I sit here in my office looking at blank walls. Decorating will happen soon. It’s still impossible to park either vehicle in the garage. But the kitchen is done, I have a brand new bed to sleep in that has a base that can make me into a Kae taco, and the back yard beckons with its garden that is also a delight to a plethora of songbirds.
Home. I have a rather permanent one after three years of being a bit of a nomad.
Chico is about 90 minutes north of Sacramento. (Image: Kathryn Reed)
I bought a house in Chico in March. My mom is my roommate. She’s 86, a survivor of the Camp Fire that destroyed the town of Paradise in 2018.
I’ve been visiting Chico since I was in fourth grade; so a really long time. That’s when my oldest sister, Jann, started college. She and her husband, Lester, moved back years ago and raised their three kids here. Another sister, Pam, also went to Chico State University, so the trips to this town as a kid just kept happening.
This city of more than 90,000 people has always been a place I’ve enjoyed visiting. Now I get to explore the area on a deeper level—something that hasn’t happened yet with all the boxes that came out of storage.
I love that it has a real downtown, stores/restaurants that are welcoming, road and mountain biking, and that famous brewery.
When things start to open up as the pandemic allows, being in a university town will be incredible because all that it will have to offer along with the energy of college students.
For now, I’m trying to figure out who to play tennis with, how to get the word out that I’ve started an outcall massage business, and generate some more freelance work.
Living with mom is the easy the part—so far. She’s agreed to dust; I’ve agreed to clean the floors. She’s agreed to take care of the plants; I’ve agreed to cook. The cost of TV service is hers; the hot tub care/expenses are all mine.
While Tahoe is no longer my address after nearly 19 years, it will always be part of me and someplace that I will visit often. Plus, I know there are a few more books in me with Tahoe themes—and Baja. For now, I am focusing on getting settled and seeing what this part of Northern California is all about.
So glad to hear you are in and ‘settled’! You know, the rule is that you legally have 1 year to unpack the last box. 😉 just so you know.
But blank walls are a definite must ASAP! ( says the artist…;)
Congrats! Chico is a great town. How does AJ like her new digs? That’s really all that matters 😜
Enjoy your new home! Take your time making it ‘yours’ and getting settled. Some things just may need to stay in boxes for a while…..Baja tennis courts miss you! Hugs to you and your mom!
Enjoy your new nest ! Tahoe will always be your backyard , just like me.
Take care.
Good luck, Kae! Shasta is close to Chico if you need a mountain to explore. And keep writing!
Glad you’re settling in! You know when you can write about it, you are at least partially settled. Also, I wouldn’t mind a roommate who agreed to dust. I have plenty of it!
Congratulations on your new-ish roots. I love Chico. My best loom was made at AVL in Chico and one of our favorite wineries is just outside of Chico. La Rocca Winery – they have a tasting room in the downtown area. Organic wines – and delicious. Ask for Phaedra and tell her I said HI. And since they’re organic – they don’t give me migraines like most domestic wines do. There’s also an interesting and beautiful place – north of Chico if I remember – New Clairvaux – a monastery/winery that is rebuilding a monastery refectory from pieces that Hearst brought over from Europe and then left scattered around Golden Gate park. It’s been about 8-10 years since we visited – they may have finished by now. Enjoy this new adventure in your life. And enjoy the time with your mom – you’re super lucky to have each other and to enjoy each other so much.
Glad to hear you are settling into your new digs. Hope you get to visit Tahoe occasionally. I enjoy hearing about your adventures on your website and look forward to keeping in touch.
Congratulations Kae!! Paul has always loved it there. All the best to you and your mom. P. S. It’s been 2 years for us and we still joke when we can’t find something to reply, “It’s in a box!”
How wonderful to have your mama and be able to spend this time with her.
Enjoy each day.
You are my fearless hero! Life should be an adventure. You will never forget the times you spent exploring nor will you forget the time you spent with your mama. You are an inspiration. Peace, my friend.
What famous brewery is that? A pilgrimage is still in order sometime!
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Home is where the heart is … and you have a big heart. A new adventure begins.
Best of luck to you and your Mom Kae in your new adventures. I hope to see you this summer at ZC!
Great news Kae.
This is great KK (sorry)! How lucky you are to get to spend this time with your wonderful mom. You left out Bidwell Park in your list of great things in Chico. That was my favorite place to go and do my class reading when I went to college there. There were lots of tucked away little spots to go and hang out with nature. I haven’t been there for years so I hope it’s still as delightful. Congratulations on your new house! Say hello to your mom from me.