Central California

This blog is supposed to be primarily about the ranch, but in some ways it is about us because everything we post shines a little light on who we are. In light of this, we decided to share our recent journey to our old stomping grounds with you and especially for Dylan, a dear friend whom we also consider as part of our family. Click on this link to learn more about Dylan and see where he is now. I can assure you it is not Central California. Happy Birthday Dyl! We love you.

Our first stop on our journey was Yosemite Valley because the beauty and the hiking in that area is dear to us and it is where we were married.

Here is the chapel where we said "I do". That is Half Dome in the background and a dogwood spray in full bloom in the foreground.

The dogwoods were blooming everywhere. Their exoticness seemed in direct contrast to the granite walls looming all around us.
This is Yosemite Falls and the Merced River .
These are called the Royal Arches and that is, I think (help me out Dylan), North Dome behind them.
I have never experienced Bridalveil Falls quite like this. It was invigorating and we got wet. Our oldest son, Zac, lives a few hours from Yosemite, so our next stop was his place. We spent some time with him and his girlfriend, Cristina. We traveled a few hours to the central coast and spent a little time on a sailing boat. The water sparkled like diamonds and the air was moist and mild. The sea lions sang a hearty sailing song as we traveled by. Then we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It is an amazing place. If you want to take the time to read and listen you can learn a lot. We, on the other hand, were more into just enjoying the play of light on the scales of the sardines as they raced around , or the uniqueness of each species displayed. We spent most of our time just gazing in wonderment.
They entertain the children and childlike with a diver who waves and feeds the fish. Our next stop was our family farm.We visited with our families. I also escorted my mom to get a medical test, and I am thankful they did not find anything seriously wrong.

The area where we once lived could not be more different from this ranch. It is very flat there. And dry. And hot. And the sky is not clear blue but rather a dingy blue-gray.

In this photo you see the undeveloped land on the left and the cultivated land on the right. Note the flatness.


While Central California still holds many dear memories and loved ones, I felt my heart quicken as each mile passed on the journey north yesterday. We were heading home to the place where God has planted us to bloom. It fills us with joy to live here and we like sharing it with you too.