of the Book of the Dead — It was sweltering in the small tomb. Every inch of her skin was coated with sand and sweat. She still felt herself lucky to have obtained a spot on Dr. Becker’s team. He had assigned her to a small tomb on the outskirts of his larger dig. It was the…

Do you see yourself here? I’ve been thinking about this for 76 years, so I think I’m an expert. These are a few telltale signs to tell you your license is about to expire. Your senior discount has almost run out. Or your new job will be lawn care, as in pushing up daisies. You…

What is magic and what is science? She had no idea why she had to go to Miss Bentworth’s funeral. She had only met the old hag two times. Her mother insisted that she come with her. She had never seen a dead body before so when the procession walked past the casket, she looked closely. Resting…

Where does the music go after the musician dies? “How’d ya do,” he said in true southern style, as he rose unsteadily to his feet. “My name is Lafayette James, but most folks call me, Bluebird cause my horn sings so sweet.” He stood on the porch of an ancient rowhouse, cuddling a tall glass of bourbon, his saxophone…

Follow these instructions exactly unless you want a clean house. Ask yourself these questions first. Do you want to do it? Is it necessary? Is anyone coming over? Did the Health Department call you? Are flies trying to reclaim their habitat? How ashamed will you be if someone comes over? Have the rats moved out seeking better accommodations? Can you…

A tale of times to come. Dolly Kumakuck stood on the shores of Big Bear Lake. She hadn’t been back for a long time. It was the high season in the little village and the local diner was filled with over-dressed tourists trying to take pictures of anything Inuit. She…

Someone should remember. — He came from nowhere and had no name. He came to die, and he came to me. It was a particularly cold, wet winter in California. He was old, very old with ears ripped from a thousand battles, with thick fur matted into a dense coat trying to protect him…

How do you deal with the loss of a pet? — I was sitting around feeling sorry for myself as I tried to justify the loss of another pet. If you love animals and live a long time the bodies seem to stretch out like a black river slowly trying to engulf your heart. I think back and remember each one…

A Book Review — Sometimes you want to slip into a book that is beautiful, informative and offers you a refuge from these hectic times. Masterpieces of Art Explained, is just such a gem. The paintings and sculptures are interpreted, with a skill and style that places each piece in your mind and illustrates…