TRAIN RIDE THROUGH THE FEATHER RIVER CANYON WITH TRAINS & TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL –  For information on their upcoming ride to Portola Railroad Days, see page 8.

Have you ever had a fragrance of a perfume or the smell of biscuits baking in the oven take  you back to another time or place, stirring up fond memories of a time gone by?  Maybe it reminded you of a loved one or a treasured place. Recently I  had one of those  nostalgic moments that sent me back almost 60 years.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, many of my uncles and cousins worked for Southern Pacific and SantaFe Railroads.  They were conductors, porters, mechanics, and held other railroad jobs.  I remember as a kid, going down to the train station to pick up family members coming in from El Paso Texas, standing in the night air just waiting with excitement building… seeing and hearing the passenger train coming into the station. I remember the thunderous sound of the engine slowly pulling in with steam coming out the side like the wheels were on fire.  The enormous connecting arms that connected the drive arms to the other wheels, slowly came to a halt.  My aunt clutched my hand with a death grip, so I couldn’t touch this big black hissing, chugging steam engine.  The bell was clanging to beat the band.  Oh how wonderful it was, down to the smells and the sounds.

Even though most of my family was part of the rail system, I never had the opportunity to ride a train anywhere. So as I grew up, it was amusement park trains that filled the bill.  First Disneyland and later at Knott’s Berry Farm. Chug, Chug, Click Clack, Woo Woo, the bell ding, ding.  My children loved it, but really the big kid loved it more than them, woo woo eeh, haw!

As time went by, I had the chance to ride on dinner trains, small coastal train rides, short gold country rides (riding in a ore carts towed by small steam engines), wherever, whenever I got the opportunity, I would take what I could get.

Now, retired recently, kind of moping about, somewhat overworked (honey-do’s, you know). One day my wife calls me upstairs to the computer and asks me if I would like to go on this train ride called ‘The Northern California Explorer’.  ”Yeah right, When? Are you kidding! We have our son’s wedding that following weekend and the reception is here!  Impossible!!.” She asks, “Do you want to see the video?”  That was all it took.

Ding Ding  WOOO….with a crackling voice I replied,  “Oh heck yes. We can’t miss this. Some how we will get the work done”. I couldn’t make eye contact at that moment. All kinds of emotions had flooded over me, Wow… on this train there was the California Zephyr.  I remember all those times I had seen her as a young man. The enchanting streamline engine, her silver flash, as she went flying by. Now I finally had a chance to ride on such a magnificent beauty. This must be a dream. This was all I could think about for the next two weeks,. Eeee-haw, can’t wait!

Finally Friday comes and we are about to leave for Chico.  Again, much to my surprise before we left, there was a surprise party just for me. A retirement party. Bet you can’t guess what I received. A pocket watch, wow! After a night’s stay and we made our way to the train where I soon found myself in the dining room car seating of the Silver Lariat facing forward. Pinch! How could this be?  It’s her and truly she is beautiful; I couldn’t speak at all.  I could only look about in total amazement.  The whistle blew.  We were moving in a dream come true.

Friendly and sincere, this wasn’t just a train ride to the staff, it is their life and love. The train is spotless from top to bottom. Staff stays onboard many hours after arrival to insure the same quality experience the next day.  Meals were so amazing!  First, that the Chef could even prepare such delightful, delicious beautiful meals in a small space and still be smiling and ready to answer your questions was amazing.  Beverage Service was available all day, whatever you desired.  Even the restrooms had fresh flowers in vases, fine soaps, and towels. We were able to visit all cars with our passes and met many people. Some people from very far away, New Zealand, England, Michigan and much of the East Coast.  Many have taken train trips all around the world, but share with us that this may be the most beautiful area, even with the rain and the clouds we had. We spent our entire day roaming about, enjoying all that we were learning and the wonderful people we were meeting.

It is incredible to see vistas of grandeur, rivers and creeks, unbelievable rock formations, fresh, vibrant greens and blues, canyons valley highs and lows. The Lakes are having a hard time holding the abundance of water, which produce the many waterfalls you are able to see along the way. There are lots of tunnels and stopping for freight trains to go by.  Volcanoes and their lava flows, vast forests that climb the steep canyons, and then to the flat juniper plateaus as far as you can see, fields of alfalfa, horseradish, potatoes, vast irrigation lines, ditches with abundant waterfowl everywhere, sun, rain, shadows, shades and overtones… so much for your senses, all this while being gently rocked from side to side.  She is everything I ever dreamed of and so much more. Where people take time to share with each other about their life and times in the past. A time to just slow down and be in the moment without cells phones ringing or a exact time to arrive.  Just time to enjoy!  The Northern California Explorer.

