Belated Fourth

I'm fond of the "Titan" science-fiction trilogy by John Varley.  There is a race of centaurs who communicate in music.  They're puzzled by the human habit of playing the same piece of music over and over in what they consider a frozen form, but at the same time they go ape over some human musicians, particularly John Philip Sousa.  Well, who wouldn't?



Speaking of music, I attended my uncle's memorial service in the old San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio today.  Imagine my enchantment when the very beautiful harp music that was playing while mourners were being seated gave way to a fine mariachi band that led the priest up the aisle.  After the service, which included some thoughtful eulogies by my uncle's son and two of his grandsons, the same mariachi band played another song and led the crowd in a procession down the street (this was in downtown San Antonio near the Alamo) to the building where the reception was being held.   It was like a San Antonio version of a New Orleans funeral.

A fitting send-off for a grand paterfamilias.