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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - August 31, 2009)
My goodness! How time flies when you are having fun. Can you believe this is my anniversary, too. I mean gosh, two full years I have been writing this column. Some folks tell me that after living in Oroville that long, “You are no longer a Newcomer.” Well, that can not be true. How can you compare your knowledge and experience with mine? “You have been here all your life, haven’t you?” I still have not found my way through the entire Historic Downtown, let alone the mountainside, or other near-by communities. So, I say to you, “Watch out! Here I come, ready or not.”
I think I take after my mother. Daddy used to scold her, “If you don’t know where you have been, how can you possibly know where you are going?” When he was driving he flat refused to stop and ask directions. When Mom took the wheel, we had wonderful adventures. Mom never read a map. She followed her instincts.
My very first memories of Mom and Dad on our weekend drives, was their bickering about being lost again. At the time, there were four little girls (under the age of 6) huddled in the back seat of the station wagon. We knew better than to say anything, because: “Children are to be seen, but not heard.” In those days, Mom drove a bus. It never got lost. But we had a whopping good time getting lost in San Francisco. Going up and down Dolores Street, getting lost in Santa Cruz, and on the Monterrey Peninsula. We even ventured across the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County, or dropped in to visit the soldiers at Treasure Island. One time we got to Santa Barbara.
Fortunately, Dad would tire of the bickering and fall asleep. Once Mom took the wheel, we knew our adventures would begin. My mom passed away shortly after I moved to Oroville. She was 93, and drove up until a year before she passed on. Mother loved getting lost and coming home to tell of her new adventure, with or without the girls, my brothers and sisters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her last adventures were in Sacramento and before that getting lost in San Diego. I was grown and had a family of my own, before I realized she took the wrong turns on purpose. It was then I realized she travelled with angels on her shoulder.
Yes! I take after my Mom! Those who have traveled with me, understand. We are not looking for trouble; we are here to enjoy and appreciate. It is not just the scenery or the beauty of our surroundings. It is the people and the spirit of the people, who have touched me, and have encouraged me to explore, get lost, and write about it! In Mom’s days there were no cell phones. She relied on following the sun coming up in the East or going down in the West. Me? I just adore meeting natives, pioneers, business people, farmers, truckers, folks who eat out, and some who shop. Am I seeking adventure to write about? Maybe, maybe not. The truth is, I want to see, do and write about you! I am my mother’s child, and told me she was proud of the way I wrote. Now I want to talk about you—my new friends, and neighbors and your accomplishments!
Mildred Allison, my neighbor, is age 98 and on September 4, 2009 she will have another birthday! At the age of 98-99, she is one of the spunkiest ladies I have ever known. Her hobbies, interests in people and desire to share has overwhelmed me. Soon my friend Mildred will be moving to Covina to live near another daughter. This lady has inspired me. If you knew her, she would inspire you too. She has a heart of gold and a mind, as sharp as a tack.
Allison’s friend, Dorothy and Darlene Hinkle spread cheer and happiness wherever they go. Dorothy is wheelchair bound and wears a gorgeous smile. Her daughter, Darlene, is a recent widow and Cancer survivor. Together they really move mountains. Darlene works at Wal-Mart. They, too, have been supportive and encouraging to me.
Recently I met a charming gentleman, who still opens doors for the ladies. My hat is off to Chuck Weeks, owner of Triple S Tires on Lincoln Avenue. Last week I met Gene Rowe of J’s Shoe Repair on Oro Dam Blvd.
Duffy McDuffy, retired Air Force and his beautiful wife, Karen, are from Ohio. He shares his music, and believes, “Music connects people!” Unusual loving, giving and happy couple. In order to write about this husband and wife, I need more space, more time, and more interviews. Susan Hague of the Forest Service grew up in Napa. Debbie Estes retired. They have a salad lunch every Monday at Checker’s. Gosh I dearly want to share with you, their experiences. Who are they? Real people, who live in Oroville, or a neighboring town.
Checker’s, sponsored by the Private Industry Counsel (PIC), is a great place for lunch, any week day, and a fabulous place for dinner on Thursday and Friday nights. That is where I met and chatted with Helene Streeter. She has lived in Oroville for 38 years. She was having lunch with a Navy man, Arley.
How I admire Dee Holcomb. She is a super senior who walks her Jack Russel Terriers every day. She is active and even bowls once a week. You already know how I adore Jeannie. She oversees everything at the Grey Fox Winery. Met with Donna and Jim Kyle in Yankee Hill. They adopt or take in horses at their Equine Rescue & Sanctuary. How I would love to help them do some fund-raising and find more volunteers to help them out, in this time of economical confusion. I love folks who rescue animals.
Don’t forget Downtown Oroville’s First Friday, September 4, There’s even going to be a Birthday Block Party this Friday! Lots of free entertainment and great fun!
I would love for you to tell me what you want me to write about. Who do you want me to meet? Are you willing to be interviewed by The Newcomer? After two years, it is time you had a voice. I have met hundreds of people, and it pleases me. I see you at the market, at the drug store, downtown, at the Birdcage, the State Theatre, and various restaurants. Yes, I have asked for full names, telephone numbers, and where you have been before, what you have done in the past, and your plans for the future. I love talking with you, and I still want to write about You, in The Digger Shopper & News. I adore Historical Downtown Oroville, Butte County, and the small town atmosphere. I am at home! Thank You. Will you send me your opinion at della@diggernews.com
della bacon, The Newcomer
| Comments (2) |
On September 7, 2009 margaret said:
Hi Della it's been a while, i have not seen you around but I still look forward to your comments in the digger,keep up the good work untill i see that gold cap and that bag i love your comments and will keep reading them, |
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On September 3, 2009 said:
Hi, Della. Don' get too exited. I haven't obtained a computer. I am using the library computer, and only get one hour a day,so be patient. I heard your purse was getting a little worse for wear. Have you looked at the back of the clock? Mine has a little hole in back to hang on the wall, so yours probably does tooo. You write about the horse ranch for rescued horses. My computer only has 3 minutes left, but wait for another story about my daughter-in-laws horse rescue in Washington a few years ago. Love. Harriet |
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