It is a unique experience to view the scenery of the great place we live, in a way you can never see by car or plane. You truly can see where you have been, from the outside deck of the caboose. Once, when I was outside on the vestibule after the people taking their photos left, I looked around stuck my head out the side a little a yelled…EEEEE—Haw!… at the top of my lungs.  When I went back in and found my wife, she asked where I had been. “Just enjoying the people and oh, by the way, did you hear anything?”  I said.  “No why?” she said.  “Oh nothing, just asking.”

CANDY COATED POPCORN with prize and peanuts too!

6 quarts freshly popped popcorn (3/4 cup uncooked)

1/3 cup cooking oil

8 – 16 oz unsalted, roasted peanuts (1-2 cups)

3 cups brown sugar

3/4 cup karo syrup

1 cup butter

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. vanilla extract

(To make popcorn – Use large, heavy 8 qt. pot. with lid. Cover bottom of pan with approximately 1/8″ cooking oil. Throw in one kernel. when it pops, throw the rest in. Cover and shake pot often (to prevent burning) until all the popping stops. Have a large roasting pan ready to dump popcorn in. (You may need to dump some out into roasting pan before all the popping stops.) Add the desired amount of peanuts (about 12 to 16 ounces makes for extra peanuts!).

In a saucepan mix 3/4 cup light Karo® syrup with 3 cups brown sugar and 1 cup butter. Stir frequently with stainless whisk or spoon, (NOT PLASTIC), cooking over medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 1 tsp.,vanilla and 1tsp baking soda. Stir and spread over popcorn/peanut mixture. Mix well quickly until all popcorn has been coated.

Have 2 buttered cookie sheets ready before you start. Divide the popcorn onto the two cookie sheets. Place in preheated oven 275º for 12 minutes. Remove, close oven, stir mixture. Turn oven off. Return to oven for 12 minutes more. Cool and place in mason jars or other festive good grade container. wrap a small prize in foil and place in the center of the jar.

Prize ideas: Refrigerator magnet, decorator sticky notes, tiny trinket box, or other tiny treasure. If you are giving it to a child, miniature skateboards, mini bouncy ball, or bracelet are just a few of the many small gifts you’ll find for kids.

Nancy Lund and her husband retired from the hustle and bustle, the smog and the traffic of Los Angeles in 1975 and found exactly the community they sought in Greenville.  Nancy, now 93 years old and a widow, opened  her own home design business and was still drawing plans until last year.  She is currently writing her memoirs– the ups and downs, the changes she has seen in a long life. As Chair of the Plumas County Commission on Aging she continues to be active in senior affairs and in the League of Women Voters.   She may be reached at 284-7206 or at nedlund5@frontiernet,net

STAYING AT HOME

In 1975 my husband and I moved to this beautiful mountain community.  Like many of you we chose it because it spoke to us of nature, of tranquility, of a chance to unwind after our years in the rush and hubbub of the city.

But then there comes a time when ill health or the loss of a partner catches up with us.  Must we leave or is it possible to stay?  Let me tell you about the solution that worked for me but may not be right for everyone.

In 2006, like all newly widowed persons, I was faced with many decisions.  The most difficult one was whether there was a way that I could stay here where I had sunk my roots down, the place that I dearly loved.  Like many widows,  my income would now be quite a bit less.  (And my daughter and family were living in the bay area and seemed anxious for me to move closer to them.)

What should I do? Ten years earlier my husband  and I had attended an AARP  meeting where we first heard about reverse mortgages.   Intrigued, we sent for the AARP booklet on the subject and were reassured that it was not a scam.  While there were many things that appealed to us, the up-front costs were quite steep so we didn’t pursue the matter any further.

Now I decided to investigate the subject again,  And this time it was ‘a fit’ for me!

Be it noted :  I am not a lawyer, nor an expert on mortgages! So what you read here are the factors that worked for me.  You can decide if they apply to your situation.

Reverse mortgages are contracts and are in effect as long as you live, or until you move out.  And although the bank, or lender, may change, the terms of the contract  cannot be changed. You have a choice on how you will access the amount of your reverse mortgage: for a monthly stipend, in a lump sum or on as an equity account on which you can draw when needed.

