Well, the "caring" card I bought to send to B.'s wife has become a sympathy card. I wrote her a short note about how I had always looked up to and respected B. during the time I belonged to that church, and let her know that she and her family (they had five children, all are older than I am) are in my prayers.

He went into hospice on Thursday, and passed away Sunday night.

In a way, it's a relief. I'm glad for him and his family that he didn't linger long, since there was nothing that could be done - any treatment would have only bought a small amount of time, and at a cost of pain.

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abrupt transition (because really, what can I say after that that seems appropriate?)
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I'm still plugging away at the second sleeve. I fully anticipate that I'll have the sleeves attached to the body before I head out. Here's what I plan to take:

The Sitcom Chic sweater
The kureyon and needles for the Booga bag
The socks currently on the needles (with the possible exception of the Canal du Midi sock; I still don't know about that one)
a couple skeins of self-striping sockyarn to work on while I read chapters
Maybe, the Kath Dalmeny book (or copies of the patterns I want to do, which would be more practical) and yarn for dolphins and the Adelie penguin.
Possibly, the sherbet-colored Lorna's Laces and the pattern for the cloverleaf rib socks that I never got around to starting.

Or, instead of those last two, I might wind off the Koigu for the Landscape Shawl. (I decided, as much as I'd like to start it, the Song of Hiawatha shawl is just too hugacious).

I don't know. I'll probably change my mind in the next couple days. This is only a three-week trip, but it's a trip that involves two long train trips and two four-to-five hour drives to my meetings.