Just got home!

Albannach ROCKS live! 

That is all :)

Sad news...

Yesterday afternoon, my Grandma Crouch passed away.  She had been a happy, vibrant woman who liked to joke around and have fun.  She taught me to play solitaire and gin rummy (though I've long since forgotten how to play this one) and how to wrap a Christmas present.  For that matter, the first paying job I had was as a child wrapping Christmas presents for customers at her store.  There was always a candy bowl used for treats and bottles of coke (you know, the small glass ones you used to get in coke machines) in the fridge.  She came down with Alzhiemers about 4 yrs ago.  She'd watched her own sister, Gusta, go through it, and without a living will to keep it from happening, she (Gusta) was given a feeding tube when she stopped eating and became nothing more than a vegetable.  Gusta lived like that for over 5 yrs, outliving her own children and completely unaware of that fact.  Because of this, my Grandma made a living will.  She'd just about quit eating about a week ago.  I called my parents yesterday afternoon and my dad informed me that my grandmother was only breathing about 5 times a minute and they were expecting her to go at any time.  I got the call about an hour, maybe two, later that she'd finally passed away.  I feel bad in a way because I'd not been up to see her in a long time.  Every time I went, all I wanted to do was cry because I remembered how she used to be and it just broke my heart to see her looking so lost and confused, nothing but a shell of what she used to be.  I couldn't take it.  She's in better place now.  I keep reminding myself.  No more pain, no more confusion.  She's with my grandfather again.

In other news, went with Adkins and a friend to see Albannach in Knoxville last night.  For those unfamiliar with them, they're a drum and pipe band from Scotland unlike any other drum and pipe band you've ever heard.  One piper, five drummers and a very primal sound.  You can find out more about them here.  They were alternating stage time with a local group called Cutthroat Shamrock which you can find here.  Both groups were great and the evening was excellent.  When Albannach took the stage, I didn't stop moving until the music stopped :)

Oh, and I was able to hold myself together long enough this morning to have my photo made for the badge I'll get when I start my new full-time job next Thursday.  Just waiting now to find out what the arrangements will be for my grandmothers funeral.

Arrangements

Arrangements have been made for my grandmothers funeral in case anyone is interested.

Receiving of friends tomorrow from 5-7 with service at 7 and graveside service Sunday at 2.