Journeys

We weren't far from home when I took this picture through the car window. I do admire topiary.

It's seemed a very long day. Glad we overnighted last night, as the drive home was quite enough driving for one day. There were roadworks and diversions with signage that ranged from very poor to non-existent. The journey did have its fascinating moments: we passed through Monks Risburgh, which (according to the sign) is the oldest parish in England - its church dates back to the 10th century. Driving through Rowsham, we also passed an outlet selling raw meat for dogs with a sign saying, "Dogs welcome. Humans tolerated." It is interesting glimpsing places one's never been or even heard of. 

The funeral was very moving - partly because there was a large-screen display of moments from G's life - and these included many occasions that Mr PP remembered from his/their childhood, and photos of members of his family no longer with us. Partly, because of the address his daughter gave, and the beautiful choral piece sung by a choir he was involved with. Partly, too, as we had enjoyed spending time with him just a couple of weeks ago at his sister's funeral. I'm sure we all experience that feeling at funerals of life concertinaing and feeling too short. "In the midst of life we are in death" is so true. We are, of course, very glad to have seen him recently, and effectively said our goodbyes, however much it reinforces the sense of loss. I feel for his immediate family. (Mourners included his mother-in-law, looking less than her 105 years!)

It's good to be home.