 this morning.  The kitties handled it very well.  They looked around a couple of times and just laid down and went back to sleep.  They stayed there until about 4 and 5.  

Since I have been up I had clean out the boxes.  I found Sky sitting in the box.  Something I haven’t noticed him doing in a long time.  He is calling me now to get ready for work.  ANyway for the second or third day he got into the cellar.  He tried again before I came upstairs after he nearly fell out of my arms and into the cleaning bucket.  He didn’t get hurt luckily.  

I wasn’t terribly happy to hear about the latest listeria product recall.  I just finished up the blue bell ice cream sandwiches.  Then I heard it can affect those with weakened immune systems.  actually I don’t see the sandwiches on the list so maybe I won’t die yet.

well sky is meowing at me to get going so I will see you later...

 

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

    I can’t begin to tell you how the last two days have gone.  Last night was an amazing testament to you and your life and the impact you had on the lives you have touched.  There was close to 400 people that came through the greeting line.  Many from Mental Health services, your friends, family, the literary club, the knitwits.  Many of your children’s friends and peers came as well.  LT Governor Nancy Wyman paid her respects, and of course our dearest friends Senator Gayle Slossberg,  St Representatives James Maroney, and Kim Rose presented us with a memorial Citation from the CT General Assembly. 

The funeral today was just beautiful.  The weather was perfect.  There were at least 100 people at the funeral services.  The Pall bearers did an awesome job from start to finish.  Adam and  Cousin Don C  did wonderful job at the readings and Father C even managed a few appropriate Railroad related puns.  Jim did a wonderful job at the Eulogy.  Diane made me cry when she sang Ave Maria.

Lassie’s did a wonderful job catering the reception and there about 50 people who showed up.  The food was delicious.  Eggplant Rollatini,  Chicken, cheese tortellini w/spinach, and salad (potato and garden) and desserts (cookies and brownies) and coffee and  soft drinks.  It started breaking up around 2.  It was a good thing because I was starting to get something.  Roberta and Debi brought me home because I thought Jim was going to come back home before me.  He ended up coming 10 minutes after I did.

The rest of the afternoon Jim and I napped (and in my case) and watched TV.  Through out the afternoon I started to do odds and ends.  I took a part the fruit basket that Rosa sent to us.  I called Liz to see how she was doing and we chatted about stuff.

Liz has already picked up the citations and awards and the complementary video that was there and I will pick them up and go through all the cards we got during the wake.  I am going to bring over the cards we got here as a family and individually.  That we have received over the last several days.

Oh and I talked with Georgina today.  I told her how the services went and how I dealt with it and how I have been dealing with being in the house without Mom.  She is doing great and starts another job on Tuesday in Fairfield.  WE hung up with the promise that I would call her again sometime.  I am not sure why I didn’t do it sooner than today probably because of the minor details that needed to be done.

Jim went out to Pops for a bite to eat.  I really wasn’t up to eating much as my stomach was “yuck” but I did eat a little bit later on in the evening.  When Jim got home we watched Jurassic Park.  Part of AMC’s Throwback Thursday.

 He also told me he apologized to Liz for his behavior recently.  He tells me he said it during mass (the sign of peace moments).  We talked about it.  Earlier before the funeral procession he was joking to move our car ahead of Liz and Nelson’s.  He joked with Selfik and then told Liz and she just sort of smiled.  I had prayed he was joking and I even said it to him.  He said of course he was and hasn’t he caused enough trouble?  It just relieved me so much.    I don’t know if Liz will accept it or not because she has indicated that she would not.

Oh and I got a call from Rosa tonight.  The  phone was in the back and I didn’t feel like answering it.  I wish I had now.  She said she would call me over the weekend. 

Anyway we are done for now he is drifting off to sleep and I am going there myself. 

