Charm & Character in Chico!

Picture perfect! What an absolute cutie this one is--a pleasure to present. App. 1034 s.f., built in 1986, located in the Hollybrook subdivision just one mile from CSUC and an easy bike ride to downtown. Two spacious bedrooms, two baths. Master bedroom features French doors leading out to a lush and lovely, park-like back yard with mature trees, fountains, and a spa-ready pad. Detached two-car garage plus a super-long driveway for extra parking. Move-in ready and priced to sell at just $259,000! For more photos, visit my web site at www.ChicoLaura.com and click on "Active Listings/Sales." And feel free to contact me to view. Shows like a model home! (Update April 17, 2008: This sweet home is now in escrow after receiving multiple offers!) (Check out the ChicoLaura web site: www.ChicoLaura.com )

Talk About Friends!

In one of those interesting, quirky "coincidences," two days after I wrote my last blog entry about the value of long-term friendships, my son Gabe surprised us with a visit for Easter weekend. Two of his best lifelong friends, twins Shad and Darrell, were in town visiting family as well, and we all met up at Bidwell Perk to sip our java on the patio on a picture-perfect spring day. I'm so impressed with the fine young men these three have become and am thrilled they have maintained their friendship!

Friends for Life

Where would we be without our friends? Having moved every 2-3 years during my childhood (from Rhode Island to Midway Island and points in between!), I fantasized about having a "home town" and lifelong friends. I was 11 when my dad finally retired from the Navy, and we relocated from North Kingstown, Rhode Island, to Castro Valley, CA. Being the "new kid" is never easy, but I was lucky enough to be befriended by Janet and Karen in 7th grade (great friends to this day). What a treat for me to actually live in ONE place through my junior high and high school years, and even two years of college! Wouldn't you know, though, the gypsy spirit resurfaced after marrying at the age of 20, and my young family and I moved to Eureka and then San Diego before finally settling in Chico in 1981.

Certainly there are advantages to having lived in a variety of interesting locations, and I admire my parents for sharing such an adventurous spirit--imagine having six children, each born in a different state! (At least I can empathize with my clients as they relocate.) But I also cherished the opportunity to create lifelong friendships during those "more settled" teenage years. AND I'm grateful we ultimately landed in this wonderful little community, the "home town" I always dreamed of.

Home, Garden & Antique Show!

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!

Crocker Art Museum

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!

Stepford Chico?

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 this 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? ; )

Chico Museum

We're so fortunate to have a beautiful, historic building right downtown housing the Chico Museum here in Chico (141 Salem St.). And we're ESPECIALLY fortunate to have the opportunity to enjoy some of the vast Janet Turner collection on display through May 18, 2008. Admission to the museum is by donation, open Wed. through Sun., 12 - 4:00. Check it out next time you are downtown and have a bit of free time!

Randy Pausch - Last Lecture

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.

Bidwell Perk!

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!

111 Zinnia Way - A Great Deal!

111 Zinnia Way, Chico, CA $350,000

This four bedroom, three bath home is in a lovely neighborhood on Chico's popular west side, near Lindo Channel. Extra roomy, with separate living room and family room, dining area off living room. No neighbor directly behind means a sense of privacy. Cozy brick fireplace with woodstove insert and a three-car garage. All this located on a quiet culdesac. Whole lotta house for the price! Check our my web site at http://www.chicolaura.com/ to view more photos.

Springtime in Chico!

What is lovelier than Chico in springtime? Well known as one of the best almond- (or "amin," as in "salmon," as the 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!)