KateP's musings

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 ...

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 o...

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 af...

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. ...

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 abou...

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 o...

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 ...

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 p...

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 a...

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.

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 too...

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 t...

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...

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 ...

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 serv...

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 i...

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.

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 - Septem...

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 we...

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 qui...