SandDune of Zenith

I feel as if today has been a long long journey. This was the day of my mother's memorial service in the chapel at her old residence. We put on our nice clothes and loaded four of Mother's paintings into the back of the car and drove the familiar route one more time. At the chapel, we placed the paintings on easels so everyone could see the color and charm of her artistry. The Duchess had created a picture board of Mother's life--photos combined with pages from Mother's sketchbooks in a collage that was just surpassingly lovely and poignant. I never wanted to stop gazing at it. The flowers the Duchess ordered also glowed with color. The florist ignored all of her careful instructions, but somehow it came out all right anyway. Tina the chaplain did a beautiful job of leading the service. The pianist played the hymns sweetly. My favorite was "Oh Mary Don't You Weep." It was perfect. "When I get to heaven gonna put on my shoes/Walk around glory and tell them the news . .. ." Mr. Science painted a word portrait that captured so many memories, and only broke down a couple of times. . . . . We saw many of Mother's old friends and caregivers over refreshments after the service. It was beautiful, but god it was exhausting.

The family plus Deb and the Prussian drove out to the home of the Duchess for pizza and salad. I was so tired. Thanks to the Duchess's refreshments, I recovered enough to drive home, giving Dr. Nurse a ride so she could leave the car for Mr. Dr. Nurse, who is taking a Suzuki guitar seminar that will last all week. We got home just as darkness fell.

Last week was full of events--Tron and the Lumberjack returning from Canada for the 4th, plus the Philosopher and his Lovely Friend (with whom he has now consolidated households, which seems a hopeful sign): dinners, fireworks, good times and a few hard times too. They were here until yesterday afternoon. I just didn't have the wherewithal to blog. Like today, it was beautiful but god it was exhausting. Last night I dreamed about snakes. And fire. And snakes WITH fire. I hope I can sleep tonight. I think I need a few very quiet days . . . .