Hi everyone … I hope each of you are having a really nice week. There are definitely signs that fall is on its way!

For me it is a very special time of year when I hear the sounds of the fall harvest. It is music to my ears to hear a harvester or an almond shaker … working early in the morning until late in the evening in an orchard nearby. I know not everyone feels the way I do. I love that our area is a strong agricultural area. It fills my heart with so much peace to know so many in our community have jobs. They can support their families and give them a good life because of agriculture. We are blessed to live in such an amazing area with a tremendous harvest coming in during this time of year. Speaking of harvest, please mark your calendars for our Valley Home Fall Harvest Festival, scheduled for Saturday, October 24 from 6:30pm until 9pm. More information to come.

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This week I would like to share the amazing story of a Valley Home School alum, Bryce McKenzie. Bryce has worked hard to achieve his goals. He is a 2018 Valley Home School graduate who graduated this May from the University of the Pacific with a bachelors in business administration – sports management and data analytics. Two days later he left California for his new job in the front office of the Richmond Flying Squirrels Baseball Team … AA affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.

He and his cat left with only what they could fit in the car. They traveled some 2,800 miles over three-and-a-half days to reach Richmond, Virginia. It was a fun road trip where he was able to stop briefly at a few other minor league ball parks along the way. He commented it was hilariously similar to an eighth grade school project he did for Mrs. Penning at Valley Home School. They had to map out a cross country trip … calculate their gas, mileage, food, and lounging expenses and also see various sites as well while staying within his budget. During Mrs. Penning’s assignment he drove his imaginary Dodge Challenger. He picked up a cat along the way and towed a trailer of canned beans so he could save money on food. The only thing missing this trip was a trailer of canned beans. Bryce is enjoying his new job immensely. We wish you the very best, Bryce; Valley Home is so proud of you.

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As always, you may reach me by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com or by text or telephone at 209-985-5233.

Until next time, “Happy Trails To All!”