Yesterday was Mata’s memorial service.  It seems like all this happened so long ago, yet it also still seems unreal.  The service was a very nice, traditional Jewish memorial.  The rabbi, whom Mata and Ken had known for 35 years, had an absolutely beautiful voice and sang quite a few Jewish hymns.  After the service we went to the home of the president of their congregation for a reception.

I met up with numerous OM/DI folks who came from all over the state as well as some of Mata’s coworkers from Plummers and friends from around Pasadena.  It was great to see all of them, but sad it had to be for such an occasion.  Things finally ended around 6:30 and I said my goodbyes to Mata’s sister, Billie, and her family.  They are off to Kansas City today.  I hope to stay in touch with Billie as she is a very sweet person that I really like.

I was extremely grateful to get home last night and was so ready for bed.  And I was very ready to get back to work today and try to get back on track.  No doubt I’ll be ready for the weekend, but it’s good to have the diversity of work to occupy my mind right now.

Yesterday was Soula’s baby shower.  They got many really nice gifts and seem to be ready for the baby.  They still need to stock up on all the disposable stuff like diapers and baby wipes, but otherwise I think they are just about ready.  I’m starting to get excited and can’t believe Soula’s due date is only 6 weeks from tomorrow!  Time certainly goes by faster when you’re waiting for your first grandchild than when you’re waiting for your first child.

By the way, the gift I got them that I couldn’t mention earlier was an adorable little pirate suit!  Very appropriate since the game Kevin has been working on (that will be released sometime this fall we hope) is Pirates of the Burning Sea.  I can’t wait to see that little guy all dressed up in it!

Vanessa called to let me know she got the keys today to her first apartment in Los Osos.  Saw some pictures online and it looks like a great place.  Vanessa has been waiting for years to finally have her own place where she can try out all those ideas from HGTV.  And I can’t wait to go visit her and spend some time along the coast up north…and maybe take a short drive to Cambria!