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

Well another day has come and gone.  This morning Liz and I ran around and did some errands and last minute details for your services on Wednesday and Thursday.  We brought you the suit you will be wearing and tomorrow I will be bringing your glasses along with some of your citations and awards you have gotten over the years.  We went and ordered the flowers that will be surrounding your casket and I think you will like the one I have for you that will be probably be laid by your head.  WE went to the caterer’s to discuss the bereavement meal and had lunch by the time that was all done I got back to the house by quarter of three.

That’s when I listened to messages from our friends, family and peers including one of your dearest friends Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.  She is currently out of the country but just for her to take time out to do that was awesome.

I reviewed my lists and made a few more calls that ended up not being needed after all.  I also kept a running list and notes for the funeral preparations and post funeral activities.  I am not sure if that was a waste of time or not because other than taking care of a few things around the house there isn’t much that I have to do now. 

We received our first two floral arrangements today as well.  Ones I know you would be pleased to know.  Carla H and her husband sent a beautiful bouquet and of course your darling boy Dave sent yellow tulips.  As I mentioned to the florist today you really do love all kinds of flowers.

I think you will love the obituary and the memorial page on the funeral home website.  They have done an awesome job and I am glad you went to them when you first began your preparations for this event.  You will also like the one Diane did as well.

Well I am going to get some sleep and prepare for anything else that needs to be done.  My hope is to hear from the medical equipment people so they can take it out of the dining room.  Hey you know I had to gripe about something!!!

Sleep well Mom give my love to Dad and Bob and all of our family..

Kate

RIP Mom

On Saturday August 23, 2014 mother ended her battle with Pancreatic Cancer.  She is no longer in Pain. She was surrounded by her family and care givers.  She was 87 years old.  Services will be Wednesday and Thursday.  God Bless you Mom.

Dear Friends

January 26, 2014

Dear Friends:

          Greetings on this chilly and cloudy Sunday!  It has been a really busy morning and some what emotional.  When I left here I was rather late getting to the nursing home but no one seemed to mind.  Angela was there and inundated with paper work from Natalie.  She brought me up to speed on some things.  I was quite surprised by some of the news (two staff members were suspended for arguing).

I started bingo earlier than usual.  St Peter’s Episcopal Church was coming for their monthly service at 11 and so I wanted to be finished by then.  I stopped to talk to Claudia at the front desk and I really shouldn’t have.  I was really late for church.

By the time I got to church Fr. Donahue was already giving the homily.  How could I be THAT late??? I finally sat day in the pew (legs were starting to bother me) and after communion I took off for home.

When I arrived my Nephew Chris and Mom were discussing more arrangements of the funeral.   I actually participated in this one.  She finally showed me the poem I will be reading during the wake.  They talked about the readings that will be read and they touched on the music and they showed me what will be on the prayer card.

Chris urged me to not be strong for everyone else and that although it will tough at times I will be okay.  I love this guy.  After some more details were being ironed out Chris left to spend the afternoon with his kids.    Chris and Diane will essentially be in charge of the funeral.

My cousin Bob and his wife Donna stopped by with flowers and for a visit.  It was a lovely visit.  We talked about family, technology, and of course Mom’s health a little.  While they were still here it started to snow.

After they left Mom and I did our own stuff.  I have been trying to work on the minutes but found myself surfing the net, watching TV and taking a nap.

Later on in the afternoon a friend of ours came by to pick up the old heater she lent us to use.  We got caught up with her life and new job.  It was a great visit.

Now Mom is watching TV and having some dinner.  I have feeling she will be heading to bed soon.

I have some things to do so I better get to them (been watching TV) and really need to get things done.

Have a great night.

Dear Friends

January 25, 2014



Dear Friends:

    Well its after 1 and I managed to get the shopping done by Noon but got home just a little before 1.    I really didn’t have to get much and that was a plus but the people at a couple of the stores were slow moving.  Ack!!!

Part of the reason why it took me so long to get home is while I was still in the parking lot of Shop Rite I called Liz and we chatted about what/who else? Mom. 

