It was nice being in California recently at the annual meeting of the American Association for Agricultural Education. I was pleased that the GALA presentation received a 3rd place honor. I also enjoyed touring California agriculture and learning more about such crops as avocados and lettuce. Touring the coast was fun and seeing elephant seals packed tightly on the beach was interesting. Spending a day in Sequoia National Park was also enjoyable. Speaking at Andrews Air Force Base next week will be a real contrast to California.