We weren't home, but we rarely get kids. We did put together 2 little pumpkins of candy for our across the street neighbors' kids.

The present costume is awesome, Jess! And look at Dylan's face. Cutiehead!

Looking for advice from the Hivemind:

We've been working with our local pet cemetery about arrangements for Max. The pet cemetery is part of a complex of cemeteries run by the same corporation. (The complex involves separate cemeteries for each of various religious heritages.)

In the past, there was one employee who handled the pet cemetery exclusively. She understood pets and pet owners, and we had a good working relationship. Unfortunately, within the last few months, she left the company. (Reason unknown -- we've asked, and nobody will tell us.)

So now we're working with one of the funeral counselors at the main office. And he's got it into his head that we should buy a private mausoleum for all of our cats to be together after they go.

I confess, the idea has its appeal. However, not $65,000.00 worth of appeal (plus interest charges), which is what the most basic mausoleum would cost. Plus, if we leave the DC area after we retire -- and at this point, that's our plan -- we'd like to take them with us and re-bury them in our new neighborhood. So, no, it isn't going to happen.

We've told Counselor that it isn't going to happen now because we're financially strapped from 3-1/2 years of constant vet bills. (Which we are, somewhat, though we've exaggerated the degree to Counselor.)

Counselor isn't giving up. He now says he's come up with another financing plan that may work for us.

We want to keep things civil with Counselor, but he's giving us another stressor we don't need. For one thing, we aren't getting the level of service we used to get from Former Employee. (Example: There's a house on the pet cemetery grounds, complete with a room that was used for viewing. We can't use it anymore, and according to Counselor, we can't have a viewing for a pet at the main office because of state laws.) Hubs is also worried that Counselor may get vengeful if we give a flat-out no at this point.

Anybody got any ideas on how to tell this guy no, or at least get him off our backs until after Max's service, while keeping things civil?

There were lots of fireworks going off nearby. Is that a normal Halloween thing? Apparently it is here.

It was when I was growing up. There's lots of fireworks being set off year round in the public housing near my place, but I guess last night was just too cold and rainy.

What neighborhood are you in ita?

I would say "Thank you for the attention you've given this, but hubs and I have discussed this and we really want [insert a detailed plan of exactly what you want]."

I think if you have exactly something in mind the counselor will have a harder time going against your wishes.

Fred, could you just try saying that you're not in the right headspace to make this decision now, but you will think about it for the future, and you will get back to him about this after the funeral?

Hubs is also worried that Counselor may get vengeful if we give a flat-out no at this point.

Seriously?? That's nuts. I'd just say no, you're pushing us into something we don't want and we are taking our business elsewhere. And then do. It's not worth the trouble!

D's present costume was a big hit last night. I was so proud - the whole thing was his idea, I just put it together.

He's not a baby anymore! When did you do that?

vengeful how? What is the process to remove the cats you already have there? If you plan to move them after you retire, why not just move them now?

Also, go over this guys head if he is not giving you what you need.

Unsolicited idea - if there is an nature preserve or animal sanctuary around, you might call and see if they allow burials. It would probably mean the animals would need to not be moved again, but that would be a very peaceful resting place.

What neighborhood are you in ita?

Commercial Drive.