In January of 2008, the rain seemed like a ominous sign to go home.. Sitting at a traffic light in Encinitas, while the green arrow flashed on my dashboard, I had the distinct feeling that if I didn’t make that appointment, I might be missing out on a golden opportunity. That meeting just happened to be with the publisher of The Rancho Santa Fe News. Luckily, my instincts serve me well. I remember sitting with Jim Kydd discussing my column. We bounced ideas back and forth to each other, and he liked the idea and wanted to run with column, if the editor approved.        As you might have guessed, two weeks later, “Machel’s Ranch” appeared in next issue. and I’ve been sharing stories with you ever since that almost ill-fated rainstorm moment. I’ll never know what might have happened if I hadn’t made it. I do know that sometimes you can’t make up a for moment and if you miss it, it’s gone for good. Seven years in Hollywood taught me that lesson all too well.

            Four years later and many things  have changed with time but there are a few ‘constants’ that have stayed the same, like in my column for example—my featured regulars. These women have been making an appearance in “Machel’s Ranch” since the beginning. After really thinking about it, I figured out Rancho Santa Fe has the making of its own  reality show that doesn’t have anything to do with the word “desperate.” This town is full of winners, families, moms and moguls. And, only the eucalyptus tree have privy to the secrets lives of some of the Ranch locals, unless you happened to be a girl with a camera and a pen and paper to document these happenings. After four years of  “Machel’s Ranch,” I am introducing the cast of these chic women that bring verve and flavor to the inside pages of the Rancho Santa Fe News.

In 1999, I met Jill Sorge. Big, fat and pregnant, I wasn’t one of those beautiful skinny pregnant women that could show a bit of their mid-drift with a black pair of leggings. Due to some complications I ended up looking more like a linebacker in a jean jumper that lacked the sophistication I witnessed at the market in the Ranch. Needless to say I was horrified. Just when I thought fatness and loneliness had taken me down the black hole, I met Ranch resident, Jill Sorge at a Christmas party. A former model and soap opera actress, Jill and I hit it off immediately. Her beautiful face, and kind words of “Don’t worry, you lose the weight,” helped me see the light and new beginnings. Jill had had three kids and looked fabulous. If she can do it, I can, too, type attitude bonded us together for life. Jill has been appearing in this column from the beginning. From her many activities associated to Santa Fe Christian—all three of her children go there—and other events she invites me as her guest, Jill’s schedule to running to homes in San Diego could give any of these featured reality show regulars a run for their money. A consummate friend and an amazing human being, God answered a prayer when I met Jill.

In 2001, I met Meredith MacDonald at a Gymboree class in Solana Beach. As each mom went around in the baby circle describing their day, when Meredith spoke up about her wants and needs, “I can’t wait for my baby to go to sleep and have some fun again.” You could say my ears perked up immediately. Me, too, I thought. Well since then, Meredith and I have had some fun times, laughs and silly moments. With a personality like Elizabeth Taylor, you know the type that attract the attention when they enter the room, you could say being friends with Meredith was like being back in Hollywood again. Every where we went in the Ranch life felt grandiose and exciting. Always dressed impeccable and wearing Chanel 5 accentuate with the perfect Prada bag with a million dollar smile, Meredith MacDonald could be an instant hit on any television show.

In 2005, I met Krista Lafferty, while working in the newspaper publishing business. thirteen years younger than me, you wouldn’t immediately pair us together. Krista tall slender build and can-do attitude has always made her a ‘force to be reckoned with’ in personal and professional settings. I was immediately drawn to her ambitiousness and dedication the the newspaper industry. Krista has been featured in “Machel’s Ranch” as one my closest friends and co-workers around town. From Thyme in the Ranch lunches to our Mille Fleurs moment, Krista’s youth and vibrant attributes have added much delight to these pages and excitement along the way. At my bridal shower, I credited Krista for helping me meet my husband, Robin. I was with her when we met at Mille Fleurs in 2006.

