Today, we said goodbye to Pat Istwan, on what would have been her 76th birthday. Harry and I were honored to be included in the gathering. As Jenny, Pat’s sister said, “Only Pat could have such a turnout during a pandemic.”
She was laid to rest at Bellefontaine Cemetery, a beautiful place. Pat had a great aesthetic sense, and deserves an impressive memorial setting. It was a glorious day for a send off and we were touched. Our sadness was alleviated by gratitude for having had Pat as a friend for over three decades. But we do miss her…
At the front gate of Bellefontaine Cemetery today 
Pat in happy times on her patio surrounded by flowers 
Pat’s great smile 
Pat and Jane at Jane’s house 
Pat and Laura and Rooster at Circus Flora last year
Harry was dressed and ready to go this morning before I was even out of the shower. He took time to check the news on his phone while I was dressing. Here he is, surrounded by the dogs (Mistletoe is under the bed – probably yapping). I had to take a picture…
Nettie, Cedar, Weedy and Harry
This afternoon, we had visitors! Gerry and Betsey and Holly and Gregg stopped by, being out at Innsbrook for the weekend. It was fun to see them again (my, we have had a social week after many weeks of isolation!). I was not on top of my game with photographs, but we had some fun visiting the horses.
Gregg and Holly meet Bart 
Bart bonded with Gregg and tried on his hat 
Bart thinks this is a good look! 
Gerry took some pictures, too
I did take just a couple of pictures around the place. Rebecca’s lovely flowers and two birds for today…
Flowers from Rebecca 
A nuthatch 
A goldfinch changing to winter color (or maybe just a female)
Also, mason wasps, or potter wasps on the mint flowers. Beneficial insects (but don’t annoy them!).
Finally, Rainy and friends in Montana. Photo by Nancy Stevens, who was lucky enough to meet Pat at her farm on a Missouri visit a few years ago.
Pat, Jane, Nancy and Trudy 
Rainy and Pal looking for food to grow on…
Stay safe, stay well, treasure friends.
Sorry you have lost your friend. May you find comfort in your wonderful pictures and memories.
Oh dear, our time has come to say Good-by to friends on their next journey. Whatever you might think that is. I just lost a best friend from Minneapolis. Janet Coleman, lawyer, equestrain, artist, world traveler, boy, I’ll miss our weekly chats, always full of challenge and learning. One of my favorite poetic lines is from Song of Myself by Walt Whitman, “And to die is luckier” Don’t forget, the sage poet William Blake said, “Death is like walking from one room to the other.” Consciousness survives. Love the pictures! Bart in his hat! Harry surrounded by the dogs. And, Rainy, so young, a whole life ahead of him! Another fav poetic line, again from Song of Myself is “A child said, What is the grass?” He answers, “I guess it must be the flag of my disposition . . .”
So sorry on the loss of your friend
so glad to see the pix of Pat. what a great smile. (Was her left leg off in one of them? couldn’t see what seemed to be covering it) Her resting place looks nice. I’m sure she will be happy there. I’m also very sure that she reaped an enormous amount of fulfillment from her friendship with you and Harry.