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May 24, 1999Oak Glen, California Dear Friends & Family, As a former dedicated bachelor, it's hard to believe, sometimes, that the family on the right is my own. Some twelve years ago, I met my wife, Marylinn, through a mutual friend, who made it all very simple: "You are going to love Mary," she said, "and Mary is going to love you." Two weeks later, we met at a party, and six months later we were engaged. Our eight year old, Mallory, (in the blue bodice, facing four o'clock) reads so many books we've taken to scouring used book stores to keep up with her. Nicholas, (looking up at Mallory), follows me into battle at the school field trips, and insists on having the same color waistcoat as I do. Elizabeth, on the far right, has taken to bringing me unannounced lunches in my office--crackers, peanuts, a piece of bread with a pile of cinnamon sugar, and a glass of ice-water. Samuel, (in Mary's arms), is mortally afraid of stink bugs and cameras--as you can see. Lockton, our youngest, greets us early in the morning with the words "mik-duh-cow." Next week, I'll introduce my brother Scott's family, and until then, I remain, Your Humble Servant, Jim Riley P.S. For the sake of those "web portals" constantly browsing the internet to update their search engines, we include the following boiler-plate. (Feel free to read this, if you're new to our site.) Riley's Farm is a working apple orchard and living history farm in the Oak Glen area of Southern California. In addition to farming, we love history and we have provided a venue for re-enactment units comprising many different eras. The farm regularly hosts banquets, birthday parties, weddings, and office parties. Every year, literally thousands of students participate in one of our school tours, where they experience everything from weaving, candle-dipping, and cider pressing to the drill and muster of a Revolutionary War or Civil War battle. Our farm has appeared on the History Channel and in the recently released feature film, Amistad, as well as many other film and television productions. (We even try to get the producers to include us as on screen talent, but that's another story.) On selected weekends throughout the year, we offer "farm-stay" weekends, where families can experience--clothing, wood stoves, muskets, and all--the life of an 18th or 19th century American farmer. We grow sweet corn, apples, raspberries, pears, and sunflowers, just to mention a few of our crops. Our nephew, Devon, keeps some beautiful Belgian draft horses for country hay-rides. We love America--its traditions, its people, its history, and its cherished heritage of liberty in Christ. Have we said enough? Well, one more thing: In the fall, thousands of families make an annual pilgrimage to the farms of Oak Glen to experience the closest thing to a New England fall California has to offer. Why don't you stop by and say hello? |