This is a new feature I'll be trying out here on the Older Parent Blog. I'm hoping it will be interesting for others, while giving me a chance to sum up my week in a tidy package.

Here's what I'm reading:
"Human Traces" by Sebastian Faulks.
I love what he does with words, and his, "Birdsong" is one of my all time favorites. This book is an enjoyable read, but takes too many meanders that go nowhere and mean nothing.

"A Crack in the Edge of the World: America and the Great California Earthquake of 1906" by Simon Winchester.
As the Brits would say, this is a cracking good read! It starts out in my childhood backyard with Mt. Diablo, then proceeds through eons of earth movement. Like "Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded: August 27, 1883" this book takes what could be dry explanations of geological activity ... hard science with lots of dates and facts ... and turns it into a gripping tale without once ounce of fiction.

(Don't tell my brothers, but this is what they're getting for Christmas.)

What the kids are reading:
Sam's already demanding "The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg. It's a bit early for my taste, but we're interspersing it between "The Tiger Who Came to Tea" and "Walter the Farting Dog" ... just to keep the mood light and not too festive.

What I wrote:
In addition to the blogs and daily emails to my mother, I put the final touches on a speech about internationally enforceable laws to protect children that will be delivered in India over the weekend. I'm also approaching the final deadline on the book, so am focusing on that.

What I watched:
Gay finally received the last season of "The West Wing", so I watched it all. Wow.
Sam's been introduced to "Scooby Doo" through our local DVD rental shop. After a dozen viewings, however, he wanted the whole, "Walking with Beasts" series, so I'm not too worried about cartoons taking over his brain.

Special food:
A week ago today we did our version of Thanksgiving, and I managed to take a turkey that's been in someone's freezer for at least a year and make it pretty yummy. Thanks to that old bird, my assistant, Catherina, had her first encounter with American food. She probably put chili on it, but she claimed to like it.

Wonderful conversations:
My friend Julie and I discovered where we differ. Gay kicked my butt at Scrabble a couple of times while we chatted about the weather, which is perfect right now. I can't talk to either of them much these days, though, as I have way too much fun when I do and don't get work done.

Fun times:
Not many. I'm too busy.

Great things the kids said/did:
Sam has been determined to keep me in flowers this week. Every time he's gone anywhere, he's come home with a bouquet.
Cj decided she likes running at full speed down slopes. She laughs her head off, and never falls. She has amazing balance.

Photo of the week:
Cj sporting shades.