When I left Santa Paula in 1982 to go to college I couldn’t leave fast enough and never imagined I would return to live. Fast forward to October of 2021 and with my husband John, we moved into the house my grandparents built on the family ranch. We were recent empty nesters ready for an adventure and wanting to help the family ranch. John and I had owned a “ranchet” in Scottsdale where we planted over 35 fruit trees, had a large garden and raised animals and children. How different could that be from 70 acres of avocados and lemons?
The Orcutt Family in Santa Paula, 1910
In the fall of 1883 my family started homesteading this land, growing lima beans and walnuts. The parcels and crops have changed over the decades but a profound and enduring affection for the ranch resonates within me, John, and our three children.
Shortly after our return, I was eating avocado toast over the kitchen sink, looking out the window at an orchard of avocados. I thought, “I am so happy that I get to eat avocados every day. I wonder if others would like that opportunity, too?
And now, here we are, embarking on a new journey, treading the literal footsteps of my great-great-grandparents and all those in between. Through these periodic posts, I invite you to partake in our adventure.
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