Ready To Carry Out Carol's Wishes In USA

I can't believe we've actually reached this point.
It seemed such a long time away when I booked the trip, but on Monday we'll be in New York and then next weekend going onto Memphis to finally carry out Carol's wishes to scatter some of her ashes.

There's been lots of little things to organise - I've needed to get permission from both Graceland and Liberty Island (as a US National Park / Monument we need an official permit!) and double check all the regulations on travelling with ashes.
You can probably imagine that, with 7 of us travelling (including baby) and a 2 city visit, it's a bit like a military operation trying to co-ordinate moving us all around. There are so many things that can go wrong and we've got everything crossed hoping for a smooth trip.
We'll be filming each of the scatterings so I can add them onto the blog post when I sit down and write it later - while no doubt at the same time dealing with the inevitable post trip downer!!

Everything really begins this Saturday afternoon when we do the first ashes scattering in the sea off Fistral Beach. This was Carol's favourite beach so scattering some of her ashes into the sea here was an obvious choice.
Then three days later, when we do the next scattering into the sea in New Jersey, Carol will be across both sides of the Atlantic.  

Carol's hysterical laughter followed me into DNA Tattoo Studio last week - yes, I've had another one. In fairness I wanted this one at the same time as the first two, but getting all of them at the same time was a bit much (that's my excuse anyway and I'm sticking to it). Dudley also took the time to revisit Carol's portrait tattoo and tidy up some of the areas that needed sorting - and it does look much better now.
What Carol would say about my newly decorated arms I really don't know - but she would be highly amused that the previously vocal tattoo-phobe has at last been "done" - and multiple times too!!

Along with the final preparations for the USA trip there's a few other things going on that are worthy of note.

A few months back I contacted Maria, Carol's University tutor, to discuss presenting an award in Carol's memory. The idea was approved by the relevant people and I made a donation that will be given to a Nursing student who has achieved through adversity. Maria has advised me about the recipient and I think Carol would be very happy with the choice. "The Carol Gormley Memorial Award" will be presented at the students graduation ceremony this Saturday, with us in attendance.

My Mum and Dad are down visiting, looking after everything while we're away, and will finally get to see Kyle play a gig this week!! He's in acoustic mode on Friday night with Dani and will be rocking with the band on Saturday - I think Friday will be their preferred choice!

I went to see John Bishop in Plymouth on Wednesday - Carol absolutely loved him and he was very funny. It was a preview show for his upcoming Rollercoaster tour - well worth checking out if it's anywhere near you.

And I can't finish without saying a huge thank you to Theresa and Colin (and Laura and Mark) for our invites to the wedding. It really was a great do, the memorial table was an inspired idea, and I danced like an idiot to lots of our favourite songs (including Take That - Carol please note!). The DJ even played "Suspicious Minds" and "Sweet Child Of Mine" for us - a memorable evening in the company of some great friends.

Finally our very best wishes must go to Jaz who's just left to start University in Bristol. Bec went up there to help her settle in for a couple of days and we wish her the best of luck with her chosen course.

So there you go - lots of stuff going on and a huge trip ahead of us. The excitement and trepidation are building equally - so let's hope everything goes to plan and we can do exactly what Carol asked us to.