The Ranch in 2024

Even when we come in early, on Thursday instead of Friday, still, Friday night Shabbat is the ritual start of our fabulous Memorial Weekend at The Ranch.

Dinner tonight: a Chinese-Chicano feast!

.

Let’s look at four of the accommodations. When Barbara and Jerry are not hosting huge events for their family and friends, they rent out these houses and all the amenities of The Ranch. Here’s the website for Pinnacles Country Inn and the multiple award-winning Oils of Paicines.

.

My favorite activity: Walk Around the Circle. I like to do it by myself, with a friend, with a group, however, a walk around the circle is a complete delight.

Oh Jerry, always up to something, you never know what you might run across at The Ranch.

Ben and Bonnie on the circle too.

.

A crew was refreshing the herb garden in front of the kitchen, where shoes are discouraged.

And the chefs for this meal needed more scallions so Sandy and I went over to the big vegetable garden to fetch some.

.

Just a few of the many animals at The Ranch. The white peacock is Henry. You can click on this link to see Henry in 2009.

.

There’s another big kitchen out here, where we usually eat lunch and hang out often during the day.

This year we had a stretching/yoga session and Sandy led a Qigong class. We’ve had guided meditation and various other self-improvement opportunities that I always enjoy so much.

.

Barbara and Hao made us a festive afternoon tea.

.

Clap your hands for the 2024 Talent Show!

Barbara and the Sassy Sisters, an annual performance enjoyed by all.

Bonnie, me, Lynn, Naomi, and Barbara on drums, doing Dancing In The Streets.

from Carl.

Welcome to The Talent Show by Connor, Lew was again our Master of Ceremonies, and Michael played a sing-along.

Bonnie, Ben, and Rita each chose quotes to inspire and amuse.

Lynn, Naomi, and Sandy wrote touching pieces from the heart.

Here’s our Carl, one of a kind, reading this year’s Haiku.

The evening’s skits included David, Marijke, and Bob, then Samara and Brett, then Lew and Bob.

Denis, we missed you! 1939-2023

.

There are hearty souls who walk up up up to the picnic spot and the rest of us have come to our senses and ride. There’s always delicious food and beverages in the trunk of Barbara’s car.

The view of The Ranch below.

.

The kitchen, before the breakfast crowd kicks in.

.

Heading out Monday after lunch. At lunch a great number of leftovers are produced for eating and packing up for the ride home.

.

I drove with Ben and Bonnie and we decided to stop for an overnight at Harris Ranch, half way down I5, where they have good food, comfortable rooms, and a pool.

Two things, I have an odd affection for power lines, and I spent an extra $20 to get this cool patio with floor to ceiling glass doors, the patio furnished with cozy chairs and a table, just the way I like it.

In the dark, half-hidden in the bushes outside my patio door. Awww, here kitty kitty!