In 2006, I met Karian Forsyth at Mille Fleurs with her husband Tom. I can still remember thinking, “Who is that glamorous couple out on the patio?” Well you could say that Karian and I became fast friends. From her impeccable style to her powerhouse personality, Karian Forsyth when you meet her gives you the feeling she stepped off a chartered jet from Aspen and you can’t wait to find out what’s been going on in her glamorous world. The featured spa parties that have become one of my favorites in Rancho Santa Fe are hosted by Karian at her house in The Crosby. Rumor has it around town that she recently turned down Matchmaking reality show because her life is already filled to the brim. Karian Forsyth has been a ‘constant’ since the very beginning of “Machel’s Ranch.”

In 2008, I met Elaine Gallagher at Delicias. I remember thinking, “Wow a beautiful blonde with a perfect smile, who is she?”  Well, we soon became friends. I do think I pursued Elaine you could say. Her beauty is actually second to her kind spirit and good heart-warming soul. Her stories have added heart and glamour to these pages. As a savvy real estate agent—Gallagher & Gallagher—and a mother of a successful son that directs movies in Hollywood, Elaine makes it all look so easy, with upbeat attitude and sweet soul.

Thank-you readers for reading “Machel’s Ranch.” You never know what’s going to happen in the next two weeks in Rancho Santa Fe.  Be ready, I’ve got my camera!

           The Rancho Santa Fe News 
“Machel’s Ranch” Newspaper column -On-line version

I don’t want to write any wise suggestions for this year for the New Year. You don’t need them from me anyway. I’m not going to write about art, books or the Book Cellar. I have decided to spare you from all of that and share with my readers little signs that I always look for that inspire me during my day. Call me sappy, call me out there, but life’s too short not to have some fun in the process. It’s sort of like “Slug-bug” for grown-ups. Here are a few signs I often search for that I find a great deal of pizzazz from when they just happen spontaneously to me when I least expect them. I am sure you will see a correlation, so I will just start out with this line: “I have a thing for birds.”

            If  see a hummingbird at any point in the day, I immediately feel like an “energy angel” has whizzed by me and find hope in their fluttering wings. A white owl flight at night…have you seen one lately? If I see one, I instantly gasp for breath because I’ve almost run off the road and hit a tree. (Maybe not such a great sign after all.) And, I have saved the best for last. My favorite sign is “White bird of Hope.” Have you seen one of those? That can come in the form of a seagull, a white dove, a white crane, a white heron or any bird that looks remotely white. When one crosses my sight, I instantly think. “White bird of hope,” and my day feels brighter.

            You see? I just shared my signs that make my life a bit more fun and exotic. So for 2012, make up your own signs and don’t forget to create some magic during your daily routine. Happy New Year Rancho Santa Fe.

          

            On December 17^th, Karian Forsyth invited her Spa Gals over to her house for some pampering with Holiday flair. Pedicures and manicures, massage or facial, all of the guest enjoyed their options, while dishing on the latest fashion trends, the best restaurants and what destination places are in. Which brings me to an important update in my column. Yes, the news is here. I have found out where Tom and Karian Forsyth flew off to for Tom’s birthday in December. I have it on good authority that the Forsyth’s boarded a private jet with Maggie and Gary Bobileff—two of my other favorite Ranch residents! Yes, the four of them made it to the Grand Cayman Island for an intimate celebration to one of the coolest Caribbean islands to visit. Here are two photos that capture living at it’s finest. One is of Karian looking glamorous in her pink studded blouse with Tom and the “Spa Party gals” from The Crosby. Hey, guess what? Life can be incredibly good sometimes, right?

Later that night, Elaine and Michael Gallagher attended a smashing party at the Grand Del Mar for the Holidays. I managed to get the exclusive on this photo for my column for the paper. Sources will not be revealed, but I will say these are gorgeous ladies that I am sure you will recognize as familiar faces in “Machel’s Ranch.” Aren’t they simply beautiful?

