Fast Five for the End of the Month

 

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: It’s the end of January, and what a month it’s been. 

This year’s resolutions and fresh starts look a LOT different than last year’s, 

that’s for sure. If, on January 31, 2020, you said the words, “GameStop,”

 “Robinhood,” “Qanon,” “UK variant” and “travel bans” to me, I would have 

guessed some upcoming science fiction movie. (I had literally forgotten about 

Game Stop - despite the fact that when the Sailor was 12 we went there once 

a week - until it exploded all over this week’s financial news.)

Let’s take a breath and do a check in with a Fast Five that wouldn’t have meant 

anything a year ago.

1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered? 

When I heard back in March that acetaminophen was going to be in short supply

 (supply lines from overseas or something) I went to CVS and bought the largest 

container of Tylenol they had. 1000 pills. Then, worried it wasn't enough, I went 

to Rite Aid and bought a bottle of 500 pills. THEN just to be sure I went to 

Walgreens and bought another 500 pills. So now I have 2,000. I take, at the

most, two acetaminophen a day. At this rate, I have enough for the next three 

years.  

 

2. What’s the news on your vaccination?

I’m not even on the radar yet, but the Maine Millennial, who now works in health 

care, has gotten both of hers! And my dad, who lives in a continuing care facility,

has the first one. Sigh of relief.

3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?

A pair of married friends in Portland. We sat outside by their fire pit wearing hats,

parkas and blankets.

4. I recently Zoomed with… a delightful local book club. We all brought wine!

5. HBOMax or Disney +?

Disney + because I have to have my Marvel/ Star Wars fix.

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: 1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing 

you’ve had delivered?

I’m not sure if this is trivial… But bird food. Lightbulbs. Aluminum foil. Band-Aids. 

Tylenol. Diet Pepsi. Wine. Batteries. Don’t get me started on this :-)

 

2. What’s the news on your vaccination?

Ha! Jonathan should get his now… But there is no possible way for me to get an 

appointment. The Massachusetts system is insane. I am happy to wait my turn, 

which I’m hoping will be in… March? Hoping that the system works by then. This

is incredibly frustrating. Don’t get me started.

3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?

Oh, that’s interesting! The guy that came to bring us a new dryer. I completely hid

on our third floor, and talked  to him by cell phone. Don’t get me started.

4. I recently Zoomed with…

Oh, so many people! I just interviewed Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston, that 

was fabulous! And Lee Child, And Monday Scott Turow .  AND The Back Room 

is amazing. I am happy with zoom, although sometimes I long for just a phone 

call… without make up. 

5. HBOMax or Disney +?

Well, we finally got HBO max. I think these premium services are not a splurge. 

We are saving money elsewhere! 

RHYS BOWEN:

1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?

Most trivial is definitely Wheatabix British cereal. I can only get it from Amazon!

 

2. What’s the news on your vaccination?

We’ve had our first shot and get the second on February 19. So excited!

3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?

I met a friend on her back deck last week. Sitting far apart and drinking coffee 

4. I recently Zoomed with…

Most recent was a library in Illinois, online friends across the country and my 

family every Sunday 

5. HBOMax or Disney +?

Neither. Netflix, Britbox and Prime

JENN McKINLAY

1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?

Nail polish. Since I began doing my own manicures, it felt necessary to up my 

skills with some bold colors.

 

2. What’s the news on your vaccination?

I’ll be at the end of the line, which is fine. I work at home, etc.

3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?

I have one friend who I meet for coffee every month since we’re both locked 

down pretty hard. Still, we sit outside - a perk of living in central AZ in winter.

4. I recently Zoomed with…

Family. We’ve been doing a lot of family gatherings on Zoom.

5. HBOMax or Disney +?

Disney+ for WandaVision. I’m hooked.

 

JULIA: Me, too, Jenn! After this last episode, I want to watch the first three all 

over again. 

LUCY BURDETTE: 

1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered? I’ll see 

you that Tylenol Julia, and raise you with Quercetin, Vitamin C, and Zinc--all 

stuff we heard would keep you from getting really sick. (I heard, I should say. 

