Research has helped California rice farmers famous around the world.
The Rice Experiment Station marked its centennial with hundreds on hand.
Director of the California Rice Experiment Station Kent McKenzie comments on the value of the station as they celebrate their centennial.
Edward Knipling, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agricuture's Agricultural Research Service, comments on the value of rice research. Knipling was keynote speaker at the centennial celebration of the Rice Experiment Station in Biggs.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
New CRC Blog- Fueling up, part one
By Jim Morris
I would consider our family pretty fit but there’s always room for improvement. We’re good about exercising but sometimes cave in on our food choices.
A simple and effective way to improve our diets has been embracing more whole grains. We are adding more medium grain brown rice at dinner. Some people might think brown rice is difficult to prepare but it’s not. We add it and water in the rice cooker (allow longer time than white rice preparation) and it comes out fine every time. Add a little butter and salt and life is good. Broth can add a nice flavor to the rice as well. The brown rice adds a nutty flavor and a firmer texture to the dinner plate.
I’m training for the California International Marathon so we have a big pasta dinner the evening before my long weekend runs. This provides complex carbohydrates that provide fuel. After reading an article in Runner’s World Magazine about the benefits of brown rice pasta we decided to give it a try. The local grocery store carried Lundberg Family Farms Brown Rice Pasta, which has been working really well. This week’s main dish featured their spaghetti with a little marinara, mushrooms and sausage.
The pasta tasted great, settled really well and I noticed higher energy levels while running. We’ve also had the brown rice penne and rotini pastas with similar success.
Brown rice pasta may sound a little different than more traditional varieties, but our whole family happily demolished it.
Hopefully this will help fuel me to success for the big run in December! I’ll provide an update after it’s over and I catch my breath.
Jim Morris is Communications Manager for the California Rice Commission. Jim has worked in communications for more than 20 years. When he’s not on the job, he enjoys his family, faith, football, outrageous monster stories and running marathons.
I would consider our family pretty fit but there’s always room for improvement. We’re good about exercising but sometimes cave in on our food choices.
A simple and effective way to improve our diets has been embracing more whole grains. We are adding more medium grain brown rice at dinner. Some people might think brown rice is difficult to prepare but it’s not. We add it and water in the rice cooker (allow longer time than white rice preparation) and it comes out fine every time. Add a little butter and salt and life is good. Broth can add a nice flavor to the rice as well. The brown rice adds a nutty flavor and a firmer texture to the dinner plate.
I’m training for the California International Marathon so we have a big pasta dinner the evening before my long weekend runs. This provides complex carbohydrates that provide fuel. After reading an article in Runner’s World Magazine about the benefits of brown rice pasta we decided to give it a try. The local grocery store carried Lundberg Family Farms Brown Rice Pasta, which has been working really well. This week’s main dish featured their spaghetti with a little marinara, mushrooms and sausage.
The pasta tasted great, settled really well and I noticed higher energy levels while running. We’ve also had the brown rice penne and rotini pastas with similar success.Brown rice pasta may sound a little different than more traditional varieties, but our whole family happily demolished it.
Hopefully this will help fuel me to success for the big run in December! I’ll provide an update after it’s over and I catch my breath.
Jim Morris is Communications Manager for the California Rice Commission. Jim has worked in communications for more than 20 years. When he’s not on the job, he enjoys his family, faith, football, outrageous monster stories and running marathons.Monday, August 27, 2012
New- State Capitol displays California Rice photography
Assembly Member Toni Atkins provides comments on a photography display highlighting California Rice. The exhibit continues throughout this week.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
New CRC Blog- Sharing a common bond half a world away
By Jim Morris, CRC Communications Manager
It may be a surprise to you that California rice fields are a pretty popular place to tour. Last week we had a Japanese magazine crew visit and today it was a group from the U.S. Embassy in Seoul along with Korean students. South Korea is one of the top overseas destinations for California rice. It’s where the average consumer eats more than 200 pounds of rice per year – an astounding figure compared to U.S. rice consumption.
Today’s visitors traveled 6,000 miles to view California farms, which have topped the nation in production for more than a half century. They toured a rice farm in Yuba County and met with growers Michael Rue and his son, Michael Bosworth.
Twenty-six year old Yong Bum An, a rice grower and college student, really perked up when he saw the wide expanse of Calrose rice fields. He said he was amazed at the high-tech nature of California rice.
“Instead of planting a rice seed based on eyesight, I would like to adopt a database type farming like Mr. Rue to be more successful in the future,” Mr. An said.