On December 19^th, My husband Robin and I met one of my favorite couples, Tony and Bianca Macaluso. They arrived in style in their new white Rolls Royce to Firenze restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe. We arrived by Jeep. Not so bad by my standards, but the Rolls Royce looked like heaven on wheels. Tony and Bianca wore matching white attire, with red accents that emulated that cool holiday feel. We wore leather jackets. As the night wore on, we shared fun movie stories, enjoyed fine food, but most of all, enjoyed being out with good friends for Christmas. I snapped this photograph of them before they whisked away in their Rolls Royce back to their amazing estate in Del Mar. Robin and I drove away into the dark of the night feeling the holiday spirit of good times recapping our fabulous evening with two of our favorite friends.

If you are looking for any charities to donate to, my suggestion would be to the Salvation Army. They do so much for so many in need and they are here locally. They will come directly to your house to pick up any of those extras that you don’t need, but someone else will. Here is a link to their website: http://www1.usw.salvationarmy.org.

Happy New Year Rancho Santa Fe!

If you have a story you would like to share with Machel, please email her at mpenn@coastnewsgroup.com

What happens when friends stop being friends? I’m sure you have experienced that one wonderful relationship that suddenly goes sour and your phone stops ringing. What’s funny about friends not being friends anymore is that, when you break up with a man you can rationalize it. A woman can find reasons why and make a checklist and then lick the wounds. But with friends? Well, that’s an entirely different hurt all together.I recently had a dream where I was in church and there she was! The friend that left me, sitting with a new group of “moms’’ in the back pews. Wow, what a blow. Left for a church and fat moms in sweats. I guess sometimes life can split you with those you like the best. There can be no reason; there will be no warning and you will be left to figure out, “What happened? Was it me?”   So, how does the heart recover when a friendship ends?If love can be broken, if trust has been broken, is it possible for friends to find their way back to each other? My answer: “Yes.” If you love someone, and the friendship is worth fighting for, don’t give up. Tell your friend you love them and that you are sorry for whatever you might have done wrong. Take responsibility for your actions.

Woody Allen once said, “The heart wants what the heart wants.” The same applies for friends. We may never know why they mean so much to us. However, when that person you missed comes back, it feels like an unexpected gift.  The sun will come out and you will remember the good times. Remember, some friends are worth fighting for, as for that one sitting in the back pew? Well, I do believe that is an entirely different story for next time…

AROUND TOWN

On Sept.2, Michael and Elaine Gallagher invited some close friends, family and colleagues to their End of the Summer Del Mar Race Track party. I must admit that was my first time back to the track in ages. Due to a busy schedule with my husband’s business re-opening this year after the Witch Creek Fires, my social scene has pretty much been looking at fruit, vegetables and more fruit. No complaints. But you can surmise by the last statement that I was an enthusiastic wife and friend thrilled to make it to Elaine and Michael’s wonderful party. I only managed to knock off a saucer or two on the coffee table in the fancy suite up on the fifth floor. (Yes, I did do that, and I was making a joke about it.) I am sharing this photo of just Elaine and I because it captures why ‘two blondes’ are better than one. Thanks Elaine and Michael for helping back out into the world again.

On Sept. 8, while the world was gearing up for the 10-year anniversary of Sept.11, Southern California experienced what the world would be like without electricity. If you were out in the madness and trying to get home that day, then you know it was actually very scary out there. People were stranded; no gas, no bankcards, no technology and those poor victims stuck in elevators downtown! After my almost two hour drive that normally takes only 25 minutes, I finally pulled up to Lemon Twist. Guess what I did? I started stocking up for the worst — a mother preparing for battle.

Well, I had glimmers of that 1983 movie called “The Day After.” This was a movie about what happens the next day after nuclear war hits. Very frightening. Luckily, San Diego returned to sanity. The next day I quickly ran out and bought am/fm radio headsets for all of my friends at The Dollar Tree. (The things we do when we are in survival mode.)

Later that day, Ranch resident Neysa Whiteman hosted the Scripps Charity Event “Wine, Women & Shoes” at her lovely estate in Rancho Santa Fe. I do believe there was quite a buzz on this party for a couple of weeks around town. I even received phone calls just making sure I would be there. Due to school starting that week and an insurmountable new line-up of homework, I couldn’t make it. However, here is a picture of Neysa Whiteman with a few of her guests from that day — lovely ladies out in style under the eucalyptus trees for charity. Thanks for sharing the photo with me.

