The poet Robinson Jeffers understood this reality. That such a perspective need not be bleak is something he spent decades telling readers. Until his death on Jan. 20, 1962 -- 50 years ago ...

Every Wednesday, Jan Jeffers gets to spend a few hours bonding with her 8-year-old granddaughter, Kalvin. More often that not, their sessions begin over a nice, steaming pot of Strachetella Soup ...