Don't miss the 22nd Annual Home, Garden & Antique Show
March 15 & 16, 2008, 10am-5pm
Silver Dollar Fair Grounds in Chico!

Produced each year by Soroptimist International of Chico, this fundraiser allows the club to continue providing community service in many areas. (Please check out the SI Chico website for more information about this great show and the services provided by this wonderful organization.) This year's show is "going GREEN" and will be better than ever, featuring food demonstrations (with delectable samples!) by some of Chico's best eateries, creative ideas for landscaping, outdoor living, home improvement, decor, a fun "Kidz Corner," antiques, and a fabulous art and wine tasting area. All this AND a classic car and hot rod expo! See you there!

 

 

Son Gabe and I had the opportunity yesterday to visit the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. Founded in 1885 and housed in one of the finest examples of Victorian Italianate architecture in the United States, the museum is a real treasure for Northern California. We especially enjoyed the works of Edwin Deakon (1838-1923). Such an interesting life. Born in England, he and his family moved to Chicago when he was young. He lost most of his artwork in the Chicago fire, then moved to S.F. and survived THAT fire (1906), and ended up in Berkeley where he painted into his golden years, mostly wilderness scenes of California and the missions. Beautiful work. If you haven't been to the Crocker, do set aside an extra couple of hours next time you're in Sac and check it out. It offers an amazing collection of art, some dating back to the 16th century. Or check out the "Digital Crocker" and take a tour from the comfort of your computer desk!

Ok, I admit it; I'm a hopeless Chicophile. My dear brother-in-law Jim was recently visiting from the Portland area. I took him to our fabulous Farmer's Market and then to a favorite local coffee shop afterwards. Naturally, we ran into a number of friends and acquaintances of mine along the way (it's Chico after all!). And, as usual, each one of these fine folks (upon learning Jim was from out of town) spent a portion of their conversation extolling the virtues of life in Chico. It didn't even phase me; after all, doesn't everyone LOVE Chico? After several of these encounters, Jim confided in me that he and my sister have a little running joke about Chico being "Stepford," full of Chicoans roaming our quaint little hamlet, intoning over and over, "Don't you just LOVE Chico?"
I have to admit, I had to laugh at that and had to somewhat agree with his observation. But really, I mean, don't you just LOVE Chico? ; )

Am I the only person in the country who hasn't seen the video of Professor Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture"? What an amazing person. In Sept. of 2006, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given "3 to 6 months of good health" left. With ongoing treatment, he seems to be doing well. More importantly, he's enjoying the time he DOES have and is sharing his wisdom and knowledge with his students and the world.
As soon as you can set aside just over an hour, I also highly recommend his lecture on time management. The hour you invest will pay you back a thousandfold. Thank you, Randy, for sharing your precious time with us. Best wishes to your wife and three young children.

 

Simply our favorite coffee shop/eaterie/office-away-from-office, BIDWELL PERK! Located in the heart of Chico (on E. 1st Ave., near the corner of Mangrove), this lovely and thriving vendor of fine caffeinated products and delectable edibles offers free wi-fi and plenty of seating in a warm and inviting atmosphere. No wonder the "Perk" enjoys such a devoted clientele!

What is lovelier than Chico in springtime? Well known as one of the best almond- (or "a-min," rhyming with "salmon," as locals pronounce it) growing areas in the world, Chico and the surrounding agricultural areas are virtually bursting with white and pink blossoms. In addition to the nut trees, we're being treated to flowering displays by Bradford (ornamental) pears, ornamental cherry trees, and various bulb beauties. (My mom and dad's neighbors probably wondered what the heck I was doing stretched out flat on my belly on their front lawn when I was photographing these gorgeous daffodils!)

 

 

 

Ok, now THIS is amazing. Half-awake, listening to NPR this morning, I heard a bit about researchers being able to analyze a person's HAIR to trace the history of where they've been. Utah scientists have been researching isotopes in rainwater, mapping geographic differences, which show up in drinking water and food and, ultimately, in the consumer's hair structure! The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department applied this technique to track the movements of a "Jane Doe" (whose bones were found in their area) prior to her untimely death. Sounds crazy, but apparently it's proving to be fairly accurate. You learn something new every day! (Or at least you should). Click here for the full story.

This 1940s "charmer" is located on one of my absolute favorite streets in Chico, E. Sacramento Ave. (I "scored" big time with my very first listing on this street 20 years ago!) Listed at $449,000, this sweet thing features original tile, hardwood floors, built-in bookshelves, tons of storage, large living and family rooms, and separate darkroom or office. A large guest house with separate bedroom and spacious living room looks out to a lovely patio with Koi pond. This wide, tree-lined street is in the heart of Chico, close to downtown, Bidwell Park and CSUC. For more info and photos, please visit my web site:

ChicoLaura.com

Please feel free to email me to view this lovely property:  Laura@ChicoLaura.com

The ChicoLaura Team looks forward to hearing from you!

Today in Chico the First Annual "Tour de Ed" fundraiser was held to help raise money for the Chico Cyclist Care Fund (recently created to help cyclists who sustain injuries while bicycling). This fundraising bike ride is named for Ed McLaughlin (pictured), local bicyling legend, who suffered a severe spinal injury on Dec. 21, 2007, while riding through our beautiful Bidwell Park. A man who "walks his talk," Ed hasn't owned an automobile since 1982 (the year my younger son was born and, interestingly, the year the Greenline was established in Chico, protecting farm land on Chico's west side by separating urban and agricultural areas.), and has been a tireless advocate of bicycling (founder of Chico Velo Cycling Club) throughout his years in Chico. Largely through Ed's efforts, The League of American Bicyclists recognized Chico in 2004 with its prestigious Bicycle Friendly Community designation. And in 1997, Chico was listed in Bicycling Magazine as the nation's #1 bicycling community.

I met Ed about 20 years ago (one of those "Chico" things--can't remember where or exactly when) and, even though our paths have only occasionally crossed over the years, those moments have always been graced with that big, sparkling "Ed" grin and cheerful hello. I firmly believe that Ed McLaughlin is one of those unsung heroes who breeze through life touching so many lives, working selflessly to leave the planet a better place. No wonder everyone loves the guy. Here's to your health and ultimate recovery, Ed. As the Chico Velo motto declares:

Eat, Breathe, Drink, Pedal

and hopefully you'll be back pedaling again in the not-too-distant future.

(Donations can be made payable to: "Chico Cyclist Care Fund," c/o Pullins Cyclery, 801 Main St.,Chico, CA 95928)

POSTAGE IS GOING UP AGAIN! On May12, 2008, postage is going up one cent on first class stamps. However, if you purchase stamps now at 41 cents with the"forever liberty bell" logo, you can send your mail after May12 with them being honored for the 41 cents you already paid. It's time to stock up on stamps. A two-ounce letter will be 59 cents and postcards will be 27 cents. Check with the post office or go to http://www.usps.com/ for more information. Those pennies add up as we all know! Skip the pretty picture stamps, get the forever stamps, and save!