Black Order by James Rollins

I had a conversation the other day with my Mom about books, sparked by seeing "The Da Vinci Code" in a check out line. One of the things I told her about was the "Sigma Force" novels which I described to her as similar to "The Da Vinci Code" except with out all the controversy surrounding them!

"Black Order" continues the "Sigma Force" series by James Rollins. This time we find ourselves caught up in a sweeping story that has its roots in Nazi Germany, and that extends to mountains of Nepal. There are three main story lines running through the story, and it took me quite awhile to figure out how they all connected. I appreciate that in a story, I like being stumped!

The "Black Order" is the name given to a series of horrendous experiments that the Nazi's had been conducting in an attempt to create the perfect soldier. Only the experiments didn't end when the Nazi's fell. Now the results of these experiments are leading to death and destruction, and it's up to the Sigma Force to unravel this mystery.

On a side note, I read this book as my brother was on his way home from two years in Nepal. Entirely coincidental, but a lot of fun. This story takes place up in the high mountains though, and he really didn't get up there much.

Peter's Home!!!

I can hardly tell you how exciting it is to have my brother home again! In many ways he's the same, and in other ways he's different. Take the above picture, he learned to play guitar while he was gone! We had fun listening to him this morning.

Last night we went and met him at the air port. The family, and two of his best friends were there. Then, one of his other best friends met us at the house. It was great! We heard lots of stories last night, and then I went back over there for awhile this morning for breakfast. We're headed back over there in a little bit for our "Christmas dinner." We postponed it until he was home.

His accent has changed! Still has a bit of a country twang too it, but there are definite differences. And he slips into Nepalese a lot - which is entertaining! He's taught us a few words. I don't know how to spell any of them so I won't try, but I learned the words for "what can you do?" "good morning" "hello/good-bye" in the traditional Christian manner, older brother, younger brother, and older sister! You know me - I love stuff like that!

Some Explaining to Do

So I'm guessing from the comments I got on my award post, I have some explaining to do! I decided I could either answer each person individually, or just put up another post and explain myself :P So here goes!

1. First bone I ever broke was actually not mine...it was my cousins finger! Sorry Bonny!

We were about 7 I think, and getting ready to head up to our Granny's for a two week visit. Ever slammed your finger in a car door? Yeah, I didn't see her hand and I slammed the door. Broke her finger...and it was her birthday! Believe me I PAID for that one!

2. I've danced on the side of the free way.

Ok, this shot obviously isn't on the side of the free way, but it's one I love! I'm dancing with Aaron, and that's a black kilt he's wearing, and no, that's not his tidy whities peeking out - it's an under shirt! Anywho...back in my healthy days I was a swing dancer. The free way story comes from a time when some girls and I broke down on the side of the free way on the way out to go dancing. Since we had to wait to be rescued we decided to entertain ourselves! And what better way than by dancing? I'm just glad we didn't cause any accidents...

3. I once performed at the base of the Space Needle.

I spent a year as the co-leader of a drama group at my church. Among other things we did some street performances. One of them just happened to be in a park at the base of the Space Needle!

4. I had an article published in an Australian Craft Magazine.

This was earlier this year - and I was so excited!

5. My brother lives in Kathmandu, Nepal.

I miss him like crazy. He should be home in January!

6. I was once an extra in a movie.

This is a dancing thing again! I don't know if I made it into the final movie, but I got to dance as an etra in the indie film "Everyman's War." It's just finally coming out now...two years later! Don't know if I'll get to see it or not, but it was an experience to remember!

7. I've never been camping.

It just never worked out for one reason or another. Don't really see myself doing it at this point either :P

8. As a girl I raised pigs for food instead of having pets.

My Dad grew up a farm boy, and we lived on half an acre of land. He didn't really believe in animals unless they served a purpose, so instead of a dog or cat, I raised a total of 6 pigs! They tasted good too :P