Fetching up pre-Kili in the midst of a big loss

Nightmare finish to the year, as you try to escape for Africa.  Adverse circumstances indeed.  Would have been more ideal to avoid disclosure of the departure on "Boxing Day" - but there is no turning back.  Just need to wrap up the argument that is being subsumed by the exporting issues, ever a further crisis and ever on the hook to be responsive and not in control of your own life.  It just isn't the way to live, as you have always known, so getting the money in the bank and preparing to move on after the next sailing season or two. 

All in the context of a sudden, massive loss of an old coach, full of laughter, humour, and unique in so many respects that are needed.  So strange to think you've been to the last oyster cloister.  And the Ode to the Haggis will be all the more tragic in the new year.  Shots of rum last night, and now another to toast in addition to the Captain of old.  Little things, like remembering the old Toyota ride home after the first car accident en route to the coaching course, peeling of grapefruits, bat boy, conversations about quitting... surprising the wide-ranging memories.

Sad to miss the first alcoholic lunch in awhile in the midst of this as well.  Even solid traditions thrown away in service of the craziness.  Alas.  But write this letter and keep moving forward and leave things behind for awhile on the memorable 24th...