Hola from Mexico — we are inspired by the cool mountain air of San Miguel de Allende to share with you two of our favorite cemeteries of far West Texas: Terlingua & Lajitas.  What a beautiful part of the state and what neat cemeteries. We’ve also posted Glendale Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Harris County with views over the ship channel to the South Loop 610. This week’s Sidebar: The Hungry Ghost touches on an aspect of Buddhism that may not be known to you. Enjoy!

We’ve added a fascinating account of possibly Houston’s earliest settlers — a century before the Spanish discovered Texas. Link 

We’ve also added two captivating Sidebars: Dante Alighieri, Inferno & the Planet Pluto and Odd Fellows Want to Sell Dead Fellow. We think you will find both intriguing.

Our web guru has redesigned the site’s navigation system. I hope you find it easier. I know I do. I’ve highlighted the new additions so you can go straight to the most recent stories.

Marks and I are spending August in San Miguel de Allende Mexico. We’re discovering interesting cemeteries and funeral customs. Watch for those reports to come.

Enjoy.

I’ve received a number of messages from you about last week’s story on Lonesome George, the giant Galapagos tortoise who died in 2012 and is being prepared for exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. His death prompted a story on National Public Radio that many of you recall.

This week I’ve added 3 new stories from our trip to Ecuador and Galapagos: The Most Beautiful Cemetery in South America, the General Cemetery of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos and the Ancient Manteno-Huancavilca Tomb near Guayaquil Ecuador. Enjoy.