John doesn’t read this stuff…)

 

2. What’s the news on your vaccination? I’ve had the first one but only because 

our governor has changed the rules so many times that I slipped right through 

the cracks. If that hadn’t happened, I’d be getting up at 5:30 twice a week to 

try to log on for the 200 doses per week the Publix in Islamorada receives. 

Honest to god, they should have put the Reds in charge.

3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble? One of Lottie’s dog 

friend’s mothers, masked and distanced. She doesn’t speak much English but 

her dog is besotted.

4. I recently Zoomed with…the Friends of the Library board, almost daily

5. HBOMax or Disney +? I think we have both? John’s the TV watcher.

DEBORAH CROMBIE:

1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?

Cocktail napkins. And I just ordered another pack of 72. I know it’s silly as we 

are certainly not having anyone over for cocktails, but I hate having a 

napkin-less sweaty glass. And I found these really cheap ones with lime 

green polka dots. I love them.

 

2. What’s the news on your vaccination?

Rick got us on our county list as he volunteers for the county medical core. 

He had his second one Thursday and I am due Monday, but they haven’t 

scheduled me. Biting fingernails here...

3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?

My daughter and granddaughter, across the fence last night. But we can only 

visit outside very briefly, as they are much more exposed than we are.

4. I recently Zoomed with…

My editor, on Thursday. And last Sunday a family memorial service. Which 

was really lovely, as it allowed people from all over the country to participate.

5. HBOMax or Disney +?

Neither, yet, as we have Netflix, Prime, Acorn, Britbox, Hulu. (What else would 

we do?) But I am contemplating Discovery+, for The Food Network, HGTV, 

and the new Chip and Joanna Gaines Magnolia Channel. There is a new 

season of Fixer Upper! 

 

JULIA: Debs, I think you may be the winner with lime green polka dotted 

cocktail napkins. Now it’s your turn, dear readers. Cut and paste the following 

questions and let us know how living in a science fiction movie is working out 

for you!

1. Silliest pandemic purchase OR Most trivial thing you’ve had delivered?

2. What’s the news on your vaccination?

3. Who’s the last person you saw outside your bubble?

4. I recently Zoomed with…

5. HBOMax or Disney +?

A Day That Will Live In Famey

 JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: So, sometimes I like to look at these "What happened on this date" sites for ideas on topics I might write about here. (It's also very useful when you're setting fiction in the past - a quick and easy way to remind yourself of world events and entertainments trends your characters would have experienced. Let me tell you: January 30th takes it to a new level.

It turns out January 30th is some sort of Day of Destiny. Don't believe me? Check it out:

1848 - California Gold Rush 

James Marshall finds the first gold nugget at Coloma, California, leading to more than half a million people racing westward to find the precious metal (and incidentally giving the state it's nickname.)

   

1933 - The rise of Hitler

After the Nazi Party retained its position as the largest party in the November 1932 parliamentary elections, Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor by German president Paul von Hindenberg. 

1948 - Mahatma Gandhi assassinated  

After the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, sectarian violence spiked across India. Mohandas Gandhi responded by traveling to troubled areas, fasting and praying for peace and meeting with local leaders of all religions. He was keeping a vigil in New Delhi when he was assassinated by a Hindu nationalist.

 

1968 - the Tet Offensive

The Viet Cong and North Vietnamese army launched a series of well-coordinated surprise attacks in South Vietnam, the largest military action of the war up to that point. Although it failed to cause the collapse of the South Vietnamese government, the Tet Offensive started a major escalation of the war, which would see an additional 200,000 American soldiers deployed, and led in time to the collapse of public and political support for the war in the US.

1969 - Beatles last public performance

 The Beatles make their last public performance in an impromptu concert (meant to be the climax of the documentary Let It Be) on the roof of their Saville Row recording studio. In April 1970, Paul McCartney formally announced the group's breakup.

1972 - Bloody Sunday

In Londonderry, Northern Ireland, British soldiers shot 26 unarmed demonstrators, protesting the British policy of internment without trial. British authorities had ordered the march banned, and sent troops to confront the demonstrators when it went ahead. The soldiers fired indiscriminately into the crowd, killing 13 and wounding 17. 

