We had planned for a Monday funeral, no wake. But we couldn't get the death certificate (or "DC" in funeral home lingo) in time. So my timing was all messed up. I had to go home today. . . . . . . . . . . Uncle Myron got up bright and early and headed on out to run the morning errends: dropping off clothes at the funeral home, dropping off the pallbearer and other facts at the funeral home, picking up some oil for the baking, and seeing the tribal office about getting them to pay for the funeral costs. Turns out the tribe is picking up the costs, so that was a relief. He came home and selected more music. Umma baked the bannana nut bread. And I packed. Despite my predictions, it was a slow morning. They both took a nap, and I helped the hospice fellow load up all the equipment we had been using for Yimo into his truck. Corey, who never chases after cars, chased the guy's truck down the road. I figure he must have smelt Yimo's scent on the equipment. I think he knows she's gone, as he's been acting all funny yesterday and today. And then Cindy and crew came down the road again. Lisa stopped by as well, doing the little Lisa things that drive me crazy. And so we had to delay lunch until they left, lest they think we were going to feed them all. Which of course impinged on my schedule, as I had to prepare and wolf down lunch for the three of us, because my ride had already arrived. . . . . . . . . . . Maxine's girls, it turns out, are good people. I already knew that, but it doesn't change the fact that they are, which is a rare find in that kind of a town. Wilma and Maxine offerred to drive me up to Lake havasu to catch my shuttle to Las vegas. Which was really nice, considering that Maxine was running the show for the wake, and probably had to be there at 6pm. So she was really pushing it, as far as time went, since I was supposed to be at Havasu at 5pm. Goodbyes to Mom and Uncle Myron, and then it was off to the funeral home, to say my goodbyes in private since I was going to miss the wake and funeral. It turns out I needn't have worried. The funeral home had Yimo all set up, with some of the flowers as well, in their chapel for visitors to see. Considering we didn't pay for that service, it was really nice (Or, maybe they'll add it to the bill. Nothing comes free at the funeral home.). And since the wake was going to be closed casket, I actually got to see and say goodbye to Yimo up close and personal. Of course, I had to first console a weepy Maxine, before pushing her out of the way to get at the coffin. I should have done a lot of things. I should have called more often I should have taken a picture of Yimo that first day I was there. I should have spoekn to her more the week I was there. I should have said goodbye to Yimo that night. I should have said a better goodbye that morning. Because, as pretty as they make a person, enbalming essentially turns one to wax. Plastic actually. And so the touch, the feel, the essence of a person is gone. That morning, she still felt like Yimo, she still was Yimo two hours before. When I caressed her cheek goodbye, it felt like it was already too late. . . . . . . . . . . The drive to Lake Havasu was nice. Spoke at length with Wilma. Found out some interesting things about Mimi and Wilma. They've certainly had a lot of adventures. They're also a lot older then they look or act (that's a good thing). The shuttle ride to Las vegas was nice and short, we got there by 8:30pm local time (I forgot to account for the time zone change). The taxi ride from the airport to the casino was a bit pricy for the trip, but I think most people take the shuttle bus.The Tropicana was not as nice as I was expecting. The hotel halls and elevator were a bit dirty, the room was a bit dingy, and the TV far too small in selection and size. The casino was ho hum, the prices a bit high for a casino, and the food undersized (although it did fill me up nice and good). I was planning on seeing a show, but besides the fact that time was really short, I didn't feel like spending more cash on my already expensive trip. So instead, after dinner I took a walk over to the Excaliber and the Luxor. Now those were casinos. Next time I'll try either the New York, NY, Excaliber, or the MGM Grand, as they are all right there along with the Tropicana.