We talked about the visit with Father Callahan yesterday and what was done (anointing of the sick vs. last rites).  Apparently they both cover it but we won’t get into long discussions with Mom over it.    WE talked about giving the eulogy.  Mom wants all three of us to do.  She only asked Liz and perhaps Jim about it but she hasn’t said anything to me-yet!  Jim and Liz discussed it last night on the phone.  Apparently I am supposed to read a poem.

  I told Liz I feel very stupid being in the same house and not knowing what is going on.  Liz pointed out that Mom doesn’t always tell everything either or she tells one thinking we will all know.

I totally forgot that Mom’s stint removal is this week.  She is going in on the 30th.  Jim will be up on Wednesday.  (That should be fun).  When I got home I asked Mom if there is anything I can do for that.  She says not yet and she said if I want to I could take the time off to be there but waiting is not really a strong suit of mine.

While I was cleaning up from lunch I asked Mom how the funeral arrangements were going and she said slow.  I asked if there was anything I could do (my way of giving her an opening to tell me about the poem) and she said no.  She said that Fr. Callahan for got a book and then got another one that wasn’t the one she needed so now Mom is going over the readings.

Tessa brought some stuff over earlier so Mom will be eating that for dinner tonight.  I have no idea what I want yet but like I said I just finished lunch.  I still have time.   I just had a thought.  Spaghetti!!!

Well I have a mound of clothes to go through for laundry ( how the heck is that possible?) so I am going to do it. 

Have a great one.

Celebrating Life

Today was about celebrating life. We said goodbye to Cousin Doris this morning at St Lawrence Church. The music was lovely and it was not a large gathering but it was enough to share the prayers and the emotions. One of the deacon’s was an old friend of Cousin Doris’s family and it turned out a friend of me and Mom’s. We knew the Deacon from a prayer group at another church in West Haven. The Service actually was very short. Short enough to allow me to get my hair appointment moved to an earlier time while everyone was at the cemetery for last rights.




I met everyone around 10:30 at the restaurant. We sat with Cousin Renee and her family. First there were breakfast food (Danish and bagels) and then we had salad, rolls, and for the main meal penne al vodka, a chicken dish and sausage and peppers. It was nearly 1:30 when we finished and headed home.



When we got home Mom and I changed out of our clothes and each did our own thing. I did some laundry and Mom made some calls and did some shopping for a couple of hours.



While Mom was gone I called Liz and we talked about her spending the weekend with Jason and Audrey as they waited for their baby Brother John to be born. He arrived yesterday around 3. Stephanie posted his arrival on Facebook almost an hour after he was born and started posting pictures either last night or this afternoon. Liz was telling me how the kids were getting anxious to meet their brother and to see how their Mom was doing. Chris even offered to help with the kids. Liz was exhausted when I was talking with her she still had many things to do as she was having company tomorrow.



Jim called to let us know that the skin cancer they found on his face is “pre-cancerous” and he will have to come back in three weeks. Apparently this is a good thing. So there is a huge sigh of relief from Mom and me.



Mom went to 5 o’clock mass and I have been grazing through the cupboards and refrigerator for the afternoon and I still have a tiny headache forming. I am still a little hungry but I nearly went through a few slices of cheese and I expect my body to thank me for it.



I also caught a little of Whitney Houston’s funeral this afternoon. I have an issue with this. It was on almost every NY station possible and cable stations in the North East. I am sorry but 1 channel would have done nicely. There were over a dozen tweets about it too. I also agree with many who feel that Governor Christy went over board at requesting flags at half staff for Whitney. She was a talented human being but that status is for Military heroes and Politicians not other celebrities. Many Celebrities were there including her ex husband Bobby Brown. Apparently there had been some trouble there. I see that one of my co-workers who is a gospel Singer in a group had the honor of performing at the funeral as well. Now that is an achievement.



There are three more hours to the Lucky Ducky NCIS marathon so I think I am going to watch it.

Long Day

I don’t have much time to write today. In about an hour or so Mom and I will be leaving and driving up with Bob and Ethel to the funeral mass for my cousin Judy. I have already picked the outfit I am wearing and it’s lying on the bed to put on after my shower. After the funeral Mass we probably will be going to some restaurant.




