The Whittaker Saga

The second half of 1968 is a time of great disillusionment and frustration for Barbara and her friends in San Sequoia. As the democratic convention concludes with Humphrey as the party's presidential candidate, many of them stand without a viable candidate to vote for. In Barbara's garden, they meet and discuss the issues, complaining about the state of the country. "It's easy, vote for Eldridge Cleaver," Aileen says. "He won't win, but at least we can make a statement." "His rhetoric is far too violent. I get the idea, but not the methods." "If they hadn't shot Kennedy-" "If he hadn't run in the first place maybe Eugine McCarthy would be on the ticket." "Or maybe he would be dead. They're not gonna let anyone representing the people win, it's all rigged, man. It's all rigged." "Well Humphry is at least better than Nixon." "He's pro war!!!" In the end they all have to...

As summer start coming to an end, Thomas regrets not having had time to spend time at Anna's ranch as they usually do. But life has bee busy, with birthdays and parties and work. Taking a vacation in summer has been nearly impossible, as the first ever heart transplant was made in South Africa and the hospital busy with the implications, the moral dilemmas and the new prospects that brings. But as Steven is turning ten, no longer so little, the family takes a day off to celebrate his birthday in Chestnut Ridge.   It's a warm welcome and the adults - and Michael who can't wait until he is an adult - soon sit around the large table outdoors chatting away. About heart transplants, the war, politics and the upcoming election this fall. Carl and Susan, on the other hand, run straight for the paddock and the horses. Carl is first up on Gale, with Susan taking the older and calmer Stormcloud, then they're off with Carl only half listening as his father yells at him to make sur...