We said our farewells to My Mother The Dowager Duchess Wednesday morning. The Kid Brother was exceptional. The day went smoothly. Several raindrops hit the windshield of the limo as we headed to the cemetery. It never really rained on us and there was no storm, but those three raindrops meant I had to fork over $4 (click here if you missed that story). I was happy to do so.So, now San Geraldo and I are making phone calls, scheduling appointments, doing paperwork, cleaning house... We appear to have everything under control.
We had planned a trip here at the end of the month, which was to continue to the Midwest and Northwest for other family visits. We have decided to stick to that plan.
San Geraldo and The Kid Brother went today to the casino at Aqueduct Racetrack. The Kid Brother had a very successful day. San Geraldo did not. And I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with my cousin Evie who drove in from New Jersey. We visited our Aunt Sylvie, who will be 94 this year but, sadly, lives in a deep fog of dementia. We then headed out for lunch. So much to be grateful for.
Before Evie´s arrival, I went for a walk on the Boardwalk in the 95+ degree heat (35C) and high humidity. The weather here has been brutal. Still, the walk was a joy. And I did my parents´ traditional kick-off (click here for an earlier kick-off) at the end of Brighton Beach and the beginning of Manhattan Beach. The Boardwalk has been redone and it´s no longer the same wall, but it still counts and it still felt great.
Life goes on. Gratitude grows.
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| I SPOTTED THIS ON THE BOARDWALK AND COULDN´T RESIST. I COULD IMMEDIATELY HEAR THE DOWAGER DUCHESS SAYING, "MITCHELL!!!" |
Oh, it was fun re-reading the 2012 explanation of the kick-off :) I remember it, and the egg cream :)
ReplyDeleteThe tradition continues.....how perfect is that!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are busy....well some winning $$$$......don't forget to pause occasionally and take a look around.
Take care and happy things went smoothly.
Re-reading the passed few posts(and more) Mitch and I truly believe your are so gifted in your way of sharing your life with us. Losing someone so pivotal in your life as your Mom/Mim is going to difficult, but stay on your unique path of humour. I'm sure you will. Best to Jerry and The Kid.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to hear from you. Sorry about the brutally hot summer, it is one for the record books. Take care, take time.
ReplyDeleteLove the last photo and it's tribute to the DD's memory!
ReplyDeleteIndeed a lovely and splendid entry.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMitchell it was an interesting post. The photos is a masterpiece amd make laugh
ReplyDeletePleased that potentially the most upsetting day following the the sad event went off relatively smoothly, Mitch. My own mother was also seen off on what was a blisteringly hot day (comparatively) 11 years ago, the weather not helping matters.
ReplyDeleteAs for the photo above, well I had to look away PDQ!
THE END (so white too)! traditions live on; take time to care for yourself.
ReplyDeleteSENTITE CONDOGLIANZE PER TE CHUCKY JERRY è tutta la famiglia Baci
ReplyDeleteJosephine
SENTITE CONDOGLIANZE PER TE, JERRY, CHUCKY e tutta la famiglia .
ReplyDeleteBaci
Josephine
You and yours have been in my thoughts, Mitchell.
ReplyDeleteThat last shot kinda makes me miss plaids and stripes.
A perfect example of hot, cross, buns!
ReplyDeleteThat picture and your words made me smile. Life continues.
ReplyDeleteStill reeling from the loss of the DD, but it's wonderful hearing how well the Kid Brother is doing. Take care.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you two have things under control. There is so much "stuff" that happens after one's loved one passes away. You must keep up the vigil for the tacky/underclothed spotting, your Mother would have wanted it so (even if she scolded you for it)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear all went well.And you have the time to spend with family. You always seem to get the most embarrassing photos of these poor souls. That picture looks like what I saw a lot of this pass weekend.
ReplyDeleteLOL I could have done without that picture :)
ReplyDeleteAnd alas, you are correct, life goes on...there is really no other choice.