I am struggling with some issues I brought on myself. I went to the wake last night and the lines were out the door. Mom who had been there earlier was walking out and suggested that I go in (aka cut in the line) and sit with he family. I did that. I also somehow managed to cut the ENTIRE line and I have a feeling (that I expressed several times to the family) that Robbie was a little annoyed with me. I also found myself complaining about things to my cousin Chuck (the oldest of the three “H” Boys). So I am going to make sure I don’t do that today. As for the “cutting in line” and “RAH” being annoyed everyone kept telling me to “not worry about it”. That’s easier said then done.



I stayed for a long time even after Mom, Bob & Ethel had left. Liz left before me (or so I thought) but as I was leaving the parking lot at Wal-Mart (the funeral home is right next to it) she was behind me and followed me for a distance. She went one direction and I had to stop and reset my GPS (see below).



Oh my GPS crapped out on me a few times last night. It would stop working and shut down. I am not sure why that is happening but I suspect it could be the battery inside is dying the cord to it is dying or countless other problems.



I got home probably by 6:30 quarter of 7. I had called Mom to let her know to go ahead with dinner and mine would be warming in the oven.. We talked about who else would be attending and the embarrassing moment I had.



The rest of the night I didn’t do much except watch TV. I went to bed at 10. Still bothered by the incidents at the funeral home that may be “No big deal” with the rest of the world but it will stick with me for a while.



I am meeting with Nancy this afternoon sometime. I am not sure what time she is actually coming but I hope it won’t be too late because tonight I am going to the Disney on Ice show in Bridgeport.

Not Feeling Well

I am about to take some Nyquil and head to bed. I started feeling like I was getting a cold just after I got back from the funeral today. I took some ES Tylenol and when I got home got into my pajamas and put some Vicks Rub pm and had dinner.




I got to the office just around 8. I went up the side stairs from college but couldn’t get in. As I was walking down the stairs my foot got caught and I nearly stumbled and swore loudly down the stairs. This was probably indicative of how the day was going to go.



It was after 8 when I got into my office and jumped into the readdress stuff. I was happy to get the lockbox mail by 8:30. I was able to get it done by the time I was leaving for the funeral. I had to count it (tally) when I got back though.



Evette and I got the shuttle out front. They could only drop us about two blocks from the church so we had to walk part of the way. There were a lot of people there already. That includes many of our coworkers. A short time later the services began. There was a lot of music and preaching and praising God and Jesus. We were there two hours (and my back and legs were killing me by then) when we decided to go back to the office. The Eulogy hadn’t even begun.



We decided to take a taxi because neither of us felt like walking to meet the shuttle. While waiting for the taxi I asked Evette if she talked with Gayle yesterday. She had and was told about the upcoming procedure. We didn’t talk any more about it.



We got back to the office by 12:15. I don’t even want to tell you about the taxi driver. We suggested he go down York to George. He chose another route (ka-ching!).



The rest of the afternoon I had lunch and finished the rest of the mail. As in previous days it was light. I had to clear up some misinformation with the girl in Registration. She was going to send stuff to 25 Science Park (the rest of Registration is residing) and it came to my office! She really isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. She put it loose in the mail tub without it going into interoffice envelope! Duh!



When the mail was finished I worked on the bad addresses and a little of the readdress mail. I also washed dishes for fifteen minutes. Then I left for my session with Debra.



I got to her office a little after our appointment time. I checked my voice mail as I got a message from Debra and she was going to be late. It wasn’t too long after that she came.



We really didn’t talk about major problems. I was so tired and just told her what the week consisted of and what was coming up. After that I didn’t have any thing to contribute and I wanted to go home.



I actually have to write her a letter and send this week’s payment in. I just didn’t have the energy to find the check book and write it out. I tried but that’s it.



I caught the B Bus home. Claire V was on this bus as well. We sat together after playing musical chairs for a bit. I warned her I might be getting a cold. We talked about the funeral and how wonderful it was. I told her about some of the team moving around. When we got to the end of the bus ride Claire offered me a ride home and I took it.



