Alas Babylon Review

I actually really enjoyed this book. At the beginning I felt the propaganda from my elementary education returning, but the story was interesting so I kept reading. Do any of you remember the films we used to watch about building bomb shelters in the backyard and how to recognize a "radioactive fall-out shelter"? Well this book will take you back. It was hard to read it knowing that the book was written in the early 60's and that many of the theories from then have now been proven either false or worthless. Yet at that time we were directed by authoritative voices on how to survive a bomb and really I think they only promoted fear of the Russians. But alas, I drift, the story is good. Knowing that there is a real possibility of a disaster in my lifetime, natural or man-made, this book inspired me to work on my storage of food and other necessities. It also made me want to be a better gardener. I also look back fondly on the days of the cold war being over. I wonder if we all felt that with Russian power collapsing and the wall coming down so to speak we were living in a safer world. I don't think any of us believe that now and we also know it won't take a nuclear bomb to significantly disrupt our lives. It also makes me think about what is necessary for peace in the world. It seems like the gospel is the one solution. Would I recommend this book? Yes. Matt is currently reading it, then it's on to Jennie. You may borrow it if you like.

Happy Birthday Doug!

Yesterday Douglas turned 13. I now have 3 teenagers. From day one, as you can tell, he has been wide awake. In the hospital picture for all of my other children, they were sound asleep, but not Doug. When he was younger he loved puzzles and legos. Now he likes playing the piano and saxaphone and baseball. He probably likes girls but he'll never tell me. Doug is very kind to his younger siblings and very helpful to his parents. Here he is playing church basketball on his birthday and then cooking green beans with mushrooms and onions (his favorite vegetable).

Missing You Karin

Wow, only 3 weeks gone and to me it seems like forever! I'm so glad you are taking advantage of this opportunity. To be honest, I didn't know if you would really do it. Do you remember in 5th grade getting so homesick at Camp Green Meadows that I had to come and pick you up after two days? Here is your 5th grade picture to remind you. You've come a long way - in many ways. Love you tons!!

Children's Hospital

Today we were back at Children's Hospital with Thomas. Here is the orange grove we pass by, this time the fruit is ripe and ready for harvest.


The road leading to the hospital passes through grape vineyards, fruit orchards, nut tree orchards, citrus groves and other agricultural fields. Today, bee boxes by the truckloads were placed in the almond orchards. In just a couple of weeks those orchards will be in full blossom. It's a small road and only 20 houses, 6 farm buildings, 2 horse ranches and 1 nursery fill the space not used for agriculture.

When you come around a small bend in the road the hospital stands out like a castle. It was too foggy this morning to take a good picture from a distance, so these are close-ups showing only a small part of the hospital.


Thomas did great. He is so trusting and positive, even when it hurts. Here he and Emily are enjoying chocolate pudding and chocolate milk after the procedures. We are in the Jellyfish Cafe. Thomas loves the painted walls.

Here are some pictures from 5 years ago, just following the surgery.



Here he is today.

Here he is giving blood. You've never seen a braver boy. He is even braver than ALL of his older siblings.

And finally we're saying good-bye to Children's until next month when we return to see his Nephrologist.

Power Ranger Barbies We Need You

I loved Kelly's blog about the barbies. Karin told me (after taking a human development class) that the most frequent interaction of toddlers is "conflict". Good thing, because on Saturday I asked Doug to please play with Emily in her kitchen/grocery store. He was so good buying all the delicious plastic treats available, spending money and even using his credit card (school ID card). All of a sudden Thomas came bursting from the bedroom with his beanie pulled down over his head, dark goggles on and carrying a gun. Yes, he was here to commit an armed robbery. It ended with Emily screaming (her favorite thing to do) and Emi and Doug chasing Thomas around and around the living room.

Alas, Babylon

It has been one of my goals to read whatever books my children are reading. Yes, this does mean that I am sometimes reading about 3 books at the same time (you should see my nightstand). But, I'm glad I've done it! It has led to so many great conversations, and yes, I'll do just about anything to keep my kids talking to me. I try to show them that I am interested in their thoughts, my favorite phrase is "tell me more".

I still keep a copy of "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe in my car door, I have discussed this poem at length with a child, both of us being so moved by it. When I'm waiting in a parking lot somewhere I pull it out and enjoy not only the poem but also the feelings and memories it brings to me. There are other pieces of literature in my car - kept for the same reason - come have a look. I love it when one of my kids walks into my room and slaps a book on my nightstand and says, "Mom, you have to read this!"

BUT, now I'm starting Alas, Babylon and I must confess, I dislike science fiction. When I went to get the book and was pointed past the fiction, past the mysteries, and past the reference books I knew I was in trouble. I don't know why, science fiction has never appealed to me, perhaps too much Ray Bradbury in high school. So with a load of bricks on my shoulders I carried the book home and will begin it tonight. Wish me luck, it's for a good cause.