The amount of money available is based on four main factors

1.  What is the current appraised value of your home?

2.   Is your home fully paid for or do you have a big mortgage?

3.   Is your house in good condition or have you delayed getting those needed repairs?

4.   What is your age?

You pay for the appraisal and it can’t be by your son-in-law or friendly neighbor!  It must be current, made by an FMHA- approved appraiser.  (Today’s falling housing market may make your house less valuable that you thought.)

If your home is not paid for, the reverse mortgage will pay off the loan, as well as paying off credit-card debt.  But that, of course, reduces the funds available.  (Happy to get those debts paid off at last!)

If  the appraiser finds that repairs are needed – a new roof,  termite or water damage or simply a new coat of paint – those need to be taken care of in a timely matter. And their cost is deducted from those funds.  (Incidentally these improvements will make your house safer and more pleasant.)

Your age is very important because the amount of money available is  determined by a percentage of your age.  Example: House appraised  at $200,000; your age 65—amount available:  $130,000  (before deductions , if any.)   Or, appraised value of $200,000; your age 89 – amount available: $178,000 (before deductions.)

I can’t say what the “closing costs” are, but they are less onerous than formerly.  And there are monthly interest charges deducted, as well.

Luckily, all these factors worked well for me and I can spend my remaining years in the place I love.  And my family and friends  have a place to stay when they visit!

If your only asset is your home and leaving it to your kids is a top priority for you, then a reverse mortgage is not for you.  In my case, my son will inherit the house –along with a hefty mortgage. But that is the way we both want it!

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Keep a home inventory

By Brian Wilson

State Farm® Agent

This one goes in the category of those things we are planning to do when we get the time – making or updating a home inventory.  It may not sound like an exciting activity, but in the event of a calamity such as a fire, burglary, flood or tornado, a current home inventory can save a lot of time, money and frustration in the insurance settlement process.

Take this test. Sit down and try to make a detailed list of what’s in each room of your dwelling.  It’s amazingly hard to remember all the “stuff” that accumulates – wall hangings, curtains, cookware, clothing, sports gear, jewelry, knick-knacks, rugs, clocks, etc. Get the picture?

This weekend, go ahead and face the situation. Video or photo each room and list major items on paper. Record brand, model, date and amount of purchase, if possible (serial numbers are important on some items).  Also, saving receipts on big-ticket items is always a good idea.

For antiques and jewelry, written descriptions or appraisals are important.  Don’t forget the closets, and remember, even your attic may be full of valuables.

Finally, remember to update your inventory every year or so, and keep it in a safe location away from your dwelling. Taking the time to make and update your inventory now, can help you in working with your insurer later and maximizing your recovery should you have the need.

When we tasted this salsa, we just HAD to ask for the recipe! Enjoy.

You”ll need:

2 yellow bell peppers

8 roma tomatoes

1 yellow onion

1 bunch of cilantro

2 hot peppers (jalapenos)

2 lemons

1 bunch of green onions

6 pepperocinis and juice

Johnny’s Seasoning salt or Lawrys® or any you prefer.

Directions:

1. Chop all bell peppers and then onions.  Chop jalapenos and cilantro. Squeeze in juice of 2 lemons (no seeds) Add a little Johnny’s or other Seasoning to taste. Add tomatoes last. Mix well. Serve with chips or as garnish for tacos!

ONE PERFECT DAY IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CHICO                                           by Richard Barlupi

Surrounded by almond orchards this charming university town is home to historic bungalows, Spanish-colonial campus buildings and leafy tree-lined streets. The college scene isn’t where you’ll find the heart of this city. The action here is downtown, a vibrant and welcoming six-block area between Main and Broadway Streets.  Spend a summer day exploring the town, packed with retail, museums, fine dining, and chic bars.   If you haven’t visited Chico lately, it’s high time to drive the short distance down Highway 32 and revisit with a fresh perspective.  Having lived in Chico for seven years, I know some of the best-kept secrets (sans any national chains) in historic downtown Chico.