On Sept. 9, I noticed these new beautiful cards on display down at Lemon Twist Fruit Stand. You may not know this, but I absolutely love art, painters and beautiful water color greeting cards! When my husband told me that the artist was Ranch Realtor, Laureen Weaver, I must admit I was very impressed and excited. Laureen failed to mention to me (being humble I am sure!) about her amazing gift and that she is an excellent artist. Painting is not easy, especially with watercolors. Her cards are of scenic views of Rancho Santa Fe and other picturesque paintings that make beautiful gifts for anyone.  Here is Laureen’s website: thebrokenbrush.com. You can also find them at Lemon Twist, at 8175 Del Dios Highway. Another important note, Laureen is also a member of the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild.

On Sept.15, parents were invited to Back To School Night at Roger Rowe. I managed to squeeze in my son’s sixth grade class just in time to hear all of the wonderful things they are learning about this year. The classrooms are just luxurious there. Wow, how impressive…and so are the teachers, the staff and the room aids that help out so much. Here is a gorgeous photo of Kerrie Lunsford, Allison Stratton and Sharon Krug, whom are all moms of sixth grade students.  Kerrie is just one of the many Room Moms that donates her time to make our children’s lives more organized and special at school. Thanks, Kerrie

Read more: Coast News Group – As Mr Allen said ‘The heart wants what the heart wants’

 

Can you believe that schools starts in Rancho Santa Fe in less than two weeks? As I watch each store pile up more school supplies in their front

aisles, it’s apparent the summer sand crystals are washing away with the tide of the season. Most commercials you see on television are bombarding you with last minute school specials. We’re almost not allowed to enjoy the last two weeks because we are being constantly reminded that the school calendar is already upon us.

Then let’s go back to school! Let the line-ups at Ranch schools begin. Watch out you late sleepers. You’re in for a shocker. If you are running a couple of minutes behind schedule, yes your child will be marked late. Why? Because in the last week of August, the Ranch will be clogged with families and teachers vying for the best parking spot, dashing for last minute lunch items at Stumps Market, and the quick coffee grab at Café Positano on Paseo Delicias.

I’m sure the line will be around the corner. Are you ready for the rush? If not, that’s OK. You’ll find your groove.  The early morning commute will find that familiar routine, as the scattered fall trees in the Ranch  begin to drop their leaves.

On that note, what better way to begin the “Back to School Madness” than to remember a few of the summer events in 2011? Here are some some of the few exciting social gatherings that happened “Around Town,” while the kids were at the beach.

Around Town

In June, Deana Carter of Carter Financial hosted Ladies Night Out. If you were lucky enough to be in on one of Rancho Santa Fe’s most familiar faces guest list, than you enjoyed an evening of pampering. According to my sources, the luxurious night included make-up artists, jewelry, samples of exotic olive oils, delectable chocolates, wine and fun networking.

One of the highlights of the party that evening was an introduction to Fresh Start Surgical Program. Fresh Start Surgical program is a charity that helps raise money for children born with deformities, or have been disfigured by child abuse, accidents or disease. The money raised by Fresh Start goes directly to reconstructive plastic surgery for these children. For more information, check out their website at freshstart.org. Thank you Deana for sharing photos from your fabulous event this summer. I’m sure we will see more of Deana this fall, too.

In July, The Del Mar Race track opened to the crowd, the hats and to the women and men wearing them in high style. While those lucky enough that made it to Opening Day squeezed into the Turf Club and other sections at the track, the rest of North County happened to BE stalled in their cars and staring at the bumpers on the 5 freeway.  And yes, I do have one more photo to share (some events are so big you can never give them enough coverage) from one of the most anticipated days in San Diego. 

These lovely women featured were seen looking fabulous at the  Mille Fleurs after party. Who said you had to live in Hollywood to find beautiful women?

Later in that month, a separate party did occur at the Turf Club, too, by one of Rancho Santa Fe’s well known residents, Elaine Gallagher.  Elaine celebrated her birthday with family and friends in a private box all to themselves, while watching and betting on the ponies. I must share with you that Elaine ranks up as one of the prettiest blondes in Rancho Santa Fe, along with the Holcombe sisters.  