Sporting a green “Farm Strong” bracelet he won at the Iowa State Fair, Mr. An said he eats rice breakfast, lunch and dinner virtually every day. His favorite meal?A bowl of steamed rice.
As these rice growers visited and talked about their livelihoods, it was amazing to see some of their common threads- enjoyment in their work, care for their surroundings and viewing rice farming as something that extends well beyond a 9 to 5 job.
Jim Morris is Communications Manager for the California Rice Commission. Jim has worked in communications for more than 20 years. When he’s not on the job, he enjoys his family, faith, football, outrageous monster stories and running marathons.
It may be a surprise to you that California rice fields are a pretty popular place to tour. Last week we had a Japanese magazine crew visit and today it was a group from the U.S. Embassy in Seoul along with Korean students. South Korea is one of the top overseas destinations for California rice. It’s where the average consumer eats more than 200 pounds of rice per year – an astounding figure compared to U.S. rice consumption.
Today’s visitors traveled 6,000 miles to view California farms, which have topped the nation in production for more than a half century. They toured a rice farm in Yuba County and met with growers Michael Rue and his son, Michael Bosworth.Twenty-six year old Yong Bum An, a rice grower and college student, really perked up when he saw the wide expanse of Calrose rice fields. He said he was amazed at the high-tech nature of California rice.
“Instead of planting a rice seed based on eyesight, I would like to adopt a database type farming like Mr. Rue to be more successful in the future,” Mr. An said.
Sporting a green “Farm Strong” bracelet he won at the Iowa State Fair, Mr. An said he eats rice breakfast, lunch and dinner virtually every day. His favorite meal?A bowl of steamed rice.As these rice growers visited and talked about their livelihoods, it was amazing to see some of their common threads- enjoyment in their work, care for their surroundings and viewing rice farming as something that extends well beyond a 9 to 5 job.
Jim Morris is Communications Manager for the California Rice Commission. Jim has worked in communications for more than 20 years. When he’s not on the job, he enjoys his family, faith, football, outrageous monster stories and running marathons.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
New Blog- A global success story right in our backyard
Most people know that California grows rice, but you probably didn't know that California grows some of the best, highest quality rice in the world that sees demand from every corner of the earth.
I should first mention that California grows between 20 to 25 percent of all rice produced in the United States. The other 75 to 80 percent grown outside of California is mainly US#2 Long Grain rice, which is traded on the Chicago Board of Trade like corn or soybeans. California rice, however, is different. It’s not a commodity to be traded like a stock, but a specialized, high-end food item that has demand across the world. California can grow literally hundreds of different varieties, but for today, we'll stick to the broad grouping of most rice grown in California- Japonica rice.
If you're interested in learning more about other types and varieties of rice, I discuss it in a previous blog.
Growing high quality Japonica rice is not an easy task. There are many people in many places the world that try to grow this specialized rice. Most can grow some, but only a few can grow it well, and of those, none that compare to California rice. There are many reasons that California does such a good job growing this rice. Here are a few:
The next time you're in the rice aisle of the grocery store, see how many different countries or regions are represented. You will likely see rice from many places and many countries.Sometimes we overlook what's right in front of us because we think products from another country are exotic or special, but the truth is, we already have the most exotic and special rice in the world. As Californians, we're very fortunate not to have to choose between buying locally and buying the best-they are one and the same.
Brendan O’Donnell is Vice President, Sales at The Sun Valley Rice Company, LLC, which mills, packages and markets premium California rice both domestically and around the world. He is the Fifth generation of his family to be involved in California agriculture and has been marketing and promoting California rice since 2007. He is a graduate of UC Davis with a B.S. in Agricultural Systems and Environment and Communications. Brendan is also an active member of the Rice Leadership Development Program. When he’s not selling rice, Brendan enjoys golfing, skiing and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Erin have Two children, Bridget and Liam.
I should first mention that California grows between 20 to 25 percent of all rice produced in the United States. The other 75 to 80 percent grown outside of California is mainly US#2 Long Grain rice, which is traded on the Chicago Board of Trade like corn or soybeans. California rice, however, is different. It’s not a commodity to be traded like a stock, but a specialized, high-end food item that has demand across the world. California can grow literally hundreds of different varieties, but for today, we'll stick to the broad grouping of most rice grown in California- Japonica rice.
If you're interested in learning more about other types and varieties of rice, I discuss it in a previous blog.
