Finding your niche after moving to a rural area is sometimes a challenging prospect. I came to Tulare from San Diego in 1974 after finishing college with an accounting degree. Yes, that's right, an accounting degree. Well, we all see how that turned out! At least I can "figure" out ingredients!!

 

I met my husband, Bob, at the University of San Diego. He was also in the business department. After swearing I would never marry a farmer, here I was, marrying a farmer! Bob's family has owned a farm in the Central Valley since 1950. His dad and uncle purchased the land from The Turner family, the landowners that Bob's grandparents had originally worked for before World War II. After returning from the interment camps, and service in the US Army, Bob’s dad, and uncle, bought the land from the Turner’s, and continued farming. After we were married, and I “adjusted” to small town, rural life, I settled comfortably into the role of wife, and eventually, stay at home mom.

 

Together we have successfully raised three wonderful sons, Jason, who now lives in Southern California, Mark, and Todd. Mark and Todd live here in the valley, but travel to LA for work in the entertainment industry as lighting techs. Jason has advanced to lighting designer/director. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments!

 

With our former volunteer job at the World Ag Expo, and the Antique Farm Equipment Show, we have had plenty of experience preparing meals for hungry crowds! Our largest group was close to 3,000. Needless to say, we pulled in all the troops to help with that one! Catering just appeared to be a logical choice for people who obviously loved to cook.

 

We have a great network of people that work with us in the catering venture, and they are invaluable! We are all family, whether real or extended, and we enjoy our time together at work, and play. We often enjoy social events and vacations together. That is true family!!