The first anniversary of our ownership of the Ranch is approaching. Well, it’s still a couple of months off, but this early spring weather has put me in mind of it. Escrow closed on the 26th of April, 2010, while the land was bursting with vernal life and potential. The following Saturday, 30 April, Sue and I with a few close friends had our very first meal on the land. The day was bright and sunny with a cool breeze blowing. We set up a picnic table in the lush grass under the Buckeye trees down by the creek, out in the broad, flat pasture, and had cheese, salami, fruits, and crusty bread washed down with wine. We toasted to our good fortune and to the coming adventure of making this old dairy farm our home.