Laura Seabrook's Ramblings

It seemed relatively easy to get the mandarin bush today. I could a bus that stopped right outside the nursery. I explained what I wanted and why and bought a Thorny mandarin bush, carting it home on the bus (it was lighter than I expected).

The Planting

Kevin and Michelle were back home when I returned. I had a hug from Kevin and then seemed to babble on for some time. Later, Kevin and I planted the bush over Peggy's grave. Here's some pics (select each for a larger image):

Kevin & Hallie	Me and Bobby
Um, guess I got upset	Mandarin Bush planted

A funny thing happened while I dug the hole - I found a gemstone. I don't remember losing or putting one there, so where it came from was a mystery. Kevin suggested that Peggy was giving me a parting present.

The Wake

Early evening we had a wake for the Poogle.

I bought some pizza and beer and we sat around the grave eating and drinking (and both Kevin and I left food and drink for him) while I told Kevin and Michelle stories about my life with Pegasus. Bobby and Hallie joined us, while Gabby and Xena kept a discrete distance.I talked about how:

• I dreamt of him and got him from friends;
• and where we walked and travelled;
• I got him back after he was stolen;
• he participated in my own and other religious rituals (and once as an honoured guest);
• he saved me from suicide;
• other pets came and went and came and how he always had playmates;
• Peggy would brake up fights between the Muscovy drakes I had;
• he played soccer with his ball, and how when it would bounce next door I'd get it back;
• he was obsessed by goats (there were two near door for a long time) and once chased a wild one for over 3 hours, while I chased him;
• growing old, he was still loved by all in the household and how we pampered him; but most of all
• I loved him and treasured our time together, and will miss him.

A thunderstorm rolled in at a distance as we did this, and it seemed fitting. Though Pegasus was frightened of thunderstorms (often hiding under a desk or at my feet) this time he didn't have to be, as he had the perfect hiding place. When it was all over and done I was glad, as I felt now that I've "seen him off" properly.

The whole thing took place within a brick circle I'd created back in 2001 for religious rituals. It seems fitting that Pegasus would end up at the centre  of that, as he was in the centre of my affections. Two photos (select each for larger image) illustrating this:

Brick circle in backyard in 2001

The centre of that circle tonight