I fell in love with Californio culture when I was in eighth grade.  Between studying California state history and my father’s Sons of the Pioneers South of the Border album playing on a regular basis, I kind of couldn’t help myself.

This’ll be a long series, but I think it’s more than worth the time I’m investing in it.  I love Avelino–both of them.  I ache for Cherith, long for conversations with Ruiz–in Spanish, of course–and if none of that makes sense, well… maybe it’s time to step into Napa, California and watch California grow before your eyes.