California in the 1950's was a golden place to dream and do. My wild Protestant-Irish Catholic family packed up, Grandma and all, and moved to Sacramento to grab a chunk of the action. Some say the state and our lunatic bunch changed forever. Along the way we encountered: rattlesnake farms, gold mines, early TV, a Shakespeare quoting hobo, space aliens, racial and religious prejudice, a magician who could make radishes come out his nose, showgirls, and even the world's largest chickens, to name a few. There were deep dark times of domestic violence and pinnacles of light as individuals within our group rose to shine for us all. There was more laughter than tears, and some of the most amazing family stories you will ever read about our imperfect but never dull family. Hopefully these stories will make you feel better about your crazy old uncle because he didn't drink blue ant poison and drive through a bunch of space aliens- did he? Mine Did