Twelve years ago I moved from Los Angeles to Rancho Santa Fe. I remember driving down
Via de la Valle for the first time toward our new home in the Ranch thinking how
beautiful the eucalyptus trees were hanging over the road. I was pregnant with
my son and driving this huge U-haul with some of my past cluttered in the back
in packed boxes. I had no idea then what to expect. I had never heard of Rancho
Santa Fe. To be honest, I thought it sounded like a place in New Mexico. Tears
were streaming down my cheeks as I drove quietly to my new home. I must admit, I
was apprehensive and afraid. What kind of life would I find in San
Diego?

As I share with you my son’s 11th birthday
celebration, I am also remembering my beginnings in the Ranch. Now looking back,
I wish I could have whispered to my younger self, “You just hit the jackpot, but
you don’t know it yet!” That’s how I feel today. Sometimes it takes a while to
discover a place and to understand its own worth on our journey. “Presents” can
also come in the form of change. In the beginning, losing what we know might be
hard. Sometimes what we don’t want to happen can turn out be a blessing in
disguise. Celebrating my son’s life here in the Ranch and getting to know this
wonderful community has been truly a gift in my life.

On March 29, some lucky Ranch residents attended the much
anticipated Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball tour at San Diego State’s Viejas Arena.
Wow, I must say as a Lady Gaga fan myself, that’s thrilling! I have included a
picture of Ali Acosta, Dylan Mulvaney, Tony Sorge, Lauren Sorge and Kassidy
Brown. I’ve always found it odd how Lady Gaga calls her fans her “little
monsters,” but the term has stayed and it seems they love it. Thanks for sharing
the photo.

On April 3, Ranch resident Jackson Bernard Tuck (my son!)
celebrated his 11th birthday party at the Ultra Zone Laser Tag down in San
Diego. I had the good fortune of driving two of his buddies — Brett Vitale and
Brandon Catledge — along with Jackson down to the party.

We met his other good
friends Matthew Sorge, Chloe Temple, Atiana Smith, Holden and Reese MacDonald at
the location. I included an exuberant group photo of them from that day and one
of me with Jill Sorge — my very first friend in Rancho Santa Fe. Thanks to all
of his good friends for coming out and making the day perfect.

On April 10, I received a phone call from my good friend Jill and her daughter Lauren
Sorge. They were headed down to see the overflow at the dam at Lake Hodges,
which has been a local tourist attraction lately.

 

Later that day, I received aspectacular shot just down below the overspill at the base of the dam. I just had to share it with my readers. And, if you haven’t heard of the mysterious
monster Hodgee, it’s a fun tidbit of information to know. Just like the infamous
Loch Ness body of water in the Scottish Highlands, our very own Lake Hodges may
have its own monster living in the dark crevices down below. You must check out this website that documents the history of its sightings at:  http://www.hodgee.com/.   I love mystery stories like that.

 

On April 13, I stopped by my favorite coffee shop
in Rancho Santa Fe — Caffe Pasitono in Fairbanks. This will be the seventh
summer that owner Tim Cusac has delivered gourmet coffee, pastries and
sandwiches to the Ranch. A popular stop right after school is the Rancho Santa
Fe Sandwich Shop, which is also owned by Tim. You can see the children lined up
outside in the courtyard waiting for soft serve frozen yogurt. Congrats, Tim on
bringing so many lovely choices for the residents. One of my favorite items at
his Sandwich Shop is his freshly made chicken salad. I must add, it’s “divine”
as my sister would say.

Save the Dates On April 28, my favorite writer — New York Times best selling
author Luanne Rice will be here locally at Warwick’s Book Store, located at 7812
Girard Avenue in La Jolla at 7:30 p.m. Luanne Rice will be in town promoting her
newest novel, “Silver Boat,” which is published by Penguin. If you are an avid
book lover or loyal fan of Luanne’s, this will be a night you must attend.
Luanne Rice has written 29 novels and many of her books have been made into
films. The New York Times Book Review has referred to her writing as “Exciting,
emotional, and terrific.” I couldn’t agree more. I have also featured a photo of
Luanne Rice here in my column. For more information on this event, visit to
warwicks.com, listed under upcoming events.

| http://luannerice.net/2011/06/q-a-with-bookreporter-com/

would like to remember someone very special to me in this column. He was a good
friend, a wonderful person and I know he is truly missed by many in Rancho Santa
Fe. Julien Hug’s birthday is in the beginning of February. I want to
acknowledge his beautiful parents, Denise and Bertrand Hug.

