Life in the Garden

Matters of Life and Death

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Nice Rack

“The white deer is a mutation. It does not belong in the wild. It should be shot.” Günter Giese, the president of the Saxony Hunting Federation, Germany.

There’s a whole lot of killin’ goin on around here. It’s deer season and this past week I’ve heard several tales of the mighty hunters bagging 10 pointers.

hunting urns for ashes

Several weeks ago I asked an experienced hunter if he’d ever seen an albino deer. He had. In Northern Michigan years ago. The reason for my question was an excerpt I’d read from Vance Randolph’s account of albino deer in this area.

albino deer
Bad Joo-Joo?

It is very generally believed that the appearance of an albino deer is a bad sign; some hillfolk think it has something to do with witches’ work, others that it is an indication of disease among the deer, and that venison will be unwholesome for seven years. In 1939 a white deer was seen in Taney county, Missouri, and many natives were pretty much upset about it.

It was said that if early settlers saw a white buck in the woods, nobody would shoot it for fear of bad luck.

albino deer

Last weekend, one of the fearless citizens here heard about an albino deer sighting nearby and started stalking his prey. He found it in some thick woods, and shot it from about 125 feet away. He plans to have it stuffed, “marveling at the rarity.”

Italian Horn and Fish Urn Jewelry

Timeless Symbols of Protection:

In many cultures, the horn is believed to be the symbol of life and eternity. In ancient Italy the horn charm or amulet was worn in as protection against evil spirits and has also been linked to Celtic and Druid myths and beliefs. In pre-Christian Europe, animal horns pointed to the moon goddess and were considered sacred.

Italian Horn Urn Jewelry
Italian Horn Urn Jewelry

The Italian Horn urn necklace is available in sterling silver or a high quality gold plate and comes with silk cord or we’ve got chains that are optional.

The fish symbol is representative of the Christian faith and has ancient roots in the Celtic and Druid culture. This discreet urn pendant holds a trace amount of ash, flowers, hair, or other small memento. Available in sterling silver and gold.

Ithicus Fish Urn Jewelry
Ithicus Fish Urn Jewelry

cremation jewelry for ashes

Your Chariot Awaits

Galyani Vadhana
Galyani Vadhana

Ever since Thailand’s 84 year old Princess Galyani Vadhana passed away on January 2nd, artists and technicians have been busy over the past 10 months readying Princess’ chariot for her final ride. Some fast facts on this ancient rig.

Thai funeral chariot

Weighs in at 14 tons. Compare to a cargo van 2.5 tons.

Pulled by 228 soldiers. Seems like horse power would be better, but none of the ancient chariots have Hemis. The chariot will carry the Princess on a long procession around the heart of Bangkok, using levers, gears, winches, and manpower.

Thai funeral Chariot

Dates back to 1875, built during the reign of King Rama I.

Despite it’s size, it’s a piece of rolling art. Elegantly carved in wood, gleaming with mirrors, gem stones and gold leaf.

The chariots will roll for the first time since 1995 when they were used during the cremation ceremony of the King’s mother.

Ceremonies started on November 14.

Source: The Straits Times

Deena on Funeral Education

Our continuing interview with Deena Pulaski of Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory in La Porte, Indiana.

Deena says education of her client families has been a big aspect of the business. “We see more price shoppers now, many families are not aware of the options available, and it’s our job to educate them. They don’t realize that with cremation, they can have a viewing and visitation, and will often choose that type of service when offered.”

Trends: Many families are opting to keep the ashes in the home. When Deena asks the families if they’ve considered arrangements for guardianship later, the families often don’t know what they are going to do.

“We’re just trying to avoid future scenarios when the super bargain hunter arrives at the funeral home with an estate sale treasure….filled with ashes.”

Since La Porte is near many waterways, Deena fields requests from families that are interested in scattering the ashes over water. “I always recommend that they consider a water soluable urn. We’ve had several incidents of the plastic temporary urns that have been tossed over the side of the boat, later wash up on shore.”

Women In Funeral Service: Pulaski Pt. 2

Deena Pulaski, knows all about the roller coaster ride of being a small business owner in LaPorte, Indiana .

Deena and her husband, Casmir own the Lakeview Funeral Home, Midwest Crematorium Center and a retail web site, theurnstore.com. Casmir is a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Deena is a licensed pre-need insurance counselor and mother of two boys, in high school and 2nd grade.

After graduating from mortuary school, Casmir worked as a funeral director and quickly saw a business opportunity as a trade embalmer serving a 60 mile area that covers both Indiana and Michigan. He’s licensed in both states. After building on his contacts, he added a crematory in 2005.

When the Pulaski’s decided to offer direct cremation to the public for $895.00, it wasn’t well received with the local competition. La Porte is a bedroom community of approx. 22,000 with three long established funeral homes in town, and at least 15 more in the surrounding area. Operators were less than thrilled when a year later the Pulaski’s moved in to a vacant lawn and garden center building on the busiest county road in the state.

“We always knew that we’d own a funeral home, but imagined that we’d purchase an existing business, and it would be later than sooner!” said Deena

“We just didn’t expect it to happen so soon, but when this place became available, we felt like we had to do it. ” The two-story building has lots of natural light, a wide front porch with adjacent property that can handle future development. The Lakeview Funeral Home is the only funeral home in LaPorte with it’s own crematory.

“When the weather’s been nice, we’ve been able to have some nice military services outdoors. The families really seem to like the change of scenery.”

The location has been good for the Pulaski’s. Competing with 100 year old firms in the area, Deena expected that it would take several years to build the business. “By our second year anniversary we had already surpassed our projections.” Casmir still has travels, but has been able to reduce time on the road and even savor a rare long weekend.