This is the next in an occasional series of diaries on the state of Northern Hemisphere Arctic sea ice (and other topics as warranted), written in memory of Johnny Rook, who passed away in early 2009. He was the author of the Climaticide Chronicles.
The snow had finally melted at Chez BillLaurelMD by the time I got back from an emergency trip to CA from 6 to 10 March. I'd hoped to get there in time to see my mom before she passed away, but it wasn't to be. I did get to view her at the funeral home, however, and had my chance to say goodbye, along with my younger brother. I've only shed a few tears so far; I tend to be stoic (very much like my mom and also very much like a man, gay or not).
We'll have a memorial service for her on 27 March; in the meantime, she'll be cremated and we'll hold the ashes for awhile.
And in my stoic tradition, ice and climate below.