But more importantly she is a genuinely sweet person, and I count myself lucky to know Elaine. Here are two photos from that party bash. If you are looking to buy real estate in this area, check out listings here: gallagher-gallagher.com.

Rounding out July’s calendar happens to be The Ranch’s very own Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club. Besides tracking through the Grand Canyon earlier in the summer, this dynamic group hung out with some Navy Seals! Wow, now check out this photo sent to me from Rancho Santa Fe’s very own patrol chief, Matt Wellhouser. 

In August, Lemon Twist fruit stand promoted their infamous chocolate covered strawberries by offering a free berry giveaway to customers that spend just $10 on their shopping spree there. And, did you know that eating high calorie desserts is totally out and eating healthy fresh sweets is the current trend?

Well, at Lemon Twist it surely is. And, if you happen to be in involved in the “World of Dating,” you better be watching your mid-section, too. Here is an example of what one Ranch resident opted for her birthday cake celebration with friends: one cupcake for the candles and handy light delectable dipped berries for all of the guests. Let just say the strawberries went fast, and no one had a sugar crash under the hot sun.

If you are wondering, the chocolate is imported from Europe in three flavors; white, milk and my favorite, the dark chocolate. Heavy in antioxidants and low on the glycemic index, check out lemontwistfruitstand.com to place an order, or just swing by Lemon Twist, located in Rancho Santa Fe across from Cielo and The Crosby on Del Dios Highway.  You might even catch me there helping out my husband sometimes on the weekends!

With school starting at the end of August, I have some exciting news! For you Ranch moms out there looking for a nanny this school season, I have found a recommendation.  A former employee of Mille Fleurs, Nina Hunt sent some exciting news to me regarding her good friend that she met in Germany, Liza Jehle, who is a nanny-for-hire.

Yes, that’s right. Now I know I have your attention. Liza has experience in Germany and the United States as a full time live-in nanny, caring for children between the ages of 6 to 11-years-old. Liza also attended  UCLA for one semester. She is fluent in German and English. If you are looking for some much needed help, you can e-mail Liza at lizajehle@gmail.com.  

She also has a list of referrals and references upon request for any family seeking her for employment. I have featured a photo of Liza here. Thanks Nina for putting me in touch with Liza and supplying me with some much needed excellent information for someone needing help.

June gloom seems to be lifting and there have been sunny skies here in Rancho Santa
Fe, which has me pondering a story I can’t seem to forget. Do you remember the
devastating tornado that hit Joplin, Mo., at the end of May?If you do,

then I’m sure you’ve heard of Will Norton. He was the 18-year-old high school
student that had just graduated less than an hour before his life was tragically
cut short on his way home after the ceremony. While the rest of us here and in
the other parts of the country may complain about the imperfect skies, the
residents in Joplin are trying to rebuild their lives. We’re talking about
grieving over loved ones, while losing your home, your car and your place of
work. Can you imagine? If you have a moment, I encourage you to check out Will’s
facebook page at www.Facebook.com/FindWillNorton.

Will Norton looked like
one of the happiest, enthusiastic individuals I’ve ever seen photographed. The
one thing is for sure, while he was alive, he was smiling from his soul. Let’s
hope we can try and take advantage of each day we are given, and count our many
blessings. Let us remember that smile on Will Norton’s face, and let it help to
remind us to find the joy in our own lives — just like the joy found in many of
the photographs posted on his memorial page. My prayers are with the Joplin
residents, and Will Norton’s family.

Around town

On June 11, The Rancho Santa Fe Majors Yankees team played in the Coast Cities Tournament
against the Encinitas Padres. You wouldn’t know it from the smile on these
Yankee players — Patrick, Matthew, and Raul, Jackson — that they had just lost
the game 6-7 — as evidenced by this photograph taken after the game.

Why the smiles? After playing an average season, this team recovered and played
competitively in the tournament, making it three games before losing that day.
Congrats to these boys for coming back, finding spirit and trying their best in
the CCT. The Yankees didn’t win that day, but they definitely finished
well!

