The Rancho Santa Fe News, “Machel’s Ranch”

            Every holiday season my Father remembers a bloody battle that left most of his platoon dead on Christmas Eve. This would be during the early years of Vietnam War when  he was just a young man. Now some forty odd years later, this tragic day still eclipses any joy he could normally feel during the holidays. Serving in the most highly decorated battalion in the history of the Marine Corps, I never this fact until recently. Why? Because what he remembers are the faces in his platoon, and his friends that did not live to see that New Year that one fateful night. If I could have just one wish this season, it would be that my my Dad could be free of pain just for one Christmas, without remembering that awful tragedy , which forever stripped away part of his soul from us…I know he could never do that. His heart will always be there instead, remembering and never forgetting.

            While we worry about what to wear for our holiday party, somewhere out there is a wo

man or man in uniform fighting for us to make sure we are able to celebrate freely. Meanwhile, someone has died for us to have this right. Families have grieved over the loss of their loved ones. It is important to remember these facts this season. We must remember those that have sacrificed their souls to make sure that we are still free. I wish for each brave American soldier much love and blessings. Without you, America would be lost. Without your devotion, pride and dedication, how might our country survive? Please, let us unite, stand proud as Americans and remember those who serve and the veterans of the United States this holiday season.

            On Thanksgiving day in Rancho Santa Fe, families were celebrating in grand style. The McCrinks’ held their family gathering this year at Ed and Dottie McCrink’s seaside condo in Del Mar. I am sure many of you know Dottie and Ed McCrink. They have been longtime residents of The Ranch for many decades. What many of you may not know is that Ed McCrink is still very active in running a metal company here locally, KVA Stainless Steel Company. KVA  has garnered recognition internationally, and has already been featured in the Los Angeles times. As visionary in the steel industry, Ed McCrink has patented a new high-strength martensitic stainless steel fabrication process to produce tubing for custom bike frames, and other structures and components. Here is a gorgeous shot of three lovely ladies from the McCrink clan that day: His wife, Dottie McCrink, granddaughter Natalie Shull, and Laurel McCrink, his eldest daughter. Laurel is also the Vice President of KVA. If you would like to find out more info on Ed’s company here is a link: http://www.kvastainless.com/bicycles.html.

            On the other side of the Ranch, Violet MacDonald was opening her home to her family, which included one of her favorite granddaughter’s Reese MacDonald. Violet is an active member in the Garden Club here in town and has been featured on several occasion in San Diego Home and Garden Magazine for her own immaculate garden that surrounds her property in Rancho Santa Fe. I have also include a picture-perfect-photo of Holden and Meredith MacDonald, whom are also part of this clan here in the Ranch. Violet is very proud of her family! Thanks for sharing the holiday photos.

            On November 28^th, I we ventured out to Pauma Valley for some fresh air, and to enjoy my In-law’s ranch. As we droved down into the valley and the sun cascaded over the rolling hills, I found myself smiling from within…Could it be that the Ozark Mountains (where I am from in Missouri) exists out here in California? Well, who knew God’s country was just right around the corner? You would think that someone would alert the media to these things. It seems, I guess, one must discover ‘heaven on earth’ a little later in life. You could say that I’m definitely like Ava Gabor’s character in Green Acres:“Darling I love you, but give me Park Avenue.” I love both. But, trust me, take a drive out past Lake Wohlford one weekend and enter into a valley full of citrus, wild peacocks and avocados. You won’t regret it. Here is a photo I captured of a peacock casually hanging out on the rooftop that weekend.

            On December 2^nd, Karian and Tom Forsyth celebrated Tom’s birthday with many friends inside the exclusive gates of The Crosby. Robin and I are always thrilled to go their holiday party and this year was no exception. Unfortunately, my family came down with the flu that weekend, so I was only able to stop in briefly to snap a few photos for this week’s issue. Woe to the life of a working girl. (I’m semi-kidding.) Well, what can I tell you? The party was decked out with private waiters, a local musician playing, fine food and champagne flowing over the flute glasses. The guests—that I saw that arrived early—looked smashing in their glittery holiday attire. Oh the joys of the holiday spirit, holiday wonder and how wonderful to have a friend like Karian and Tom. Thanks, for always including me. I love you guys.

DON’T FORGET: Don’t forget to Old Mission San Luis Rey De Francia in Oceanside needs your support. Still facing closure due to retrofitting state demands, this historical landmark is priceless to our community and to the state of California. Also, take a tour if you haven’t, yet. Admission for adults is only $5.00, senior citizens $3.00 and Active Military and dependents may enjoy this tour free of charge. What a perfect ending to this column. Don’t forget to save this Mission! Here is the information: https://www.sanluisrey.org/donations/form.html

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