 

You see what I mean? That's a lot to take on one day. (Today is also the birthday of Dick Cheney and FDR - make of that what you will.) Going from historical precedent, I'd suggest this is a good day to stay snug at home - or to take a refreshing walk with no one else around. 

What personal history are you going to be making today, dear readers?

Cornbread Breakfast Casserole

 JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Wait - a recipe on Friday?? Yes, dear readers, I'm breaking my usual Sunday recipe habit because I've got something you're going to want for this weekend, but you have to start it overnight. 

Like a lot of you, I'm relying more on my daughter and young friends to get groceries for me these days (I'm feeling a tad worried about those extra-contagious Covid variants.) Among other locally-sourced staples, my young friend Jess happened to pick up a "Breakfast Cornbread Casserole" from Rosemont Market and Bakery, the wonderful six-store chain where she works. 

Friends, this was amazeballs. It was dense, eggy, sweet but also a little savory from onion and scallions. Breakfast casserole was the perfect description - it was baked in one pan and one or two squares was sturdy enough to keep me (and Youngest, who was home for the weekend) full until lunch. 

 

I had to figure out how to make it myself. Armed with a list of ingredients, I looked at about 800 cornbread, corn pudding, spoon pudding and cornbread casserole recipes. I tried combining a few, leaving some ingredients out, and came up with what I think is a pretty good facsimile, for those of you who don't live close enough to shop at Rosemont. If you do baking semi-regularly, you probably have all the ingredients right in your pantry.

CORNBREAD BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

1 c coarse cornmeal (may be labeled as polenta)

2 c buttermilk (see note below if you don't have any on hand)

1 3/4 c all-purpose flour

1 1/2 t baking powder

1 t salt

 

1/4 c each sugar and brown sugar

1 small onion, or 1/2 large onion, thinly sliced into strips

1/4 c scallions, with extra if you want garnish

1 T vegetable oil

3 large eggs

2 T honey

2 T butter, melted

 

The night before (or the morning of, if you want this for dinner) combine the cornmeal and the buttermilk in a large bowl. Cover with a dishtowel and leave it to soak at least 8 hours. This is why you're getting the recipe on Friday!

 

Set the oven to 350F

In a skillet, add the onions and scallion to the vegetable oil and saute until soft. 

You'll need three bowls for the next part!

In one bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. In a smaller bowl, beat the eggs. In the smallest bowl (I used a mug) stir the honey into the melted butter.

Stir the honey-butter mix into the beaten eggs.

Stir the egg mix into the well-soaked cornmeal.

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. It was a bit much for my whisk; I preferred beating it with a spoon. I don't use a blender, so I can't comment on how that might affect the outcome. Mix thoroughly, until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.

Grease a 9x13 baking pan. Pour in the batter. Bake 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted to test it comes out dry. Let it cool for as long as you can stand it before tearing in. If you want it to look pretty, garnish with scallion slices.

NOTES:

If you don't have buttermilk on hand (I didn't) you can make your own by combining 1 T white vinegar with enough milk to make a cup. You can also substitute 1 T of lemon juice for the vinegar.

Several of the recipes I based this on had bacon and/or corn added. Neither appear in the dish I was trying to copy; but if you want to add them, I would fry the bacon first, and then use the grease to saute the onion and to grease the pan. If you want to add frozen or canned corn, I would fold it in with the wet ingredients. Since corn is naturally sweet, I'd cut back on the sugar a bit. 

Okay, dear readers, your turn. Share your yummy breakfast recipes with the rest of us!

Traveling Dreams

 JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I've been thinking and dreaming much about traveling lately. Part of that is usual for this time of year - as you may have gathered from Monday's conversation, January and February in Maine is no picnic. I've reached the point in life where, if I had more cash and fewer obligations, I would happily up stakes and seek out warmer climes in winter. But part of it, of course, is the fact that I (and most of the rest of the world) haven't been able to travel. 

 I've gone places, yes, absolutely. In the summer, when infection rates were down and we could all spend plenty of time out of doors, the girls and I drove to Norfolk to spend some time with the Sailor. I spent a week in the Philadelphia region with my dear friend Rachael. I went twice to my dad's place in upstate New York. It feels a bit like nineteenth century travel: trips to relations and close friends, nothing that takes more than a long day, and you stay at least a week. 

I know I'm luckier than many during this pandemic. Honorary Red Celia Wakefield and her husband have barely been out of their house since last February. But still. I yearn for real travel. To head out for foreign climes and experience a new culture, eat new food, learn new things. Or to revisit favorite destinations from years past. I'm coming up with a list, dear readers, and I swear, I'm going to check each location off sooner or later (because if I don't I will really have wasted a lot of time looking up hotels, flights and lists of "best things to see and do." Where am I dreaming of?

 

 

1. Tahiti. Yes, I know it's cliche. But I also know it's 85F/29C today in Papeete, and along with white and ebony beaches, they have luxe resorts with swim-up bars. I don't pretend to be going to Tahiti for culture. I want to lay in the sun, splash in the water, and overindulge in coconut-flavored drinks.

 

 

 2. New York City. So much closer that French Polynesia, but it feels as far away right now. In the Before Times, I went often enough that I kind of took it for granted. The last time I was in NYC was a little over a year ago. Youngest and I stayed at a funky hotel, saw an amazing Broadway show, ate Chinese and toured the UN (that last being her passion.) I want to do it all again.

 

3. The Winter Carnival in Quebec. As we noted, it's possible to enjoy cold weather when you're out and doing things. Le Carnaval de Québec has some aspects of New Orleans' Mardi Gras: parades, great food and drink, a jolly crowd - but with much less public emesis and nudity. (You can strip down to your bathing suit and take a snow bath with Bonhomme Carnaval, but that takes some real dedication.) Despite living only a five hour drive away - the same distance as New York - I've never been.

4. Kosovo and Albania. Youngest went to Kosovo in the summer of '19, and had so many wonderful experiences, it made me want to see it for myself. And I've been interested in Albania for some years now - the gorgeous Adriatic coast, the food (a delicious blend of Greek, Turkish and southern Slavic influences) and some of the best-preserved Roman sites in all Europe.

 

 

5. The Big Island of Hawaii. Also, not a novel destination. The beaches, Volcanos National Park, the food (oh, lord, the food) the gardens, the history... Hawaii is definitely my happy place.

How about you, dear readers? What destinations are you dreaming of, in the days-to-hopefully-come when we can meet and mingle again?

The Case of the Compatible Sherlockians

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: It’s kinda like the best rom/com ever. With not romantic rom, but certainly personal and professional. And com, every minute of the day. 

 

Two of the most fabulous Sherlockians in the world, Laurie R. King and Les Klinger—I will pause a moment while you applaud—have put together another incredible volume of Sherlock-inspired short stories. As editors, (like Mickey Rooney and Shirley Temple but a tiny bit older) they tap their Holmes-loving pals and acquaintances and say—hey, we could put on a show!

 Et voila, a collection of original short stories. And the newest one, In League With Sherlock Holmes, is out right now—and they are giving away a copy to one lucky Jungle Red commenter! 

I was so thrilled to interview them, and like any great friendship and collaboration, I wondered how it all began. (And I wondered if they’d remember it the same way….) 

 HANK: When did you two first meet? And how? 

(LAURIE R. KING) It feels like we’ve known each other forever, but I think we must have met in person at one of the Left Coast Crime conferences in the early ‘oughts. People like us tend to set up our mutual admiration societies through conferences, which has made 2020 something of a holding pattern, when it comes to new friends…. 

[LESLIE S. KLINGER] Yup, it was at a conference, my first. I had heard of Laurie’s books, and I went to one of her presentations and boldly introduced myself, saying something like “We ought to know each other.” Laurie told me that she had my Holmes books on her reference shelf, and so it was love at first sight!

 HPR: I knew it! A meet cute! Ish. So you knew each other had an affection for Sherlock Holmes. 

 (LRK) Hard to miss it, really. Les writes nonfiction on the bloke, I write fiction where Holmes is a main character. 

 [LSK] Indeed, it was why we met! 

HPR: How much a part of your life is Sherlock Holmes and the whole canon? 

(LRK) Probably a lot less than he is in Les’s life! I certainly work around Holmes when I’m writing a novel, but other than that, I keep him firmly on the shelf. I swear, I can give him up any time. 

ed note: sure. 

[LSK] I try to write some new Holmesian scholarship every year, and I’m quite deeply involved with the literary society, the Baker Street Irregulars, so I’d say it’s a big part of my life. However, so are the many other fields in which I’ve gotten myself involved—horror writing and the Horror Writers Association, the field of comics/graphic novels, the field of classic crime fiction… too many interests! 

HPR: Do you remember the first time you decided to collaborate? What was that? 

(LRK) During the 2010 Left Coast Crime in LA, Les put together a panel with guests of honor Jan Burke and Lee Child, plus a couple of other top writers. Afterward, we looked at each other and Les said, Gee, wouldn’t it be fun to see if these writers would like to play in the world of Sherlock Holmes? So we asked, and they did, and it was fun indeed. 

HPR: Such a ridiculous impossible question, but what is it about the Holmes world that allows for such a glorious breadth of elaboration and creativity? 

(LRK) Well, when it comes to writing short stories inspired by a creation such as Holmes, it helps to have 60 great stories to begin with. The breadth of situations, characters, places—it means that none of the writers we’ve invited have come anywhere near to repeating one of the others. 

[LSK] I think that part of the endurance of Holmes is his archetypicity, if there is such a word. This allows writers to embody the idea of Holmes in many, many forms, places, and eras. 

HPR: I am going to use archetypicity forever. The range of authors who have contributed to your anthologies is so impressive – – tell us about inviting the people. What do they say when you ask? Do you simply assume they know enough to write a short story in this particular world? 

(LRK) As we go, more and more people have heard about the anthologies (and the awards they’ve won) so it takes less explaining. And with five books now, the list of fabulous writers who have already joined the team are truly impressive. I think people take us more seriously than we take ourselves.

 [LSK] What she said! Mostly, they say, “Really? Me? Oh, goodie!” 

HPR: Exactly what I said! I wrote “The Adventure of the Dancing Women” with much joy. And Debs and Rhys and Hallie have all contributed, too! And we are so grateful. 

 When you get the stories for the new anthology – – that must be such a treat! Talk a little bit about when they come in. Do you work together to edit? And oh--who chooses the title? 

(LRK) Yes, it’s a joy when the stories start to come in—we always talk about each one, either in voice or email. Then mostly I do the editing, and Les chimes in with his editorial thoughts and Sherlockian suggestions. Titles, too, come after a conversation. We try to play on some Sherlockian story or situation—and it’s always great to see what our publisher comes up with for the cover art! 

[LSK] We both live in California, so it’s convenient to talk a lot on the phone (same time zone)! There’s a lot of that when we’re at the point of editing and assembling! 

HPR: How has your personal "connection" with Sherlock Holmes and his world changed over the years? 

(LRK) When I first started writing my own series, which joins Holmes up with a young apprentice, Mary Russell, I was looking mostly at her world. But in recent years, I’ve become a little more interested in Holmes himself, who is in his late 50s when they meet (well after Arthur Conan Doyle finished with him!) It’s interesting to speculate on how this Victorian gent would change with the 20th century…. (And knowing that people like Les are looking over my shoulder, I take care to get the details right!) 

[LSK] The greatest joy has been my discovery that while Sherlockians may hook up because of their shared interest in the original stories, these “hook-ups” frequently turn into deeper, lasting friendships. This is true of the mystery community in general, I think—I love the people that I’ve been privileged to meet and call “friend,” and it has nothing to do with their writing or the writing profession. 

HPR: SO true! And do you think the Conan Doyle stories continue to get a new audience? 

 (LRK) Oh, absolutely. There’s always something new to discover there, even in the original stories. When I first started reading them—as an adult, after I decided to make him a character—I was astonished at the humor and the passion shown by this “thinking machine.”

 [LSK] For young readers, the stories are a revelation of invention and plot twists. For experienced readers of crime fiction, the stories seem to be filled with clichés—because Conan Doyle invented many of them! So I think that the pleasure for the latter class of readers is discovering--and basking in—the glow of the friendship of Holmes and Watson. 