Growing high quality Japonica rice is not an easy task. There are many people in many places the world that try to grow this specialized rice. Most can grow some, but only a few can grow it well, and of those, none that compare to California rice. There are many reasons that California does such a good job growing this rice. Here are a few:
- We have a great Latitude.
California’s rice growing region in the central valley between Sacramento and Chico lines up with the same latitude as the traditional rice growing areas in Japan. - We can hold our water.
California’s northern central valley has a very heavy clay soil, which retains water extremely well. Not only is this perfect for rice, but it also provides extreme water efficiency. - Pure and simple.
California's water supply is a beautiful, clean and fresh water supply mostly originating as snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The clear water allows sunlight to penetrate through the water, nourishing the young plants. - Give it a rest!
We can experience pretty extreme temperatures during the middle of the summer, (recent weeks are a great example of this) but it also usually cools off quite a bit in the evening. This same principal that made the Napa Valley famous for its Cabernet also applies to rice. After a long hot day, the rice needs a cool evening to take a break and promote more, fuller rice kernels. - Farm On!
We have the best, most efficient and sustainable farmers in the world. In California, we tend to see average yields from the rice field around 8,500 pounds per acre. If you compare that to the global rice average of 3,570 pounds per acre, it’s apparent that we not only excel at quality, but also at efficiency.
The next time you're in the rice aisle of the grocery store, see how many different countries or regions are represented. You will likely see rice from many places and many countries.Sometimes we overlook what's right in front of us because we think products from another country are exotic or special, but the truth is, we already have the most exotic and special rice in the world. As Californians, we're very fortunate not to have to choose between buying locally and buying the best-they are one and the same.
Brendan O’Donnell is Vice President, Sales at The Sun Valley Rice Company, LLC, which mills, packages and markets premium California rice both domestically and around the world. He is the Fifth generation of his family to be involved in California agriculture and has been marketing and promoting California rice since 2007. He is a graduate of UC Davis with a B.S. in Agricultural Systems and Environment and Communications. Brendan is also an active member of the Rice Leadership Development Program. When he’s not selling rice, Brendan enjoys golfing, skiing and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Erin have Two children, Bridget and Liam.
Monday, August 20, 2012
New Nicole Van Vleck video-Updating short grain rice progress
Family farmer Nicole Van Vleck of Montna Farms in Sutter County describes progress of this year's short grain rice crop.
Nicole Montna Van Vleck is a third generation rice farmer who farms with her parents and sister in Sutter County. Nicole is Managing Partner of Montna Farms which grows, dries and stores super premium short grain rice. Montna Farms partners with many waterfowl organizations to protect and enhance waterfowl habitat primarily on its working rice lands.
Nicole is a graduate of UCLA and The California Agricultural Leadership Program. Nicole and her husband Stan have two school-aged children.
Nicole Montna Van Vleck is a third generation rice farmer who farms with her parents and sister in Sutter County. Nicole is Managing Partner of Montna Farms which grows, dries and stores super premium short grain rice. Montna Farms partners with many waterfowl organizations to protect and enhance waterfowl habitat primarily on its working rice lands.Nicole is a graduate of UCLA and The California Agricultural Leadership Program. Nicole and her husband Stan have two school-aged children.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
New Guest Blog- The majesty and artistry of Rice Country
By Dolores Mitchell
For many years now I’ve had the great pleasure of visiting the Richvale area and have been inspired by the tremendous beauty of rice fields, wildlife and the tranquil countryside of Butte County. I’d like to share with you some of my newest works.
I love to paint rice fields early in the day, when no one is around. It is incredibly difficult to capture the neon glow of new rice in the spring--so I was grateful for pink in the sky that added 'punch' to the greens.
I laughed when I came, suddenly, on this rice plant while exploring the fields across the railroad tracks east of the Midway--it was the sight of the chutes and ladders painted periwinkle blue that so delighted me.
For many years now I’ve had the great pleasure of visiting the Richvale area and have been inspired by the tremendous beauty of rice fields, wildlife and the tranquil countryside of Butte County. I’d like to share with you some of my newest works.
April Sutter Buttes
Richvale Rice Plant
I laughed when I came, suddenly, on this rice plant while exploring the fields across the railroad tracks east of the Midway--it was the sight of the chutes and ladders painted periwinkle blue that so delighted me.
Stormy Aguas Frias
I was turning a curve in the road when I came upon a flooded field that was itself curved. It was a bowl of glowing liquid and so astonishingly beautiful that I pulled over to sketch it.
