OK, sorry -- I had started replying earlier, but was sidelined by a splitting headache, so now just getting back to it:
@labazsisgoingmad 〜
〜 was it Coty airspun powder, by any chance?
And, I quite understand - I am only now beginning to drag myself out of the deep pit of crushing guilt. Even though we had a great relationship, and she knew I loved her (we said it to each other all the time) -- I don't think she knew just how much I loved her! And it is excruciating, to feel that way.
I am getting close to 62 myself. My mum was 85.)
@EmeraldShamrock 〜
〜 Me too! One good (bittersweet) thing is, I occasionally have dreams in which my mum is still alive. It's lovely. Also sad. But lovely.
@Di11y 〜
〜 yes that is very fitting here - I'm interested in all the questions. PhD in bioscience is very cool, btw.
Not the same, but, I often think back, and wonder why I didn't take my mum out to lunch more often, years ago, when we had worked just down the street from each other. Little regrets.
@Cadent 〜
〜 Do you, or does your DSis remember what the bottle looked like? If you describe it, I might be able to come up with it for you! I've done a lot of "research", and am an unqualified expert now. 
I'd be happy to go on a "mission" for you.
@sunshinepasta 〜
〜 Oh, 23 awfully young to lose your Mum. And not have her for parenting tips is indeed sad. I do know a bit about my mum's earlier life, but wish I knew more. After she died, I became obsessed with wanting to visit her childhood home, and walk the route she walked to school; things like that. I haven't done that yet, but will do eventually. Possibly next year.
@GoodbyePorpoiseSpit 〜 (Muriel, is that you? I lurve that movie!)
〜 My mum performed amature Gilbert & Sullivan every year for several years. I often asked her why she had so many kids (I'm youngest of six) as I think she would've preferred theatre life rather than motherhood. And yy on the war, my father served in WWII, and he never spoke of it, either. I do recall a medal he had, and have no idea where that is now. I did actually ask him about his service just a couple of years before he died. So glad I did. (Naval ship in Okinawa.)
@Ginkypig 〜
〜 Awww, I love that! He was the Prince of Pancakes! My dad worked long hours, and traveled a lot, but would always make up for it at Christmas! BIG Christmases we had. I was fortunate that as an adult, I did get to know him. As (I mentioned earlier) with my mum's home and school, etc, I had become somewhat obssessed with where my dad worked, when I was young. I never visited his office back then, and I've since moved, so did a goole map, and street-view, and imagined where he parked, and seeing the door he walked through, to go into work every day. That area is a bit derelict now, so made it kind of sad, but it was also comforting, somehow.
@Spied 〜
〜 Yes! Me too! Loads of fabulous old photos, and although I know they are grand-grand relatives, I have no idea who they are. My mum got the photos after my Grandma (Mum's mum) passed, and she was unsure about some of them herself. One day, I'd love to delve into it all, but I probably will never actually get it done.
~~~*~
OK, so I'll send this for now -- before this single post gets too huge.
But I will continue to reply, even if it takes me all week!
These are such lovely heartfelt stories, and I feel a connection to all of them in one way or another.
And, not to sound too corny, but each one is individually special in this world.
Truly.
