Found a fun piece of Dad's history in the Second World War:

Dad had been in the Army less than a year when his coastal artillery unit had this Christmas Dinner.

At the time he was stationed at Fort Rosecrans, California, protecting San Diego from a possible Japanese attack. A prospect that was still thought a strong possibility at that time.

Mom was already pregnant with Bill at this time.

I'm sure the men enjoyed this traditional celebration in those dark days when the outcome of the war was still in doubt.

If you can't make out the writing on the Christmas Tree design, it reads:

If you can figure this out you're good but if you can't how will you ever know that T/5 Eppie Gomez and his Pop Melvin Wood enjoyed printing this Xmas Menu for you fellows and wish you a Merry Xmas and that the New Year will find you and leave you with a full measure of health happiness and prosperity 1942 merry christmas and a happy new year to you all

Ranch Circa 1975

Terry and Don ready Uncle Pete's horse trailer

Terry with Partick Wall's first horseback ride.

Circa 1975. Lots of memories were made in the pickup.

2022 the Oak Forest on the hills look thicker.

Pete giving directions.

Riding the range.

David & Bob relaxing.

Pete and Paint.

How many generations of kids have played on this old tractor?

Time for a new barbwire fence, that's me working closest to the camera.

Circa 1975.

2018

Time to go exploring, that's the old Wards House in the background.

What's left of the Wards house in 2018.

Jeannie

Uncle Bill leads the way.

Pete checks the map, yep looks like we are near the end of Andre land.  and these views from half a century ago. God how time flies.