Yesterday morning, as I left for work, I noticed this iris flower, a pencil slim bud.  I stopped to pick it - before any slugs found it - and popped it in a vase indoors.  The very first flower on a new plant that I bought last spring.   

An hour later the news of Mum's death reached us.   In the end it was quite sudden, before anyone could be called to come to the hospital.  We all had a sense that something like this was coming but you can never really be prepared for it.  A long life well lived.  And, as Mum reminded us only a few days before the stroke, a good life.  

It was the quietest work day ever.  All the few travellers were people I know personally, volunteers, staff.   I had some time to myself and following a joint call with Jamie and Ruth, I took time out to see Jamie in the afternoon before returning to close up.  A slightly surreal day.

Thank you to everyone for all the kind comments and good wishes here and elsewhere.  The support of friends is a lifeline at times like this.

Still a bit numb and very tired today.  Late start, a bit of tidying and sorting.  Away for Christmas but home for New Year when Jamie and Clara will be in town and Tilda and Ruth may visit too.  A nice walk along the riverbank with Meg before a very late lunch.   Sue popped in for a chat and then Jamie came in for tea.