Comments:
I was within 14 units of getting my AA degree before dropping out and marrying Ralph in 1971. I became a mom 2 years later. We grew a lot of our own food and canned veggies and I made jam and jelly. In 1979, Noel entered the world. Ralph went back to school to get his B.A. in public admin. We were very busy in boy scouts and girl scouts. During this time, I also made several trips to Europe discovering France, England, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy. I also was lucky to travel to Canada, Mexico and Jamaica. When we moved from Manteca to Dixon in 1989, Noel moved from girl scouts to 4-H. I became the leader of cooking, arts and crafts, poultry and then rabbits. I was also working in Davis at an elementary school. I was working with several students with learning disabilities. This experience was the most rewarding. About this time, I finished my AA degree and started working on getting a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice. I received my degree in 2001-late, but I got there! Ralph retired from working at the Department of Corrections in 2000 where he was writing policy for the medical sections of new institutions. I started working as a substitute teacher here in Fairfield. I officially retired from this job when my first grandson was born in 2004. Now I'm very busy with 4 grandchildren, 3 of whom live here in town. Ralph takes car restoration at Solano and loves every moment of it. I take swimming there for the exercise. I still make all of my jelly and jam, plus I've added homemade applesauce. My sister, Kelly, and I make a trip to Apple Hill each year to get the apples. I also have learned to knit and make sweaters, rompers, hats, socks, and gloves. It is a way I totally relax.
Since writing this, Ralph is still taking classes at Solano but he his now branching out in areas of study. I’m no longer swimming at Solano..I signed up with a local gym where I can mix it up with gym work and swimming. I’ve become very involved with the education of my 3 oldest grandkids...I tutor them after school for now..but they are getting older and will soon be in classes I might not be able to help LOL.
