Leo ascends in flame

Wednesday: MB headed out. Around 9 AM, I got up to take on the task of packaging Leo for cremation, and cleaning up the sick room. I sewed him into the leg of an old pair of MB's PJs. He'd become pretty ripe. Into a bag, and then doubled bagged in plastic, with disinfectant between layers. Cleaned up the room, wiping down all the surfaces and mopping. Fresh air. Incense. Laundry. Dishwasher. Sweep. Mop. Shower. Clean clothes. When this was all put right, down basement for morning practices. And drums.

Drove out, stopping to buy a mixture of diesel and gasoline, and a bagel with cream cheese. Then, over to Brookline for a bag of heating coal. And, in to work. Continued on the vari-speed business, but it was a short day. Called Apple again, trying to see what was up with getting me going again. It sounded like there was a solution in the offing. Left work at 4:35.

Back home, packing drums, and percussion instruments into the car. Then the guest of honor. MB arrived, and we left not long after. Picked up F&M, and drove out Route 2, heading west to Wendall, listening to Alessandra Belloni. We reminisced about many stories involving Gus and Leo throughout their long history with us. Got a bit lost, missing the turn. Managed to raise Mrg on the cell, and he put us right. Arrived at his place around 7:30 PM. I said hello to his wife and son. Thr ran to me, almost knocking me over saying "Glenn!" I was surprised he remembered me.

We built a pyre with a thick layer of coal, then my little buddy, and then a bunch of wood. I soaked the whole thing with the diesel/gas mixture, said "Leo, you were a good little cat" and then Mrg lit it up. We drummed and talked, tending the fire. The little plastic cap off the end of the gas can got lost in the shuffle. Sounds of the bunt-pan. A near full moon. A smell like someone burning a chicken on the engine of a truck. A smokey truck. After some time, I realized there was a squishy bit that wasn't burning, I chased this around in the coal embers, until it was gone. This took some time. I think we left around 9:45.

Stopped at a 24 hour convenience store for snacks. I had another bagel and cream cheese. It's the food of the day, I guess. Drove back, without much talking. Dropped F&M. Back home. Unloading. Showers. MB to bed. Tea. Typing.