This seems about as good a place as any to post this.
This past spring I had quadruple by-pass surgery At 79, it was a scary event, so started checking into permits and possibilities.
1. Can be buried on the farm Just needs be in a "cemetery" with fence around.
2. Do not need be cremated
3. Got plans and wood for a coffin - 2 of them, about $250
4. Bought 2 body bags $20
5. Bought a hard plastic body transport carrier - about $90. This is to haul me from the fields. Don't want the wife to see me dumped in the front end loader. The body transport can be slid along the grass, behind the RTV or one of the tractors.
6. Hired hand and 2 neighbors have been instructed if hauled from the field, to do it with some decorum. Don't want to upset the wife.
7. Body bag me and directly into coffin. No changing of clothes, no viewing of body.
8. We live in an old farm house, so things inside are a bit confined. So, place coffin on saw horses outside, next to the grave, where the ceremony will be held. Let's hope it's not cold.
9. One of the three men mentioned above to call others from a list I've prepared. Notify of ceremony next day.
10. Distant relatives have been told not to bother. See me when alive, not when I'm dead.
11. All material, including ratchet straps (to strap me to the body carrier), ropes to lower me into the grave, saw horses, etc. are in the hay loft (out of the way), just awaiting the need.
My expectation is this will be a burial, much like might have been had in the west in the late 1800's, in areas "not civilized". No preacher, no funeral home. A few good words (I hope) said by friends and neighbors, and I might write a few words to be read by one of the attendees.
Comments ?