The idea for A 'Destination Funeral' -- Does 5, 000 Miles and 10 Feet Under, "Get You Away From It All? " - came from the 'destination marriages' which were becoming all the rage among a certain 1 percent, an opportunity to keep out the rif-raf, to escape the crocodile tears? Of course what began as a meditation on death soon became one on life in our times, its challenges and rewards.

I lived a period from 1947 - well into the 21 st Century, a period fraught with change and the challenges it brings. From black and white TV to HD hand-helds, from 'coming out' parties for debutantes to coming-out of the closet for one's gay marriage, from segregation to rap music and Nike endorsements, the changes have been well beyond any seers ability to imagine. I was often there, when things were changing, I, we, had no choice. Most of what is written is true, the few exaggerations are usually disclosed, tongue in cheek. The names, except for celebrities whom I don't think will mind, have been mostly left out.