Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Dan's Ranch

Good morning.  Today I want to take you on a little tour of Dan's ranch.  Who is Dan, you say?  Well, Dan and his wife Roberta, went to high school with my Mom and Dad.  There is a whole group of them that stayed close, all of these years later.  Dan and his family, are the ones who told us about Bass Lake, and in the early 70's, we began to spend our vacations there too.
Dan lives on 6 rambling acres nestled among magestic oaks, in Trabuco Canyon.   It is such a peaceful, and beautiful piece of property.  I love it there. 
First we walk past the Koi pond in the back of the house.
And then, after Dan tossed a bit of food their way, we meandered off to see the property.  The pool house sits just off the main house. 

I can just see the pool parties in this room!!!!   Then we walk out amidst the tall oaks, and wind our way through the many surprises yet to come.
Not far from the pool house, sits another structure that Dan built as his work shop.  He had a caretaker for the property that lived there in a trailer.  But when Miguel married and had kids, Dad gave up his work shop, and turned it into a home for Miguel and his family. 
The children ran to greet us.  "Senor Dan!!" 
They obviously have great affection for him, and he for them.  Rumor has it, he can be found many a Sunday morning, cooking pancakes for the kids in his kitchen!!  He is just that kind of guy!
Let's walk, shall we.....
Sprawling gardens, that are so beautifully maintained, and lovingly cared for.  We came upon the green house.  Oh how I would love to have one of these!!
And a few chickens began to appear.
And this is where we bumped into Senor Miguel.  He was so proud to show us around.  What a nice man!!!
And I also got meet Valor....the mighty Bantam Rooster.  He was so handsome!!!  And sweet.  He let me hold him and pet him.  Not typical of a Roo at all.
Miguel showed me the fruit trees he tends...and the veggies he has planted.  All so perfectly cared for.
We found another magnificent Roo, hiding in the flower garden.
We walked back to see where the chickens are housed at night.
And I got to see them jump for bread crumbs!
Then, we came upon the grape arbor....oh the grape arbor!!!!

What a peaceful spot to sit and reflect.
My Mom and Mocha had a nice little moment together there!
I could really go on and on about this beautiful place.  It truly is something to see.  Next time I go back, I will show you some more.  I leave you with a couple photos of Dan's baby.


When I see this truck, I see a photo shoot.  Isn't it beautiful?!!!!
Thanks for coming along today.  It's a hot one....stay cool, and make it a great day!!!
XO  Kris

19 comments:

NanaNor's said...

Hi Kris, Wow what a wonderful relationship you have with your parent's friends. Loved their ranch and setting. Thanks for sharing!
Hugs, Noreen

Pam said...

Sounds like is he quite the guy! Giving up his shop to build a home for his caretaker? Awesome.

Love the property and that truck is stunning!

sweetpea family said...

Thanks for sharing your amazing trip - what lovely people x

Teresa Kasner said...

What a fantastic place! I love it when people take a patch of ground and make an eden for themselves. Sure wish I had a pool like that! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Jeanna said...

Thanks for sharing pictures and stories about Dan's place. He has a beautiful property and what a wonderful person to share with Miguel and his family. Dan has a wonderful heart and the fact that he is 'your' kind of people says a lot about you and your family.

I love your blog...you've given me such a pieceful feeling lately and I've NEEDED that.

Thank you :)

Betsy said...

What an absolutely gorgeous place! I would never want to leave. I agree with Jeanna. That he shares so freely with Miguel and his family, even cooking for the children. Well that makes him an amazing person to me. Your family must also be amazing to have a friend like Dan.
Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Blessings,
Betsy

priscilla said...

Wow ! Great property ! Thanks for the tour !

Valerie Cottage Making Mommy said...

Warms my heart to see this.

Hugs,

Valerie
Cottage Making Mommy
www.lovingmyheartandhome.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

What a fantastic haven! Just beautiful. I love that he provided a home for Miguel family, that says a lot about Dan!

Love that truck....it would look great pulling my vintage trailer!

Sarah said...

Dan's ranch is awesome!!!! What a special place for those kids to grow up at as well.

Mereknits said...

He sounds wonderful, and the fact he cares so much about the people around him speaks volumes.
Hugs to you Kris,
Meredith

Unknown said...

Tough, Rough life....he-he...

Thanks sweetie for sharing.

Poppy said...

Hi Kris,

Beautiful property, gorgeous pool house and pool and LOVELY people!! So glad you enjoyed your stay in this peaceful and precious place!

Thanks for the tour!

Poppy

Susanne Tyree said...

Here I am still oohing and ahhhhing over the Bass Lake photos and you side track me with Dan's place, lol. Such is the good life and God has been good to all of you, what a blessing. We here in Ohio are tolerating the miserable heat, hoping for relief. Not many are venturing outside and I am laying low in the house and keeping cool. Hope you are staying cool too.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Taci simmons said...

Wow, what an amazing place Chris. So fun that u can spend time in such a wonderful place this summer. Thanks so much for stopping by to "see" me and for your kind comment my dear friend.

Astri said...

What an incredible get-away. You lucky lady! Oh and that truck...magnificient!

Tania said...

Oh my...that ranch is simply beautiful Kris!

Love the grape arbor :)

Also loving the lovely sunshine you are having :)

xx

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Kris, what a wonderful home they have. Love the roos! So kind to give his workshop to Miquel for a home. Love, love the red truck! It's HOT,HOT, HOT!
hugs,
Jann

Gracie Saylor said...

Beautiful! The grape arbor reminded me of one I just saw in Sonoma, CA, at a restaurant...really lovely. Thanks for letting us enjoy Dan's Ranch, too :)
Gracie xx