Sunrise through Mist
The title is a homage to one of my favorite painters, the English master of atmosphere, J. M. W. Turner. Rice fields are flooded in the winter, the season with the most moisture in the air, to which the fields themselves add water vapor, making the air a wonderful vehicle for subtle colors.
December: Plowed Rice Fields
When I go scouting for a location that will inspire me I seldom think about whether others will agree with my selection, but when I completed this work I did wonder how many people were as attracted to patterns in mud as I am. Even as a child, I loved looking down at patterns of all kinds, from water oozing through a muddy ditch to the rainbow patterns of oil on gas station cement.
I will show fifteen new rice field paintings at my exhibit "Reflections, Refractions, and Reveries," at Avenue 9 Gallery, 180 E. 9th Avenue, Chico, from December 7 through January l3.
A new rice field subject that I'll have in the December show is of equipment at work such as tractors and plows, and I've painted my first crop duster (a VERY tiny one flying way in the distance). I have not yet photographed any of these and some are in progress. I hope you can visit the exhibit and enjoy these marvelous sights of the Sacramento Valley!
Dolores Mitchell received a B.A. in studio art and a PhD in art history from UCLA. She taught art history at California State University, Chico, for 30 years. Since her retirement ten years ago she has returned to painting with a specialty in North State agricultural scenes. She paintings can be seen at Avenue 9 Gallery, Chico.
I will show fifteen new rice field paintings at my exhibit "Reflections, Refractions, and Reveries," at Avenue 9 Gallery, 180 E. 9th Avenue, Chico, from December 7 through January l3.
A new rice field subject that I'll have in the December show is of equipment at work such as tractors and plows, and I've painted my first crop duster (a VERY tiny one flying way in the distance). I have not yet photographed any of these and some are in progress. I hope you can visit the exhibit and enjoy these marvelous sights of the Sacramento Valley!
Dolores Mitchell received a B.A. in studio art and a PhD in art history from UCLA. She taught art history at California State University, Chico, for 30 years. Since her retirement ten years ago she has returned to painting with a specialty in North State agricultural scenes. She paintings can be seen at Avenue 9 Gallery, Chico.The majesty and artistry of rice country
By Dolores Mitchell
For many years now I’ve had the great pleasure of visiting the Richvale area and have been inspired by the tremendous beauty of rice fields, wildlife and the tranquil countryside of Butte County. I’d like to share with you some of my newest works.
I love to paint rice fields early in the day, when no one is around. It is incredibly difficult to capture the neon glow of new rice in the spring--so I was grateful for pink in the sky that added 'punch' to the greens.
I laughed when I came, suddenly, on this rice plant while exploring the fields across the railroad tracks east of the Midway--it was the sight of the chutes and ladders painted periwinkle blue that so delighted me.
For many years now I’ve had the great pleasure of visiting the Richvale area and have been inspired by the tremendous beauty of rice fields, wildlife and the tranquil countryside of Butte County. I’d like to share with you some of my newest works.
April Sutter Buttes
Richvale Rice Plant
I laughed when I came, suddenly, on this rice plant while exploring the fields across the railroad tracks east of the Midway--it was the sight of the chutes and ladders painted periwinkle blue that so delighted me.
Stormy Aguas Frias
I was turning a curve in the road when I came upon a flooded field that was itself curved. It was a bowl of glowing liquid and so astonishingly beautiful that I pulled over to sketch it.
Sunrise through Mist
The title is a homage to one of my favorite painters, the English master of atmosphere, J. M. W. Turner. Rice fields are flooded in the winter, the season with the most moisture in the air, to which the fields themselves add water vapor, making the air a wonderful vehicle for subtle colors.
December: Plowed Rice Fields
When I go scouting for a location that will inspire me I seldom think about whether others will agree with my selection, but when I completed this work I did wonder how many people were as attracted to patterns in mud as I am. Even as a child, I loved looking down at patterns of all kinds, from water oozing through a muddy ditch to the rainbow patterns of oil on gas station cement.
I will show fifteen new rice field paintings at my exhibit "Reflections, Refractions, and Reveries," at Avenue 9 Gallery, 180 E. 9th Avenue, Chico, from December 7 through January l3.
A new rice field subject that I'll have in the December show is of equipment at work such as tractors and plows, and I've painted my first crop duster (a VERY tiny one flying way in the distance). I have not yet photographed any of these and some are in progress. I hope you can visit the exhibit and enjoy these marvelous sights of the Sacramento Valley!
