I hope each of you enjoyed the beautiful days of sunshine. It was so nice to have a few sunny days. Before we know it, spring will be here. I know we need the rain … but the sunshine sure warmed the soul.

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We have very exciting news from the Cowboy Museum … Debby Sanguinetti will be the “Cowgirl Luncheon Honoree” this year. Let the celebration begin! For each of you who call this amazing woman your friend – and there are many, many, many of you who consider her to be your dear friend – you already know how special Debby is. She truly is a friend to all who have the pleasure of knowing her. Neighbors, friends, and family will celebrate her on April 10th, 2024. What an honor it is, to know this wonderful lady. A true cowgirl, born and raised, Debby is a woman who treats folks with respect and dignity, she is a hard worker and an extremely talented horsewoman. Ranch life has always been her way of life. This amazing woman is much sought after across the country for her judging ability. She is very highly respected throughout the country. This beautiful cowgirl has a heart of gold, she is humble, caring and so kind … it is an absolute joy to call her a friend.

Debby remembers her childhood well, and her days spent at Valley Home School. She remembers that when she and her sister attended Valley Home School, they had the luxury of having four classrooms. They used the building by the park (the Clubhouse) to host Christmas plays and graduations. Mr. Pope was the school principal, seventh and eighth grade teacher, disciplinarian, coach and whatever else it took to be one of the best educators for his students. When Debby went to high school her teachers were amazed at how far ahead the kids coming from Valley Home were. Mr. Pope had actually taught his Valley Home students beginning algebra. Mr. Pope had the older class tutor the younger class and everything worked smoothly. There was no cafeteria, Debby said, so students brought their own lunches and traded sandwiches with friends. It was definitely a different way of life, but definitely a way of life that Debby and our early Valley Home students are very proud of. Congratulations Debby, on being the 2024 Cowgirl Luncheon Honoree, a very much deserved honor.

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I would like to send a huge “Thank You” to our Stanislaus County road crews this week. A really big pothole (pavement washed out) opened up near the bridge on Valley Home Road north of Freelove. The road crew was there quickly and repaired it fast. We are very grateful.

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Until next time, “Happy Trails to All!”