Sigh.

Speaking to us IROPers, I'm sure we all - even with the excitement of our projects and adventures - have other normal life concerns to attend to (I know one of us has a child and anyway we all have families). One of my concerns has been the health of my mother, who has been sick with cancer for a while.

Just a little while ago she passed away.

Going back to the States for the funeral would be too costly (much beyond my means) and probably greatly disruptive to my project. And anyway I was aware she might pass while I was here and had done what I could to make sure all arrangements were arranged, and my sister, anyway, will be the "family representative" at the funeral. (Thank you for this, Crystal!)

I just wasn't expecting it to happen so quickly.

I may stay in tomorrow (or today, the hour's very, very late). Or I may go to Kensington Gardens or a Museum or something. I need to see something beautiful. And I very well may work. The beauty of work is that you can bury yourself in it.

I truly hope all you other IROPers are able to manage your personal concerns. I will mine.

My mother, waving "Aloha!" (literally, that's what she said), the last time I visited her alone (I love you, Mom),