Wednesday 8th February, 2017            0235

Well last night I cooked for the first time in a while, I was disappointed at not being able to do it justice but doubtless the cats in season that caterwaul at night lately and the wild dogs will enjoy the remains tomorrow along with three decent portions of lasagne. The reason for the lasagne? Recall that I inadvertently added salt instead of milk?

Well the second one I reheated was utterly abhorrent but I am sure creatures in the cold won’t give a damn.

Mum’s funeral will take place next Friday. I have had many messages of condolence since posting of her passing and of course I thank everyone for their thoughts but I feel I should make the point again that I was going to say nothing publicly when it happened but when I thought about it, my blog has, as I said, been warts and all from the beginning. We all go through it, it was not a cry for sympathy.

The news has been greeted in China though with astonishment that I shall not go home for the interment. Unlike the west, in China, family ties trump everything. I have received some support though when I have pointed out that were I to return to my hometown it would simply to be to look at a wooden box. To most though probably my stance appears alien. But I did promise Mum not to just go back for it. I am keeping it even though I want to break it.

Meanwhile, my stalwart of a sister who cared for Mum for years unthanked, is handling all the arrangements. Someone who asked recently who elected her head of the family is I suspect now regretting that comment and thankful for what she is doing.

My thoughts will not be absent next Friday at the funeral for I am doing the Padre’s job and sending plenty for him or her to recite. The last time I was in the UK I gave my mother a wad of spirit money. I knew I may not see her again so I told her that I would ask the family to burn it at her interment. I’m not entirely sure the Chinese do that but I will find out. I do know they burn it during Qing Ming so can’t see the difference myself.  
A fifth of the world may just be right.

My laundry is now back to normal and I really should never leave it to get that desperate again. Not as if I only have three days’ worth! Tomorrow I have no choice but to go shopping unless I want to pay over the odds for my wine.

Janet tells me I may have info on my schedule next week although she never mentioned my books. I know my Mum would love this one though. I texted to say great but please don’t contact me about it next Friday night as I will be sad because it will be my mother’s funeral. The reply?

Is she still alive?

You have to laugh and as sure as eggs are eggs if you really do look down after you peg out my Mum will be telling that one to everyone up there!