Dolores Mitchell received a B.A. in studio art and a PhD in art history from UCLA. She taught art history at California State University, Chico, for 30 years. Since her retirement ten years ago she has returned to painting with a specialty in North State agricultural scenes. She paintings can be seen at Avenue 9 Gallery, Chico.
I will show fifteen new rice field paintings at my exhibit "Reflections, Refractions, and Reveries," at Avenue 9 Gallery, 180 E. 9th Avenue, Chico, from December 7 through January l3.
A new rice field subject that I'll have in the December show is of equipment at work such as tractors and plows, and I've painted my first crop duster (a VERY tiny one flying way in the distance). I have not yet photographed any of these and some are in progress. I hope you can visit the exhibit and enjoy these marvelous sights of the Sacramento Valley!
Dolores Mitchell received a B.A. in studio art and a PhD in art history from UCLA. She taught art history at California State University, Chico, for 30 years. Since her retirement ten years ago she has returned to painting with a specialty in North State agricultural scenes. She paintings can be seen at Avenue 9 Gallery, Chico.Friday, August 10, 2012
New video- Final prep for 2012 rice harvest
Family farmer Mike Daddow describes work done to prepare harvest equipment for this year's rice crop. Harvest will occur in the fall.
Mike Daddow ~ Farming in Sutter and Yolo Counties, Mike is the fourth generation of his family to grow rice in California. His great grandfather served as an engineer in Natomas and is credited with helping lay out the irrigation system for the region. Mike graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with two Bachelor of Science Degrees. He and his wife Susan have three boys – Max, Sam and Alex - who all help out on the farm when they can. When he isn’t growing rice, Mike puts his pilot’s license to good use.
Mike Daddow ~ Farming in Sutter and Yolo Counties, Mike is the fourth generation of his family to grow rice in California. His great grandfather served as an engineer in Natomas and is credited with helping lay out the irrigation system for the region. Mike graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with two Bachelor of Science Degrees. He and his wife Susan have three boys – Max, Sam and Alex - who all help out on the farm when they can. When he isn’t growing rice, Mike puts his pilot’s license to good use.Wednesday, August 8, 2012
New Punch Haskell Blog- So far, so good
The days are warm, the rice is growing tall and everything seems in order for this growing season.
After a bumpy start due to the uncooperative spring weather, my rice fields have reached the midpoint of the growing season. The short grain rice has headed out, meaning heads have emerged from the plants and the rice kernels will be formed in the coming weeks. Heads are also starting to appear in some of my medium grain rice fields. Issues with some weeds in the fields faced earlier in the season have also been dealt with.
A good temperature for rice is in the mid 90s and nature has been pretty helpful in that regard. Nights haven’t been too cool, which is also helpful. My harvest equipment is ready to go and it looks like our first fields will be harvested late next month. This looks to be another late season but hopefully the rains will hold off until after all of our harvesting is complete.
Punch Haskell grows rice in Colusa County and is part of a family farming operation that began approximately 60 years ago.
After a bumpy start due to the uncooperative spring weather, my rice fields have reached the midpoint of the growing season. The short grain rice has headed out, meaning heads have emerged from the plants and the rice kernels will be formed in the coming weeks. Heads are also starting to appear in some of my medium grain rice fields. Issues with some weeds in the fields faced earlier in the season have also been dealt with.
A good temperature for rice is in the mid 90s and nature has been pretty helpful in that regard. Nights haven’t been too cool, which is also helpful. My harvest equipment is ready to go and it looks like our first fields will be harvested late next month. This looks to be another late season but hopefully the rains will hold off until after all of our harvesting is complete.
Punch Haskell grows rice in Colusa County and is part of a family farming operation that began approximately 60 years ago.
Monday, August 6, 2012
New Video- Midsummer Rice Update
Family farmer Charley Mathews Jr of Yuba County discusses the important development stage for the rice crop in early August.
Fifth-generation farmer Charley Mathews is continuing a family a legacy that began in the 1850s. Their first rice fields were planted in the 1940s and are still going strong in Yuba County. Charley is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He and his wife Hilliary have two sons, Parker and Adam.
Fifth-generation farmer Charley Mathews is continuing a family a legacy that began in the 1850s. Their first rice fields were planted in the 1940s and are still going strong in Yuba County. Charley is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He and his wife Hilliary have two sons, Parker and Adam.