Shopping: Chico’s historic downtown boasts many independently owned boutiques located in spectacular restored buildings.  Admire the gorgeous tablescapes and kitchen cookware at Zucchini & Vine (2nd & Main St.). Made in Chico (127 W. 3rd St.) celebrates 27 years of supporting local farmers, artists & entrepreneurs with tastings, guest exhibits, music and refreshments.  Book lovers will want to browse The Book Store (118 Main St.) jam-packed with used titles on every subject.  Shop for quality western apparel, hats, jewelry, gifts, tack and over 5,000 varieties of boots at Diamond W Western Wear (181 E. 2nd St.).  If you need a one of a kind gift, the Tom Follery specialty shop (3rd St. between Main & Broadway) will have it waiting for you.  In addition to the many businesses to visit, downtown offers ongoing events year-round.  Keep your eyes open for the printed Downtown Chico Directory available in most stores.

Exploring: The National Yo-Yo Museum is at the back of Bird in Hand Toy and Gifts (320 Broadway), and home to the world’s largest yo-yo, weighing 256 pounds. Try walking the dog with that! The Museum features the largest public display of yo-yos from the earliest commercial production in the 1920s to the current performance designed models used by top competitors. The Chico Museum (141 Salem St.) is located in the beautiful Arts and Crafts Carnegie Library building. The history of Chico is featured as a permanent exhibition.   The Stansbury House (307 W. 5th St.), listed on the National Register of Historic Places is one of the best preserved Victorian-era homes in Chico and offers guided tours.  The newly renovated City Plaza Park is a popular draw in the heart of Downtown Chico, between Main & Broadway at 4th & 5th Streets.  Relax and watch the world go by while playing a game of checkers or chess on one of their inlaid game board tables.

Eating: Start the day at Mom’s Restaurant (209 Salem St.) known for its enormous servings and applauded by the locals as one of the town’s best places for breakfast. Health food meets fast food at Plutos (201 Main St.), one of many unique eateries and cafes. The world famous Madison Bear Garden (corner of 2nd & Salem), adjacent to the CSU Chico campus has been serving up great food and fun since 1977. Explore the amazing collection of memorabilia, have an ice-cold locally brewed Sierra Nevada beer with the legendary, mouth-watering Bear Burger.  Either at the Taco Bar, the Long Bar, in the dining room, or out on the sidewalk patio, Tres Hombres (1st & Broadway) offers unique Mexican cuisine with flavors from all over Latin America.  My favored restaurant is Caffè Malvina (234 3rd St.), a little hole in the wall serving excellent Italian dishes.  Over the years, Italian restaurants come and go in downtown Chico; however, since 1977 owner and chef   Salvatore Corona has been serving up a true taste of Italy.  My favorite is their lasagna, the best you’ll ever have, even your own.

Drinking: Chico State’s reputation as a party school has softened, but the town is far from dry. If you wish to sip in style where the students do not hang out, try Monks Bistro Wine Lounge (128 W. 2nd St.) or Christian Michaels Ristorante (192 E. 3rd St.), where the locals celebrate special occasions at their full bar and elegant lounge.

Treats: The Upper Crust Bakery & Eatery (130 Main St.) fires up their ovens early each morning offering customers warm delicious pastries, sweet scones and coffeecake to complement a morning cup of java.  Pick up a cookie or brownie for later while relaxing at the City Plaza Park.   If you’re like me, it would not be summer without some old-fashioned, rich, and creamy ice cream.  Shuberts (7th & Main St.), Chico’s oldest ice cream and candy store, has been making their own on the premises since 1938.
To market:  Every Saturday since 1980, rain or shine from 7:30am–1:00p.m. the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market (2nd & Wall St.) creates exceptional opportunities where farmers and vendors from all over Butte County come to sell directly to the consumer.  This open-air market is filled with families, college kids and hippies enjoying an old-fashioned sense of community.

Make it a weekend:  Enter Diamond Alley through gorgeous mosaic-pillared arches at 3rd Street and make your way to the Hotel Diamond, Chico’s only downtown full-service 43 room hotel.  Boarded up for almost 20 years, the hotel was given a lavish multimillion-dollar restoration a few years ago by a local businessman, hoping to bring back the city’s early 20th-century vitality.  The elegant foyer, custom woodwork, and etched glass reflect the historic charm of the original hotel.  Johnnie’s Restaurant, located in the Hotel Diamond, serves up terrific food and includes a full bar in a casual relaxing atmosphere.    220 W. Fourth St., www.hoteldiamondchico.com or 866/993-3100. HYPERLINK “http://www.sunset.com/sunset/travel/article/0,20633,1169039,00.html”