Our Buddy Dick

DICK FANDRICH

08/31/1929 to 09/09/2010

Many of you who have visited our farm over the years met our buddy, Dick Fandrich, so we wanted to take this opportunity to share with you that Dick died late Thursday night of congestive heart failure. He would always tease that to know him was to love him and for the most part that was true. Doc Hunter phrased it well when he said Dick was one of those very funny, larger than life guys who just kept defying death. He'd had a stroke over ten years ago, multiple heart attacks and next to no concern for his diabetes. Years ago during one of his more challenging health related days he chose going to breakfast over going to the emergency room as he was concerned when they allow him to eat. We eventually went to the ER but not before he had his favorite breakfast. He was everything from an airline mechanic to a bus driver to a detective sergeant for the San Francisco Police Department to a real estate broker to a marketing entrepreneur and who knows how many other different professions over his 81 years.  More than anything he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and dreamer with patience beyond that of Charlie Brown and his football.  He believed what you told him and was one of the most optimistic individuals you would ever want to meet.  He will be truly missed.

Be Careful What You Name Them

Many of you know that Peggy's mom moved into our home late last year and remodeled the area that formerly was our office. She has been helping come up with names for our new arrivals. 

When the little munchkin to the right arrived Mom could see from her window that she was quite small compared to some of the others who had arrived this year.  Mom's family is from Yugoslavia and the language is Croatian.  The word "tiny" in Croatian is "mala".  So she called us down in the pasture to give her suggestion as to a name for our latest addition to the herd.  Peggy thought it was quite appropriate but noticed that our friend, Felipe, immediately smiled upon hearing it.  So not being the greatest at remembering her Spanish, Peggy asked what does "mala" mean in Spanish . . . many of you know the answer . . . bad girl.  My mother felt it wasn't appropriate to label a perfect tiny little girl with a name that was so unappealing . . . but how could you not! 

So, the perfect tiny little girl is Tucker Creek's Mala and she is doing her best to deserve that moniker.

We have had times before where we named a critter and they just became their name . . . like Tucker Creek's Bungee Buuud . . . we had to add mesh to the tops of the gates so he wouldn't jump through to get back to mom when he was weaned . . . not to mention what a treat he was to weigh.  So, becareful what you name them . . .