On June 12, The San Diego Polo Club held their opening day bash.
One of my favorite residents in the Ranch, Elaine Gallagher, celebrated in style
with family and friends. She was kind enough to share this gorgeous photo of her
with Kathy Herington, standing in front of just one of the many Ferraris on
display.

Polo ponies and red Ferraris — that sounds like a scene right
out of “Pretty Woman,” but happening right here in our own neighborhood! If you
want to share in the glamour and enjoy polo events, check out
sandiegopolo.com for this year’s schedule. Thanks Elaine for keeping me in the
social loop.

On June 13, The AAA Del Mar Scrappers made it to the final
four in the Coast Cities Tournament! Featured here are two of the Scrappers
players, Holden MacDonald, and Grayson Le Rose. These boys had an amazing season
and are definitely champions for doing so well in the tournament and for having
an excellent season. Thank you Meredith for sharing this photo in this issue!
Congrats on a wonderful year in baseball. For inquiring minds that may want to
know, Holden is the grandson of Ranch resident Violet MacDonald.

On June

15, The Rancho Santa Fe White Sox Majors team won the Coast Cities Tournament
against the Encinitas LL Reds team. Featured here is a photo of the White Sox.
Thank you, to Jason Barry for allowing me to share this wonderful photo in the
paper for all of the residents to see. How exciting that the Rancho Santa Fe
Majors won the Coast Cities Tournament. To see more of these photos and find out
which players made the All Star Team, check out the
facebook.com/pages/Rancho-Little-League link.

The next day, more exciting
news happened in baseball. The Rancho Penasquitos Pony league Marlins team won
their championship game. Ranch resident Matthew Sorge actually competed in two
leagues this year, while having two games a day! Wow, now that’s what I call
All-Star Commitment. Congrats to all of the Marlins for winning their
championship game. As a little league mom, I had to share these victories and
updates for all of the residents and families to see. A big thanks to all of the
coaches in these leagues for taking time out of your schedule to help make this
season a memorable one for all of the players.

On June 17, Cheryl Wilcox,
R. Roger Rowe’s head secretary, worked her last day of school in the Rancho
Santa Fe School District. After 18 years, Cheryl is retiring. I will be sad to
see her go. Cheryl has always been a tremendous help to me if I ever needed any
information, or needed help with something. Thank you Cheryl for being so
wonderful always, and I hope you enjoy your retirement. I am sure many will miss
you. On June 20, The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary inducted Bill Chenoweth as a new
member of the organization. He is featured here in the column with Katie Hawkes
and Patrick Galvin. Thank you, for sharing the photo. I’m sure you know that the
Rancho Santa Fe Rotary is an amazing organization that helps out many, many
different charities through their tireless efforts.

Spice up your summer

How? With tango lessons in Temecula! The mystery of tango will be
revealed in classes every Friday at 6:15 p.m. at 41760 Rider Way. Please, check
out their Web page before coming in for a lesson at: http://http://www.tangocaminito.com/Aboutus.html.

Happy New Year Rancho Santa Fe! With New Year’s resolutions in full swing, don’t
expect to read my thoughts on what to do this year. Instead, look forward to
those offbeat stories the other papers might miss, plus photos that capture the
smiles of residents around town that have their own story to reveal this year in
“Machel’s Ranch.”

Since I was out of town for the last two weeks, luckily
I have Ranch residents that were kind enough to share their stories and photos
with me in this issue. 2011 will be exciting for all of us! Thanks so much for
continuing to support our paper by picking it up and reading our pages. The
Rancho Santa Fe News is a family-owned and operated business that has been here
in North County for more than 24 years.

