Just a note

Just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about you.

Just yesterday, my mother died unexpectedly. Or at any rate, it was as unexpected as the death of a very elderly woman can ever be. So, we are sorting ourselves out here mind and body, and I may be a bit slow to post or answer comments for the next week or so. Don't let that stop you from sending me your emails on the packed lunch event (see link, top right), as I expect to do a roundup shortly after the May 15 deadline, as planned. It's easier to focus on that sort of thing, somehow.

The photo is Sudborne Park in Suffolk, where my parents lived for many of their earlier retirement years. It was a historic estate whch had been made over into individual condo-like units, leaving the exterior intact. Their house was a separate former gardener's cottage with a little walled garden. It was my mother's favorite place ever.

Danielle suggested in her comment that I write a post about my mother, and perhaps I will. I have already written about her a bit, and if you are interested, she is a presence here and here, and plenty of other places, too, here, and elsewhere. Thanks for your kind comments.

Comments

[Lynn D.]

Lindy, I am sorry. I just sat down to write you because I noticed you haven't been posting regularly. What a beautiful place to spend early retirement and how lucky she was to have you for a daughter.

[Deven W.]

Is one ever ready for this terrible news...Sorry you're having to bear it now.
I'm hopeful that soon, all your memories will be happy ones.

[Melissa]

Lindy, I'm so sorry to hear your news. I was just going to eMail you to say that I could not participate till after the deadline. My mother-in-law passed away yesterday and my husband and I are flying to the states tomorrow.
My condolences to you and your family.
Melissa

[Danielle]

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. When you have time, if you think it may help, I for one would love to read a post about her. In any case, you take care of yourself.

[Kalyn]

Hi Lindy,
Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you. My mother died in 1998 and I still remember what a painful time it was. My best to you and your family. Take as much time as you need for yourself, and the blog will still be here.

[Chris]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers....Please take care of yourself.

[Heath]

I'm so sorry. I've read many of your stories of your mother, and she sounded like a wonderful woman. I'll think of her every time I make one of your recipes for not-too-sweet cookies.

[farmgirl]

Thinking of you and sending comforting thoughts at this sad time. *Big hug from all of us critters on the farm*

[aarwenn]

Some condolences from Seattle--I have been reading all of your back entries in your absence, and I will happily read them over and over until you are ready to start blogging again.

[Mary]

So very sorry.

[Ash]

So sorry Lindy! Will be thinking of you.

[Nupur]

Lindy, I am so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you.

[Melissa]

Oh Lindy, I'm so, so sorry. I'm sending you a big hug.

[zp]

I am so sorry, Lindy. And if there's anything practical that I can do for you in sad days that are also sometimes busy and hectic, let me know.

[Nina]

I'm so sorry, Lindy.

[Trig]

It's at times like these that we need to be with family, Lindy. Take as long as you need

[Clare]

Oh so sorry. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.

(PS My brother and his wife have a cottage in Aldeburgh so I'm slowly discovering Suffolk, wonderful place, Sudborne Park looks lovely)

[Pim]

Lindy, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Please do take care of yourself.

[Heather]

Oh, Lindy. I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is with you and your family. If I could send an embrace to you through the 'net, I would.

[Nicole Fitzhugh]

I'd like to offer sympathy at your loss. I always liked hearing about you having tea with your mother. I found your site via your daughter's, and have been reading you since you first started. I hope that you can find support for yourself and your other family members, and know that your readers would do whatever they could.

[Bendita]

My deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear mother.

[Luisa]

Oh my goodness. Lindy, I'm so sorry. Your sweet mentions of her all throughout this blog were a testament to what a lovely person she must have been. My thoughts are with you!

[Tanna]

Anticipated, unexpected is not the operative when you lose a mother. Well into my 50's I felt like an orphan when my mother was gone. My thoughts and hugs go out to you.

[Carolyn]

I am so sorry to hear about your mother.
Reading your post about making the Christmas Pudding reminded me of making pudding with my elderly aunt- the recipe was different (more fruit, brandy instead of stout) but requiring the same time of time commitment.
When she passed away I inherited the recipe- complete with editorial notes explaining the substituting of pecans for walnuts, and "I don't like dates, use less dates, more figs".
For the last few years I have made the pudding with my husband, adding my own editorial notes, and feeling close once again to my favorite and dearly missed aunt Marj.

[Julie]

Oh, Lindy, I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with you.

I've read your blog regularly for almost 18 months now and you've mentioned your mother on a regular basis. Those little glimpses always left me with the impression that she was an interesting woman.

The gardener's cottage at Sudborne Park sounds idyllic. It's nice to know your parents spend happy time there.

[Carolyn T]

I'm usually a lurker, but your sad news made me un-lurk. My mother died very unexpectedly in 1997 (she was fine and driving a few hours before). She was 89, so had lived a long life, but I was just so devastated. It was illogical, but I kept saying to myself - I didn't get to say goodbye. Silly, I know. To this day I still "talk" to her in my head and for months afterwards I cried out - also in my head - "oh, Mom" - just missing her terribly. I thought I'd never get over the sadness in my heart. But, I did eventually. It took about a year. Mothers have a special place in every daughter's heart. I extend my sympathies. Try to remember the good times.

[baking soda]

So sorry to hear this news Lindy, take care of yourself. My thoughts are with you. Hugs from Holland.

[Amy]

Hello, it's Amy, Vera's friend. I just wanted to say that I am sorry to hear this news and that I wan to pass on my condolences to you all.

[French Laundry at Home]

Lindy, so sorry for your loss.

[Rachael]

I'm so sorry about your mother. Take care.

[Bakerina]

Oh, oh, oh, Lindy. I'm so sorry.

I don't know if I ever told you how very much I love the "'Chinese' chews" recipe, and what a fixture it's become in my cookie repertoire. I think I'll bake a batch this weekend, and I'll think of your mother -- and you -- as I bake them.

[Kimberly]

I'm so sorry, Lindy. Your love for your mother shone through in your posts about her. My condolences to you and your family.

[the chocolate lady]

Lindy,
I am terribly sorry to learn of your loss. She had a wonderful daughter and granddaughter. I hope your mother's memory will be a comfort and a blessing, and you will know no further sorrow.

[mmamallama]

So sorry to hear about your loss, please know that we are thinking of you at this time.

[Rebecca]

Lindy, I've been so distracted with Calvin and his end-of-high school activities that I haven't been keeping up with folks, so have just read about your mother. I'm so sorry, and sorry to be so late with my condolences. You have written beautifully about your mother in many posts and your childhood memories. She will truly live on in you and your daughter, and that's the best we can all hope for. Thank you for sharing your pain and your joy with us.