John recently published A California Love Story: A collection of letters written between 1925 and 1927. The book colorfully illustrates the heavenly courtship of John's grandparents Ray and Dora Wilcox after Ray was forced westward to find work. When John Thill traveled to Kansas and Oklahoma to research the couple’s origins, he found their cross-country postcards and extensive letters collaborating on their future together in California the most charming and entertaining example of how they revived each other through their mutual promises. Their letters offer a poignant testament to long-distance love and a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of these two unique individuals. Along Ray's journey, he met and became friends with the Kelly Family, who donated the land to the Agua Hediona Lagoon Foundation. Join us to listen to excerpts from A California Love Story and hear stories from John Thill.

Contact The Show

Podcast Website: Nature All Around Me

The Foundation website: Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation or call 760-804-1969

Website: https://www.aguahedionda.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AguaHediondaLagoonFoundation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aguahediondalagoonfoundation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aguahedionda/

Producers: Samantha Richter, Lisa Rodman, Emily Bonds, Kellie Davis, Chris Swann, John Sanders, Samual Davis

Music: Frogs by the Water Hole by Chris Swann/Swann Concepts Pub

Studio: Imagine Podcasting, Carlsbad California