Around town

On Dec. 13, Ranch resident Gary Bobileff embarked on an amazing journey

called, “Operation Christmas Spirit: The 2010 Believe in Santa Tour.” Departing
from Carlsbad, Gary flew to Washington, D.C., first to visit “Wounded Warriors”
at Walter Reed. Then on to New York City to connect on a flight to Kuwait City.
In Kuwait, Gary was met by representatives of our Armed Forces, then transported
to Command Headquarters located at Camp Speicher just outside of Bagdad. Make
sure you don’t miss a more in-depth look at Gary’s trip in Rancho Santa Fe News
reporter Patty McCormac’s featured story this issue. Thanks Gary for the photos,
and I look forward to seeing both you and Maggie in the New Year (Maggie is his
wife, who I feature quite often in my column). Also, In case you are looking for
a Ferrari this year, Gary sells them! His website is www.bobileff.com.

On
Dec. 27, Elaine Gallagher shared some exciting news about her son Michael
Gallagher — a YouTube sensation with his Totally Sketch Channel — who was
spreading the word this holiday season about some good news on cancer research.
Elaine asked in her e-mail, “Please take 8 minutes of your time to see this
video … you’ll be glad you watched this. It’s about hope and second chances in
life.” That sounds absolutely wonderful to me. Since I just lost a good friend
to cancer last year, I just had to share this with my readers. Here is the link:
youtube.com/watch?v=IaOyY1NAVLQ . I have also featured a photo of Elaine with
her son Michael last summer at the Del Mar Turf Club. Don’t they look picture
perfect?

On Dec. 28, while Rancho Santa Fe was being drenched in rain
storms, I was stuck back in zero degree weather in ice and snow with my family
for seven days. Cabin fever and lots of movies and too much food basically sums
up the trip, with of course the wonderful fact my entire family was under one
roof for seven days. Grandparents, parents, teenagers, young babies, you name
it, 17 in one house, stuck in the snow. Let’s just say, luckily I love my
family. However, California has been my home for 22 years and I’ve grown used to
the sunny weather here in San Diego. Here is a photo of my sister with her
husband and my son, and nieces and nephews from the day we unwrapped gifts. This
photo felt sort of “Norman Rockwell-ish” to me.

On Jan. 3, The Rancho

Santa Fe Rotary held their first Rotarian meeting of the year at the Inn at
Rancho Santa Fe. President-elect Alan Balfour was introduced by President
Patrick Galvin and Michael Taylor was named Rotarian of the Week. A rummage sale
is coming up at the Community Center on Jan. 22. Please drop off items for
donation on Wednesdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. I have featured two photos from
that first meeting of the year. Thank you to Chief Matt Wellhouser for always
keeping me up to date on the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary.

On Jan. 5, I met
with Byron Spratt, one of the owners of one of the coolest new workout places
near Rancho Santa Fe — The Greenasium. Located just right off of Encinitas
Boulevard, this is an accessible, upscale alternative for Ranch residents to get
in shape for the New Year. The owner’s philosophy is to “provide the best
customer service in an environmentally friendly fitness studio setting has ahs
human-powered electricity generating equipment.” Sound futuristic? It’s not.
It’s contemporary with a relaxing spa appeal with first class personal
attention, The Greenasium is located at 1465 Encinitas Blvd. right by Brett’s
BBQ. For more information, visit www.the greenasium.com. Thanks for the tour
Byron! Get in shape for 2011.

Save the date:  Jason Barry shared some exciting news with me right before Christmas regarding

The Celebrity Poker Tournament he is hosting at Rancho Valencia on Jan. 29. Here are some the

exciting celebrities that will be there: Mike Sweeney, Bud Black, Bruce Bochy,
Trevor Hoffman and Bret Boone, just to name a few. Featured here is Jason Barry
last year with the owner of La Jolla’s CJ Charles. First prize will be a $10,000
men’s watch, second prize is a trip to Cabo San Lucas. For inquiries, please
call Jason at (858)-756-4024.

Save the date:  One of the biggest events
of the year, Helen Woodward’s  Broadway Tails, will be the 23rd annual Spring
Fling held on the Helen Woodward Animal Center Campus. Black tie is optional,
but take my advice and look fabulous. It’s one night this year New York Broadway
meets Rancho Santa Fe. Buy your tickets now, or if you are looking to sponsor
this event, call Kerry Appleby Payne at (858) 204-7920.

Read more: Coast
News Group – Wrapping up holidays and looking to the new year in the Ranch