Mom was upstairs and I chatted with her about feeling like crap. We talked about dinner and then we did our own thing. I finished her leftovers (she really didn’t like it)



Mike and Tessa came over to work on the menu and guest list for the shing-dig. They also chatted about some stuff that’s going on in the city. I made some tea and took off.



My plans for tomorrow are to deliver some more flyers to neighbors and do laundry and take down the curtains in the spare room. Mom asked me to do it. I am going to clear off this desk too.



In the mean time its Nyquil time….



Good night.

It was difficult

It was really difficult to get up this morning when it was still dark.  It was still chilly as was reported.  I got dressed and got online for a bit then rushed around and got my lunch and headed out the door. 

Claire and I were the first one on the bus.  Actually we usually are when we take the B bus.  As the ride continues into New Haven it fills up.  It really didn’t seem all that full to me again.  We got to the office exactly at 8.  I started working on readdress mail and then after a while the lockbox was ready.

The volume of mail was light as it had been all week.  I am glad it was because I can concentrate on getting the authorizations back to the departments and Docs.  As well as any other mail there is (usually AMA stuff).

I was saddened to learn that my boss GC has to have surgery on Halloween night.  I met her at the door as she was coming in and she told me it was the “C”.  I didn’t press her on it but a few times I found my self nearly in tears.  I haven’t said anything to anyone as I am sure she will in her own way.

Mid Morning we had an Emergency Drill.  There was some debate as to whether or not it was really a drill or the real event.  Whatever it was it wasn’t a long time. 

I talked with Mom and she was getting ready for some things.  She had a meeting at Bridges around 2 and she was expecting Olivia (cleaning lady) to come do the windows.  She was contemplating dinner at that point.

I have made arrangements to attend my co-worker’s funeral tomorrow with my other coworker Evette.  The service is at 10 am here in New Haven.  We are not staying long as well we have work.  There are probably others will be staying.

Tonight is bill paying night and laundry night.  There are only two episodes of NCIS on tonight so I am going to be doing something else the rest of the night. 

My Aunt is at Peace

Mom called me from the front steps of City Hall to let me know that she got the call this afternoon.  R went peacefully home to her family in Heaven at 1:45 pm CDT.  She was surrounded by her children Alan, Donna, Carol and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren Corbin.  She is no longer suffering.  She is predeceased by her parents Lionel C & Mary M C, her brothers and sisters.  There will not be a wake but there will be a memorial service for family and friends in CT.

leaving for the Cape today

We are leaving for the Cape right after we go to Kevin’s Funeral. The actual service is in Orange. Then we will head to I-95 for the Cape. Please don’t let there be heavy traffic when we get there!

As I had hoped I got up early to finish any last minute packing. I ended up not going to bed until late. Mom went to bed around Midnight after shining her shoes. I hitnk she has done most of her packing.

My clothes for the funeral are all ironed and ready to go as well. I am wearing the dark denim pants with the black sweaters. I am wearing the black trotter shoes and the necklace from Mom to finish it off.

Mom had an extra wedding card so I don’t have to get one. I am going to give them money. I seem to remember that giving monetary gifts as wedding presents you are supposed to give the amount of the meal. I am also guessing this is going to be high class wedding.

In my effort to get back to sleep I started reading old entries and one I came across was Kate's Journal - September 10th, 2005. It was kind of funny and the reason I did this was a discussion on my journal writing list prompted me to do it. The poster asked if we ever read past or old journals and I told her yes. Its funny a few said no because it brought up bad memories for them.

I am also following a new blog as of today it is Taz's Corner. The author’s name is Laura and she just joined the Journal Writing list I am on. I sent her a welcome email and introduced myself to her. It looks like she writes mostly about Mail art (post cards, etc) and I guess she writes mostly about her pen pals.

Well I better close out and get ready for the day.

Slight Change of Plans

Our plans have slightly changed for Friday. When I came home from work tonight Mom tells me her Cousin Kevin passed away on Sunday. The funeral is on Friday. At that point she was going to go to the Wake only but by the time we ate it was decided both of us would go to the funeral.

