Q I'd like to buy a set of Russian nesting dolls. Do you have any suggestions on where to find them?
A Yes, the Museum of Russian Art in south Minneapolis has a variety of matryoshkas, or nesting dolls, for sale in its store. While you're there, you might want to check out the current exhibit of matryoshkas.
The museum is off Interstate 35W at the Diamond Lake Road exit. Admission is $5, but you can visit the museum store for free. For museum hours or directions, phone 612-821-9045 or go to www.tmora.org.
Cremation details Q How long does it take to cremate a body? Can ashes be spread anywhere in Minnesota?
A The body is put into a chamber for 21/2 hours at 1,600 to 2,000 degrees. All that remains is some bone fragments and ash. A magnet is used to recover metal parts such as pins or joints. The remains are then pulverized to create an even, gritty mixture. The metal pieces, with the exception of dental gold, are disposed of by the mortuary or returned to the family, on request. Because gold beads up into very small, BB-like spheres, they are almost undetectable. And gold isn't picked up by a magnet. The small amount of gold in a body stays with the remains.
There are no specific laws in Minnesota regarding the scattering of ashes. However, be discreet when scattering ashes and do not scatter them on private property or at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Information from the Cremation Society of Minnesota
Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies. Fixit appears every day except Friday.
