This is so great, John! It’s so interesting to read about your family history and how it’s intertwined with the history of California. I’m trying to do a similar dive into our family’s place. I’ve become obsessed with learning more about who came before us!
Thanks, Monique! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Family history, and the history of place, are endlessly interesting and powerfully compelling avenues for exploration. Good luck on your journey down that path!
What a grand history and as others have said, your writing skills are so appreciated in these times. I love the reference to being terrified by the chickens during egg retrieval. I tell people that my girls turn into velociraptors during that process. They make a sound that I only ever hear when trying to separate them from their eggs. Can't wait for your next post - love to Leslie!
Very well done, John, as always. I’ve sent it on to my wife, who was raised in Sonoma County, and to her relatives, Heather and Tom Chown, who still live there.
Love this piece, John. In a similar vein, a canvas 15-inch by 32-inch canvas map of the travels of Lewis & Clark has traveled with me ever since your articles on the 200th anniversary of the journey. But last week, I finally took it to a local store to have it appropriately matted and framed. It will hang in my office as a reminder of their "undaunted courage" and your sublime writing.
Thank you for the kind words, Tim. I'll forever be indebted to you for supporting my work on that project, which was life-changing. Sorry I didn't track you down after the CERF event in February — I had no idea you were about to decamp for Michigan!
Ahhh thanks John, that was fascinating. I love hearing about your ranch from your childhood memories. AND how you know how to look up the historical information regarding your farm.
This is so great, John! It’s so interesting to read about your family history and how it’s intertwined with the history of California. I’m trying to do a similar dive into our family’s place. I’ve become obsessed with learning more about who came before us!
Thanks, Monique! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Family history, and the history of place, are endlessly interesting and powerfully compelling avenues for exploration. Good luck on your journey down that path!
What a grand history and as others have said, your writing skills are so appreciated in these times. I love the reference to being terrified by the chickens during egg retrieval. I tell people that my girls turn into velociraptors during that process. They make a sound that I only ever hear when trying to separate them from their eggs. Can't wait for your next post - love to Leslie!
Glad you liked it, Patty!
Very well done, John, as always. I’ve sent it on to my wife, who was raised in Sonoma County, and to her relatives, Heather and Tom Chown, who still live there.
Chuck
Thanks, Chuck! It's a special place.
Love this piece, John. In a similar vein, a canvas 15-inch by 32-inch canvas map of the travels of Lewis & Clark has traveled with me ever since your articles on the 200th anniversary of the journey. But last week, I finally took it to a local store to have it appropriately matted and framed. It will hang in my office as a reminder of their "undaunted courage" and your sublime writing.
Thank you for the kind words, Tim. I'll forever be indebted to you for supporting my work on that project, which was life-changing. Sorry I didn't track you down after the CERF event in February — I had no idea you were about to decamp for Michigan!
Ahhh thanks John, that was fascinating. I love hearing about your ranch from your childhood memories. AND how you know how to look up the historical information regarding your farm.
It's truly interesting! Jill
Thanks, Jill!