A day of two halves

I awoke to a text from a colleague following up a query he called me about yesterday. I am not happy that he could not find another way to sort out the issue himself and felt entitled to intrude on my compassionate leave, just as he did during my holiday. Some people... So, I spent half an hour sorting out the query and then shut the computer off again.

I then had a call from the undertakers who said there had been a mix up between the coroner and them and yes, B's body had been available for them to collect since Wednesday after all. That made me cross too. I've spent two days getting stressed and waiting when we could have been further on by now. I know it doesn't make a difference in the general scheme of things but it does to me. I got over it but still...

So I arranged with P and R to meet them at 2.30pm at the undertakers. Having that arrangement in the diary made me feel a bit better. Progress.

I also liaised with various family members and CP to arrange the best date for the funeral and after a bit of haggling and liaising with Canterbury, Kenya and Australia we've finally plumped for 5 September, though sadly H won't be able to be there as she'll still be on her trip to Istanbul.

I also spoke to the will people who confirmed what we thought about the latest will so at least we've got some clarity on that front even though it was not quite the best scenario that it could have been.

I was relieved to leave the house at 12 noon to allow my cleaners to do my spring clean. I had a quick coffee in Costa, the first time I've been in since B died. I thought it might be a good idea to go in sooner rather than later and I didn't miss her too much.

I went to the river bank (see blip) and sat on some else's recent memorial bench entitled 'Bringer of Smiles' which I thought was very apt for B. I ate my sarnie, took some photos, made some notes for the meeting with the undertakers, spoke to S (who was on the beach at Broad Haven) and just enjoyed some quiet time. I did feel quite sad which is fine and quietly watching the water, the dog swimming, the moorhen, the sky and the birds calmed me down after my stressy and frustrating morning.

The meeting with the undertakers was fine but they suggested we do not view her body. I didn't want to anyway but P had wanted to so I feel sad for her. Then R, P and I repaired to the pub opposite and remembered some good times with B, discussed hymns/music, the wake etc. with a drink and it was really good to talk and laugh together. R and I went to the Cock and booked it for the wake. They seemed very reasonable and are even going to arrange a projector and screen for our photos to be shown. We had another drink and a reminisce. I sent him a photo of B and him, which was the very last one of B to be taken. He was really pleased with that.

I went over to PPP+H for a lovely tea and good chats. I am absolutely, totally delighted that P is going to take on some of B's gardening clients (some of which are his old teachers from donkey's years ago) and her memory will live on in his work. She would have been very proud of her legacy, as am I.

We spoke to A who I am pleased is likely to come up early next week to stay for a few days. We watched the old video of family cinefilm, which did make us giggle. Good times and good memories. They have really made me feel warmly welcome in recent days for which I am hugely grateful. What a superb family I have.

So from a miserable and frustrating morning, the day turned out much better. I feel relieved that we have so much now arranged. The main thing to do next is the order of service for the funeral and that will be tricky too.

(To add to the sickness the other day I now have a sore throat and an upset tummy, all stress related I feel sure)