"Difficult" just doesn't describe it.

Yesterday was rather harrowing. Although we're not yet in a death-watch mode here, I thought it would be wise to start arranging a service. I went to the place my family has dealt with for 40 years. The owner grew up with my Uncle. We've had no fewer than 20 family members there, so I know them pretty well. They were very sweet to me, but I think I threw them quite a loop requesting a non-Catholic, no-nonsense service, with 2-3 hours start to finish and DONE ! As for me, well...I was doing okay until I had to pick out a casket - then I got a little dizzy, followed by an immense wave of panic and sorrow. But I'm very satisfied that most of it is out of the way now with only a couple of loose ends to complete.

There's sooooo much that has to be done regarding their home, my home, etc., but after Mom's passing, I'll be taking off for Cape May for a few days with Luna, the Doberman. Then I'll be making my final decision regarding living in that county. I've seriously also given Colorado some thought, but I really want to be coastal. The Northeast is way too expensive and the South is out of the question with it's heat, so it's probably going to be Jersey. Besides...I'd miss my eldest niece and great-nephew if I went too far.