Why was this a cover article (or even an article at all)? It is nothing more than a nice ad for this cemetery.

You can summarize it as follows: "There is a cemetery in Palo Alto called Alta Mesa Memorial Park. It is old and it will happily take your money upon death."

Back in New England, where I grew up, there is a cemetery around every corner, and thus a feeling of:

"Ever at my back I hear
Time's winged chariot drawing near."

Out here (except for Colma!) cemeteries are few and far between, and seemingly out of character with the California illusion of perpetual youth. Cemeteries are more than businesses: a place of contemplation, a sobering reminder, a giant hieroglyphic whose personal meaning must be delivered by osmosis. Just across the street, Palo Alto's finest study human anatomy, the meaning of life as seen through the classics, and sing, dance, and throw frisbees, unawares.......

To Leo of Downtown North, if you are located along the fence line, and interred standing up, you might get a price not to complain about.

Many generations of my respected family are in an old Alta Mesa plot.

My ash, to be mixed in a 55 gallon drum of hunter green paint, will spread everywhere, for environmental statement and the color of money.

He he, now you're haunted, buddy.

Alabama '49er.