Friday, August 3, 2012
New Debra DeWit Blog- An action-packed summer
I hope everyone is having a great summer. I’m personally enjoying this brief break before my senior year at Davis Senior High School. So are my dad and my grandpa. Hard work is paying off as the rice continues to grow and they are now currently en route to Alaska to go fishing. I can’t wait to hear their stories and eat the catch! As summer draws closer to an end (unfortunately for me) the harvest time comes as well. Before my dad left for Alaska, he was fixing up the combines that will be used for the fall rice harvest. That’s my sign to start anticipating for class schedule pickups and the first day of school.
My summer so far has been surprisingly busy, though not in a bad way. The last day of school, I had a few of my friends come over to my house for a homework burning bonfire. That next Monday, I was off to my youth group’s trip to Lake Shasta. It was a blast.
I tried banana boating this year again, which I have to tell you is really terrifying yet such so much fun. Basically banana boating is six people on an inflatable raft/boat that looks like a banana. After the trip, my friend Kassidy came up from Merced to stay for a week. It was great seeing her again. A few days after she left, my mom, my aunt and my cousin’s girlfriend and I went to North Carolina to visit my cousin stationed there and to drop of his truck. So yes, we drove all the way cross country for about three days, very little stops. But we flew back home and got back home at midnight.
For the fourth of July we had our traditional walk to my old elementary school to watch fireworks. My brother was home, and he was really happy to see the fireworks.
A couple weeks later I spent some time in Santa Cruz. Got sunburned, but it was worth the fun I had with my family.
Last week I volunteered at my church’s vacation bible school, Breakaway. That was a fun yet tiring experience. I lead a group of fourth grade girls and I enjoyed getting to know them while playing on slip n’ slides, making crafts and talking with them during small group time.
Now that most of my summer is complete, I can’t wait to see what I have in store for the rest of it and my senior year coming up. I’m going to see the comedian/ventriloquist Jeff Dunham with my mom this upcoming Saturday. Who knows what will come up next after that?
Debra DeWit: "I grew up in Davis and have been around both my grandpa’s and dad’s rice farms most of my life. My grandpa was the one that started farming and passed the tradition on to my dad. My dad farms rice in Yolo County and my grandpa farms rice in Sutter, Yolo and Sacramento counties. I enjoy talking to my dad and grandpa about their days in the fields and gaining more knowledge about the crop and the business. Currently, my family and I live in Davis, and I go to the high school there. I like to hang out with friends, write, draw, go hunting with my dad and my grandpa, teach Sunday school and going to youth group."
My summer so far has been surprisingly busy, though not in a bad way. The last day of school, I had a few of my friends come over to my house for a homework burning bonfire. That next Monday, I was off to my youth group’s trip to Lake Shasta. It was a blast.
I tried banana boating this year again, which I have to tell you is really terrifying yet such so much fun. Basically banana boating is six people on an inflatable raft/boat that looks like a banana. After the trip, my friend Kassidy came up from Merced to stay for a week. It was great seeing her again. A few days after she left, my mom, my aunt and my cousin’s girlfriend and I went to North Carolina to visit my cousin stationed there and to drop of his truck. So yes, we drove all the way cross country for about three days, very little stops. But we flew back home and got back home at midnight.For the fourth of July we had our traditional walk to my old elementary school to watch fireworks. My brother was home, and he was really happy to see the fireworks.
A couple weeks later I spent some time in Santa Cruz. Got sunburned, but it was worth the fun I had with my family.
Last week I volunteered at my church’s vacation bible school, Breakaway. That was a fun yet tiring experience. I lead a group of fourth grade girls and I enjoyed getting to know them while playing on slip n’ slides, making crafts and talking with them during small group time.
Now that most of my summer is complete, I can’t wait to see what I have in store for the rest of it and my senior year coming up. I’m going to see the comedian/ventriloquist Jeff Dunham with my mom this upcoming Saturday. Who knows what will come up next after that?
Debra DeWit: "I grew up in Davis and have been around both my grandpa’s and dad’s rice farms most of my life. My grandpa was the one that started farming and passed the tradition on to my dad. My dad farms rice in Yolo County and my grandpa farms rice in Sutter, Yolo and Sacramento counties. I enjoy talking to my dad and grandpa about their days in the fields and gaining more knowledge about the crop and the business. Currently, my family and I live in Davis, and I go to the high school there. I like to hang out with friends, write, draw, go hunting with my dad and my grandpa, teach Sunday school and going to youth group."
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