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Reread Cat's Cradle, first on a list of this All Vonnegut Novel suggested reading order. It remains one of my favorite books, and I want to make it clear, I want the Bokononist Final Rites read at my funeral, at least up to "Good Night!".

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We watched the Laboratory's receptionist turn on the many educational exhibits that lined the foyer's walls. The receptionist was a tall, thin girl--icy, pale. At her crisp touch, lights twinkled, wheels turned, flasks bubbled, bells rang.

"Magic," declared Miss Pefko.

"I'm sorry to hear a member of the Laboratory family using that brackish, medieval word," said Dr. Breed. "Every one of those exhibits explains itself. They're designed so as *not* to be mystifying. They're the very antithesis of magic."

"The very what of magic?"

"The exact opposite of magic."

"You couldn't prove it by me."

Dr. Breed looked just a little peeved. "Well," he said, "we don't *want* to mystify. At least give us credit for that."

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And the driver asked me if I would mind another brief detour, this time to a tombstone salesroom across the street from the cemetery.

I wasn't a Bokononist then, so I agreed with some peevishness. As a Bokononist, of course, I would have agreed gaily to go anywhere anyone suggested. As Bokonon says: "Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God."

I think of that line "Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God" to help justify saying yes all the time - I was glad to be reminded that it applies not just to big journeys but small side trips as well.

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'Americans are forever searching for love in forms it never takes, in places it can never be. It must have something to do with the vanished frontier.'

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An evening at Revere Beach, and then some of Cora's lil chicks.