The Ranch

The Ranch was purchased by Nonno in 1941 from Frank Desimone. It is a "quarter section" 0r 160 acres. The cabin was purchased from the 1939 World's Fair on Treasure Island near San Francisco. It was originally a deer hunting ranch. The water is supplied via a spring up the hill coming right out of the mountain. An elaborate piping system goes to a wooden barrel (the original one) down the hill to an outhouse then down to an outdoor sink (see shower curtain) down to the cabin then down below the cabin to water the grape vines and fig tree. Previous to the pipe the water came down a trough not unlike an aqueduct system.

The cabin sports a wood stove and a 3 burner propane stove. Sink with running water. There is the Boar's Nest (Nonni and Nonno's bedroom which is now the changing room), Dining room and big living room with a dressing room made out of an old iron bed with plastic cushions and a carpet. Look out Nordstroms! There is no electricity and a cell phone cannot be used!!! We sleep outside on beds with mattresses then our sleeping bags under the stars. You can clearly see the milky ways and countless shooting stars at night. In the past there were many activities, such as Snipe Hunting with Uncle Hank. We always scrambled around looking for enough paper bags and sticks. It is odd though, a snipe was never caught! When we were little and a new friend came up it was always pretty hilarious when Dad asked them to turn on the lights at dusk. Some would look for a real long time. I have so many memories of the Ranch. I have been going there all my life. When we were little kids, we put on bright orange hats and vests and chased out the deers. We were used as deer hunting "dogs." I do remember humming birds striking our little heads probably thinking we were some really huge flowers!

Tanya and I made up one recipe that we cook every time we are there called "Ranch Zucchini." You saute red onions and tomatoes in butter, then put the zucchini in and cook it. After it is cooked you put shredded parmesan cheese on top and serve. It is delicious.

The Ranch is the best place ever.

Tanya and Allie at the Big Rock














Beau at the Big Rock














Bottle opener next to the cabin door



















A place to hang one's hat next to the front door of the cabin 

The Creek "Big Rock"

Here is the Big Rock. This is where I am on my floatie reading my books. The water is pretty cold but feels great.

















Rope Swing

The Ranch

Here is Leslie and Tanya decorating the Outhouse at the Ranch











This is the outdoor sink and shower curtain where a bag of hot water is suspended by a pulley system so we can take showers.



















Here is the Dining Room inside the cabin














This is the kitchen. Dad is making salad with Beau waiting for some handouts. 

Beau at the Ranch. This is where we sleep, outside under the stars!  

The Ranch - August 2006