We managed to survive the big blizzard Thursday night. Now we are just dealing with sub-zero weather and howling wind. The thermometer dipped to -5 this morning in the pre-dawn hours. PJ’s days are spent making arrangements for Pete’s funeral service and contacting people who need notification. Occasionally people stop by but mostly it is just us hanging out in the house with Carole making sure she is comfortable.

We venture out in the snow when necessary to go to the pharmacy, grocers or other errand. Tuesday, we got a replacement tire for the one that was bad when I arrived last Saturday night. PJ picked me up at the airport and as soon as we started driving, I was like “something’s not right”. We pulled into the first icy parking lot and my welcome to Rhode Island was changing a flat at 1:00 a.m. in the 10 degree slush.

Last one In is a rotten egg

We move through the days seeking a sense of normalcy. There are okay moments then a wave of sorrow blows over the landscape like a cold wind. PJ is constant motion, looking after the house, talking on the phone, going through paperwork and tending to Carole. I try to help out by manning the kitchen, doing the cooking and cleaning up. Pastor Kohl came by one day last week and arrangements are set for a celebration of life at Pilgrim Lutheran Church where Pete has been deeply involved since moving here in the 1950’s. The service will be Monday, January 15th at 11:00 a.m. The family thanks everyone for their condolences and send love to all.