A visit with a friend

Every now and then, you cross paths with someone.
Almost 2 years ago, I was enjoying my sister's 40th birthday in Oxnard, California...
We were riding a bike by the coast when we happened upon a farmer's market.
For Ohioans in February - imagine the lucious oranges, fresh produce, jewelry and other special treats!
One special booth was giving out samples of apples and incredible homemade salsa.

The man behind the salsa :) was Varden.
We got to conversing about life in Ohio and Longaberger - he knew a consultant and was eager to hear about my "life in a basket".
We ended up having a really nice dinner in Santa Barbara. It was a memorable experience seeing Santa Barbara for the first time, all lit up for the evening.

We have kept in touch and were privileged with an invitation to come and visit his organic farm.
He, along with his brother and parents, manage this farm and the markets almost entirely alone!
I can't comprehend doing this all!


The driveway into his farm, lined with fuji apple trees (about 1500).

We loved the "zebra" stripes!

Introduction: Earl!