Final (!) arrangements, and good plans

 So yesterday's meeting went well and took ages, many parts, and we were in a lounge sort of room, probably a viewing room, nice furniture, low annoying music in the background. 

The young woman working with me was very considerate, turned off the music for me, when I explained it was cutting out her voice, asked me how to address me, yay, and ran to get a mask when she saw mine.

There were various forms to fill out  then print up, the office part done elsewhere in the building, I suppose they're tactfully trying not to look too businesslike. 

I was very firm about wanting the cheapest everything. They're respectful anyway, as I know from the way they took care of Handsome Partner. I'm sending a check in the full amount today, could have done it yesterday but I'd neglected to make sure of my bank balance, and they don't have guest WiFi, so I couldn't check on the spot.

Its coming out at $3,800+, only a bit more expensive than Handsome Partner twelve years ago.

She's very good at her job, discussing her own experience in the business and her plans eventually to own a home conducting green funerals. She's picked out a willow casket for herself, showed me the picture! But I'm still going for a cardboard box and cremation, and a box of ashes home to Handsome Son.

So that's done, and I feel so much better getting everything taken care of this week, doctor visit, house cleaned, cremation organized, puzzle back to library, online chair yoga registered for.  The Shakuhachi effect at full throttle.

I had more to write about today, but I'm a bit tired after the emotional exertion yesterday. Tomorrow Handsome Son comes to cook me a favorite lunch as a birthday present, on the right day, first time he's been free in years on the right day. 

Happy day, everyone, whatever it brings, it's all okay.

Embarkation portrait and other thoughts

 So before I leave for the post office, here's the group of Izzies I'm sending to their new little owners at the Pine Ridge reservation.

For the moment, the doll related materials can be stored and I'll see what's next. 

Meanwhile back in the life of Boud, I've set up an appointment next week to prepay my cremation and set it up. I'll invite Handsome Son if he's free, to make sure he's completely informed. That sounds so businesslike and matter of fact. In fact, I slept all afternoon, from the emotional impact of doing it, filling out online forms, all that. And all night. It's not easy.

To be clear, I'm perfectly well, not under any medical deadline, but my impending birthday reminded me to do this. I'll be 85, so it's not premature to be planning.

Tomorrow Handsome Son is visiting so I'll get into that then. I also have other ideas about changes that will simplify his post-Mom life. I'll see how he feels about that, too. 

Meanwhile I will send off the parcel of dolls and bake a batch of cranberry walnut muffins, ready to give HS a little something with his tea tomorrow.

Happy day, everyone, do hard things. You got this.