But, the second owners of the property, the Waugamans did farm. Joan, their granddaughter told us of her grandfather, Alvin Waugaman introducing Black Angus cattle to Santa Cruz County in the 1950’s. They roam today on many of the county’s farms.

Sand Rock Farm’s beautiful whitewashed barn of today, was a real cattle barn when the Waugaman’s farmed, with cattle returning each night from the meadows to be fed. Joan remembers visiting as a child and climbing in the hayloft, playing in the hay and swimming in the circular cattle drinking trough, long since gone.

What we call the Upper Meadow was a huge vegetable garden. Joan helped her Grandmother can vegetables and make jam. (I wonder if the garden was fenced? The deer we have on the property today would make a meal of all those fruits and vegetables!)

Flowers were Joan’s Grandmother, Florence’s passion. The lilacs, camellias and pink dogwood that she planted in gardens around the house are still thriving and a special treat for springtime visitors to Sand Rock Farm.

The camellias that Florence planted are now 8 feet tall and stand in front of the 1887 wing of the house. (This is behind where Florence and Alvin are standing.)

We put up a fence to protect the roses from the deer. The lilacs, pink dogwood and magnolia tree showing off their blooms in early spring, 2011 were all planted by Florence in the 1950’s.

Until yesterday, we did not know that Sand Rock Farm owners in the 1950’s were connected to the majestic Rogers’ House that stands at the entry to the County Fair Grounds.

Joan the granddaughter of former owners, the Waugamans, from (1950 to 1999) paid us a visit, bringing pictures and stories of her family.

One of the stories she told was of her grandmother Florence’s family. They were the Rogers who built the house in 1867. Her grandmother’s brother, Carrol married Esther Steinbeck (John Steinbeck’s sister) and lived in the house in the 1920’s before it was donated to the Santa Cruz County and designated as a Historic Landmark.

Next fall, I will pay a little extra attention to Florence Rogers Waugaman family home as we drive up to the entrance to the Fairgrounds.

Todays Bride Editorial Amazae at Sand Rock Farms from Luke Goodman on Vimeo.

Mega tasting, or Mini Bridal Faire.   Whatever we might call it, we just had a pretty amazing time yesterday!  It was the first time that we have hosted more than one couple at a time for a tasting.

Once couples have agreed on a date and site for their wedding festivities, the next thing on the their to do list should be selecting a caterer.  We invited eight couples who are getting married this summer and fall at Sand Rock Farm to join us in tasting from a selection of food offered by one of our favorite caterers.

Local Harvest Catering has just opened their new facility, Front Street Kitchen in downtown Santa Cruz.  We thought it might be a fun opportunity to gather couples who are ready to choose their menus and caterers, to taste a selection of food paired with Santa Cruz Wines from Bargetto.

We were able to showcase linens, china, glassware from Alexis Party Rental on Santa Cruz’s far west side.  Each bride and groom might have a theme, color or idea that is carried out through the wedding and reception decorations.   Alexis helps put their ideas together creating that picture perfect day.

All who marry at Sand Rock Farm may choose from among a number of vendors for photography, flowers, music, officiant and dessert (sweets of their choice).  We provide a list of vendors we know who work well on our property, for the couple’s information.   Of course couples may also use their own vendors.

When asked about the experience, one of the brides said that they really enjoyed having opinions from others planning a similar party, trading experience.   A Thumb’s up for the idea, said another, echoing the first bride’s sentiment.

This month’s Fungus Fair attracts many visitors to Santa Cruz.  Educational and fun, the weekend of January 14 and 15.  Link to the Fungus web page. http://fungusfed.org/

We rearrange the living room a bit to show off the fresh cut tree from the Santa Cruz mountain standing proudly in front of the Eastlake mirror.  We waited to decorate the tree until Emma (my granddaughter) and family came home from two months in Asia.  Still had it up in plenty of time for Santa’s visit.

More birds will visit Sand Rock Farm for the Santa Cruz Christmas Bird Count with the new bird feeder just outside the dining room window.  (A great surprise Christmas gift)  Bed and Breakfast guests will hear and see the feathered visitors from the dining table as they eat breakfast.

Tried La Posta  in Santa Cruz enjoying fall flavors at Soif’s  sister restaurant and loved it.

Face painting and magic, with cheerful songs made the day festive.

Many Sand Rock Farm guests enjoyed our favorite local Aptos restaurant, Café Sparrow this month.

But, early the first week of June on the Central Coast, unlike any in the ten years we have had June weddings, the weatherman predicted a rainy weekend coming.  With our helpful vendors, we hustled and found a tent to cover the Wine Meadow before the downpour on Saturday.

Though it rained all day, the Bride and Groom were happy.  The guests attended a wedding they won’t forget with rain ending as night fell and the party ended..

We must be in for a different kind of summer!