Mom had called Jim and when he called back later he said we shouldn’t change our plans with Liz. When Liz called she encouraged us to go to the funeral. We would to the seal watching later on in the afternoon. I had sent a text message to Liz and she called me to clarify. When she didn’t get me she called the house phone.

Kevin is actually my second cousin and one of the younger cousins of Mom. His Mother was Sis Moriarity McCarthy who passed away I think maybe last year. I don’t remember him very well but I know his brother Ed more. Ed is very close to my brothers and sister because they are all the same age (or in that age bracket). Apparently Ed is taking his brother’s death very hard.

Work went well. I managed to get almost all of the mail done today. I still have to finish the return Mail tally and the lobby mail done and some readdress. I am hoping tomorrow’s volume is light. I have to pick it up as Jill is returning to work but I was asked to pick it up for a while.

I did some scanning for the first hour of OT and then helped pull EOB’s for refunds. I enjoyed doing it. You had to find them and the pull them and copy them and that sort of thing is like challenging your mind. A treasure hunt if you will.

We got an invitation for Lisa R’s baby shower. It is the same day as Mom’s Meet and Greet. It is going to be in North Haven at the Corinthian Lodge Hall. I haven’t heard of this place before but I am going to take a look at it.

I have laundry to check on so that’s what I am going to do…g’night.

I have a hard time

When I work on Saturdays until 2 I find it so hard to even do the things that are important. For example I have laundry to do and cleaning to do and of course that ongoing Quicken accounts project I can’t seem to get over.

I have been home nearly an hour and half and all I managed to do is watch TV, eat some cereal, do some browsing on the net. I did straighten the blue room as Mom asked before she left for church.

Mom spent the day cleaning out the refrigerator and the oven and probably the paperwork that she wanted to do but she as usual felt she didn’t get a lot done and she got exhausted. She tells me that she got sick during the night but did get some sleep.

I managed to wake up early this morning even though I had a late night. I stayed in bed for a while longer but got up by 6 and showered and dressed by 7:30. I did get a little agitated with the speed of this computer and printer. I managed to get really excellent directions.

I left here shortly before 7:30. I wasn’t quite if I passed it so I stopped at the Dixwell Avenue Mutual Housing community (or street) and asked for directions. A Big Thank you to the gentlemen who was very helpful he gave me wonderful instructions and we talked briefly about the 5 year old community.

I got to the church and parked in the parking lot next to it. The funeral home staff and of course Stephanie’s mother were the only ones in tVarick Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. I really felt foolish because I figured Stephanie and her family would be there. They were not but would be closer to the service.
As soon as I paid my respects and signed the guest book I headed to the office. After saying hello and signing in I started working. I put some music on and did some web browsing while working. I think I started to do that probably around 10. Annette C gave me her second cup of coffee from DD. I was even surprised she was there.

A few of the women went to the service and came back to work. Terry told me that the place was packed. She was unable to see Stephanie or get a chance to speak with her but felt Stephanie would know that all of us were there.

I talked with Liz and Nelson tonight. WE talked about the benefits of getting Triple A and we agreed that it would be beneficial. We made tentative plans to get together after church for Tea tomorrow.

Jim called yesterday. I didn’t get a chance to talk with him except to say hi. Mom says he was having “down day” but she didn’t get into it. I just let it go.

It’s been a few days since Mom talked with Bob but apparently Diane came into town last weekend from the tour. She injured her foot some how and was talking sometime to let it heal. I am going to check her twitter and blog to see if she has updated.

The weather is going to change for a little bit more around here. We are supposed to get some rain for the next couple of days and then it’s supposed to snow all next weekend.


Happily the California weather is taking a break. They had been getting almost two weeks of rain and it was causing flooding and mudslides. In some of the stories they had gotten snow.

Alright I want to watch some NCIS on line and then work on the minutes from last Thursday meeting. I promised to get them out by tonight.