You raised an amazing son and all us who were lucky enough to know him feel blessed that he
was part of our lives. I hope this town keeps his memory alive by
supporting Mille Fleurs. I even wrote a column a couple of years ago and
called it my “My happy place, the secret’s out,” based on different vignettes
that all took place under the stars at their beautiful restaurant.  Thank you,
to the Hug family for filling my life with so many wonderful memories.
Sometimes, it’s more important to remember than to forget. It’s more
important to keep those memories alive, with fond wishes and gratitude toward
his family.

Around town

On Jan. 26, Little League had makeup evaluations at Richardson’s field in

Rancho Santa Fe. Boys from all age groups that missed the weekend

tryouts showed up in droves for this popular
division in San Diego. Let’s just say if makeup day is any indication to how
this season is going to be, it going to be a dynamite season. I just want to say
thanks to all of those in charge in the Rancho Santa Fe Little league for taking
time out of your busy schedule to be a coach or an assistant.You know
what they say, “Play ball!”I have featured a photo from the Celebrity
Tournament at Rancho Valencia on Jan. 29. I have it on good authority that was
also local resident Jason Barry’s birthday that very day. Happy belated birthday
Jason.

Later that day, Ranch resident Violet MacDonald’s daughter-in-law,
Meredith MacDonald, celebrated her stepdad’s 80th’s birthday up in Newport at
the luxurious Balboa Bay Yacht Club & Resort. If you’ve ever been privy to
eating lunch or dinner there, you know firsthand that the view from your dining
table is filled with expensive yachts lining the harbor. Claude Whitney
— a former judge in Newport — enjoyed his long life with all family members,
along with his wife CC Whitney of Newport Beach. Thank you for sharing your
lovely event with me. Here is a photo from that day, which features their family
together for that special day.

On Jan. 30, longtime Ranch residents
Dottie and Ed McCrink celebrated their 90th birthdays (they both turned 90 in
January) in style with family and friends at the Rancho Santa Fe Country Club.
More than 100 guests arrived in fine fashion for this special occasion. Some
events eclipse others, and this was definitely a special night. I feel blessed
to say that Dottie and Ed are my grandparents by marriage.The McCrinks
moved here in the early 1970’s, and have been an integral part of this community
since then. All six children were on hand, including their many grandchildren. I
have included four photos from that evening. Also Patrick Galvin, president of
the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary, was there as well with his gorgeous wife. They are
featured here, along with Dottie and Ed McCrink. Ranch residents Bill and
Carolyn Fleischman were there, and I have featured Laurel McCrink with her
niece, Natalie Shull.

On Feb. 2, Elaine Gallagher sent some very
important information to me regarding someone local who is spreading the word in
fighting breast cancer. Local San Diego resident Andrea Scheider has written a
book called, “You A Not Alone: Life After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis,” in hopes
of educating and reaching women on how to prevent and detect breast cancer. I
have included a photo of Andrea here. If you know someone with breast cancer or
would like to find out more information for yourself, please check out Andrea’s
website at thriveandsurvive.net. She has a wonderful quote listed on her home
page that states, “The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from
one moment to the next,” by Migon McLaughlin. Elaine Gallagher, thank you for
connecting me with your good friend Andrea Scheider. Her book looks like a
winner read.

Save the date

Don’t miss the Grand
Opening on March 12 — just around the corner. In case you don’t know, Lemon
Twist is the only business that burnt down during the massive Witch Creek Fire
in 2007. Local resident Katie Shull started the business, which is located
across from Cielo, more than 30 years ago. In the meantime, before the grand
opening, Lemon Twist is already open again, after temporarily closing due to
wintertime. I have featured a photo here of it, so you can make your way down to
buy some local organic produce. For more history on Lemon Twist, visit

www.lemontwistfruitstand.com. If you would like to order some chocolate covered
strawberries for your sweetheart or a large tray for your co-workers, call
(858)-444-6060 with your order in advance. http://lemontwistfruitstand.com/contact-us-2

To read more about The Witch Creek Fires, here is an article I wrote for The Villager in

2010:http://www.dreamvillager.com/article~info~News-Local-Witch-Creek-fires-remembered-in-Rancho-Santa-Fe~articleID~544.htm

Check out Ranch Resident’s Dr. Anthony Smith’s website here: http://www.taboosofleadership.com/anthony_smith.htmRead more: Coast
News Group – Ranch’s own Julien Hug remembered on his birthday: