And Fiona, I'm so glad to hear everything's fine.

I have to admit, I didn't know what to expect. It was very different from every (obviously, Jewish) funeral I've ever participated in, and not just because it was my first online experience with that. What I've experienced usually contains a much more personal part, with a few people who cared deeply about the deceased talking about him or her, sharing memories, telling a significant story describing who that person was and what was important to them. There are religious parts to the Jewish ceremony, as well (surprisingly - or, rather, completely obviously and unsurprisingly - some parts are similar to the point of saying completely the same things, only in a different language).

Typically there would have been a place for remembrances and possibly family family members doing readings. Things like that. I purposefully didn't include those elements in this ceremony because I knew I would do a less formal Memorial for her on our 20th wedding anniversary (May 15th, 2024) and wanted the focus here to be on her religious and spiritual life and completing her sacraments.

Good news on the all clear, Fiona!

I had no idea that Jacqueline had spent a year at UEA in Norwich. So did I. I was there from October 1990 doing an MA in Film Studies. I actually sort of hope that we weren't there at the same time because then I will regret not having met her in person.

It was right around then! I think she graduated in 1990, so probably '88/'89.

Tennessee David canceled this morning's inspection of the window that needs fixin'.

So I am happily, quietly alone with my coffee and contemplating a day of self indulgences.

And how fitting, to take part in an online way, in the funeral of my dear online friend.

Right? I was thinking that at a different point, but it's all of a piece.

I was glad to be there in person, though. Seeing everyone else who was there, whether I knew them or not, maybe especially the ones I didn't know, gave me a warm feeling of being brought together by JZ.

Before the service Matilda came up and introduced herself to me - I hadn't seen her since she was pretty little still, being the suburban hermit that I am, I'm sure she doesn't remember me. So kind and, I don't know, hostessy. Breaks my heart a little that she was holding herself together so well, that must have been hard, but possibly also what she needed right then.

Oh David, I'm happy to hear that.

I'm home. I'm tired. I'm OK. I have some mixed feelings about the US running the show here. On the one hand it's so much better than my own government's track of recorded neglegence, and on the other hand it feels like the chances of a regional war between US and Iran with my country as... well, not a duck sitting idly but definitely in the middle of it, are not zero. And, umm. Yicks. Did I mention how much I want this freaking nightmare to be over and people to stop losing their lives over pieces of land and imaginary who-was-here-first egos?

But at least your President is capable of empathy. That's a nice change. I also scheduled a work meeting for tomorrow during his visit because I figured that the chances objects crashing from the sky around any of the participants will be minimal.

Finally caught up. Hugs to all, but especially David. Didn’t get to watch but that’s okay, I don’t think I could handle it just now. I’m so glad there was a Buffista presence both in person and online. It sounds like it was absolutely lovely. And heck yes, the flowers are a big deal.

edit because I am tired of talking about my own life.

In happy mememe news, moving my cat to the cabin means I am also pretty much at the cabin. And that is making me happy, despite the hour commute each way.

I was, unfortunately, on one of the most boring Zoom calls ever. Today, the call I had to be on hit a new low - I started falling asleep during it.

Timelies all!

Sigh…I need to learn how to be more patient, and less easily frustrated with Mr. S. I am currently in the lobby because he was supposed to be doing his homework, and he was just making excuses. Things were starting to escalate, so I left the room.

In other news, I had a dentist appointment today, and I have cavities. Oh,joy.

I purposefully didn't include those elements in this ceremony because I knew I would do a less formal Memorial for her on our 20th wedding anniversary (May 15th, 2024) and wanted the focus here to be on her religious and spiritual life and completing her sacraments.

Oh, that is so lovely and caring, honoring so many of the various different aspects of her wonderful personality. And, oh, the date (I have such vivid memories from that day, and I wasn't even there!).

(Would it be possible to have the May memorial available online as well? Or is it too far in the future to plan right now?)

Sigh…I need to learn how to be more patient, and less easily frustrated with Mr. S.

Sheryl, that's a challenge to all parents, and it's probably so much more of a challenge for you guys. So many good wishes are coming your way.

Sigh…I need to learn how to be more patient, and less easily frustrated with Mr. S.

I'm working on the same. I'm still feeling guilty for totally losing my patience Sunday night.