It all sounds so final: departed. Even our 1,000 soul village has its own little cemetery. Although we only have a catholic church for the majority, there is also a reform church nearbye. One day we will all depart somewhere. What you believe or not is not a problem, we have no control over what happens.

However, now spending time visiting Mr. Swiss in his golden oldie home, and me now also approaching 100 years (OK another 23 years to go to be exact) it is not possible to avoid thoughts about it all. When it all happens I will not be here to organise anything, but my time has not yet come (it seems) and I do have thoughts on it all.

Today death is a big business. Digging a hole is expensive, and organising the burnt remains is also not simple. There are laws to be followed, but why should I care. I will not be here to organise it all. I will just give a few instructions about where to throw the ashes. I just do not intend to become food for a few thousand unsightly instects, although why should I care, I will not be here.

Sorry to write such a morbid blog, but let us face the facts. I just seem to be surrounded by the inevitable at the moment.

Adding some black humour, I visitied Mr. Swiss this week. He had an operation in hospital to mend his hip joint at the age of 85. He was sleeping in his room and I was sitting on a chair next to the bed. We were alone. And then was he actually still breathing? Believe me, I had to get closer and make a quick check. Everything under control, but for a moment I had my doubts.

I would say you can close the gates in the photo for the time being.

RDP Saturday: Departed