 HANK:Yes, I remember reading them when I was a teenager, and the idea of "plot" and "character" and "sleight of hand" dawned on me.  So fantastic, and such a treat to talk with you both. We miss the conventions, too! 

SO Reds and readers, tell us—what’s your fave story starring Holmes and Watson? Or involving them? And a copy of IN LEAGUE WITH SHERLOCK HOLMES to one lucky commenter.

 IN LEAGUE WITH SHERLOCK HOLMES

 

Sherlock Holmes has captivated readers for more than a century, simultaneously inspiring countless numbers of writers. In League with Sherlock Holmes: Stories Inspired by the Sherlock Holmes Canon (Pegasus – December 1, 2020) edited by renowned Sherlockians Laurie R. King and Leslie S. Klinger, is the newest anthology in their Sherlock Holmes series. 

 Doyle’s great detective’s genius, mastery, and heroism became the standard by which other creators measured their creations. Influencing not only the mystery genre but also tales of science-fiction, adventure, and the supernatural. 

 In League with Sherlock Holmes features fifteen new Holmes inspired stories, written by award-winning authors of horror, thrillers, mysteries, westerns, science-fiction, and graphic novels. Critically acclaimed writers all bound together in admiration and affection for the original stories. 

 This latest collection spans from Victorian England to the modern day Jersey shore and features characters who are inspired, admire, or emulate Holmes. 

 Kirkus reviews said that in introducing this new collection of Sherlockian inspired stories, “the editors indicate the principal originality of this one: The authors are all “not previously known to be friends of Holmes.” This promise is paid off in spades,” and that all the authors have “updated or deconstruct Holmes in ingenious ways.”

The Consolations of History

Congratulations to our own Hank Phillippi Ryan, whose novel THE FIRST TO LIE has been nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award!!

 

 

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: It's no secret I'm a big fan of history. I double-majored in history and theater as an undergraduate, and when in grad school for museum studies, my academic concentration was 17th century colonial history. 

 

When I switched from working in museums to law school, I wrote my thesis on 17^th century colonial legal codes (a good writer never throws away material, she only recycles.) 

 

 

As a reader, I love historical fiction, historical mystery, historical romance, etc. etc. I’m not sure of my love of studying the events of the past come from being dragged around Important Sites in Europe as a child, touring the revolutionary battlefields of eastern New York, or just hearing tales of my own family in days gone by.

 

However, I’ve recently discovered, along with most of the rest of us, that actually living through History-with-a-capital-H is not as much fun as one might suppose. Many the time I have wondered, “What was it like for people living through --------?” Fill in the blank with war, migration, plague, invasion, etc. Well, now I know. It sucked, that’s what it was like, and the ordinary folks of the 11^th or 14^th or 17^th century (or those living through WWI and the Spanish Influenza) spent a lot of time wishing things would just calm the heck down and go back to the way they used to be.

 

Lately, for consolation, I’ve been listening to a new history podcast (having already gone through Mike Duncan’s excellent History of Rome and Patrick Wyman’s riveting The Fall of Rome.) The latter introduced me to my new obsession: The Fall of Civilizations, by writer and man of letters Paul M.M. Cooper.

 

So far, I’ve made it through the end of Roman Briton, the Mediterranean Bronze Age collapse, the disappearance of Vikings from Greenland, the toppling of the Mayan empire and the fall of the mighty Khmer empire, once centered at the great city of Angkor. There are themes in common: most of the civilizations that went down relied on scarce resources, often from far away. They were part of networks of trade and alliances that worked until they didn’t. And almost every one so far suffered from climate change; ether the end of the Roman Climactic Optimum, some nasty volcanic explosions, or the Little Ice Age. No cities fallen into disuse and people scattered due to a warming earth—yet. I’m only up to the 16^th century, after all.

 

Why am I enjoying the experience of reliving so many disasters? It actually gives me hope. The Maya and the Khmer and the Britons didn’t disappear from the earth, after all. They went different places, and lived different lives. Now, were they as comfortable and easy as in days of yore? No. But they did go on, to quote Celine Dion.

 

And so will we.

 

So, dear readers, what periods of history do you find fascinating? And which ones inspire you?