SharivilleLife stories from Shari

What a beautiful day in the neighborhood.  We are having a lovely Indian Summer here in Northern California.  Today we pulled a double.  The day started out with breakfast at kalico Kitchen, steak and eggs with some of their great salsa, Jerry with his very tasty American cheese omelet. Forgot to mention Tom and Joann Husa joined us.  We then drove up to Dairyville for their annual farm fiesta.  I usually always get Angie some special sauces they sell there every year.  I was not disappointed.  Angie is big on cooking chicken breasts, so I got her 4 different kinds of sauces, apricot, raspberry, blackberry and pomegranate….. We taste tested our way thru the festival, all kinds of nuts, flavored prunes, several different kinds of olives, and of course here in the north valley we are becoming quite famous for our olive oils. They really are fantastic, esp the Meyer lemon olive oil…….The craft booths were esp. good this year.  Seems each year there are more and more varied craft booths.  I looked, but bought only the sauces.  I just really cant find anything else in the world that I need.  More like I need to get rid of a bunch of stuff I already have to much of.

On the way home the 4 of us stopped at a new yogurt shop here in Chico.  Angie and I liked to go a similar shop in Keller.  You serve yourself and put whatever toppings you want on the frozen yogurt and then they sell it by how much it weighs.  Kind of fun,and definitely tasty. From there it was home to let Teddy out for a run and then on to our next event for the day.

Our next stop was over to Almond Blossom home where Kathy lives now.  It was their annual fall spaghetti feed.  It was all sooo good. Homemade sauce and homemade french bread.  Friends and family brought salads and desserts.  My contribution was my just baked oatmeal raisin cookies,  baked the night before. Jerry and I always like to attend the festivities  at Kathy’s home base.  There was a good crowd there, good entertainment, there was the Chicken Dance and the Hokey Poky along with lots of songs from times past, pertinent to the age group at the home.  It was really nice, and Kathy enjoyed it a lot.  George was there of course and his sister Carolyn and husband Ron.  They had just returned from a cruise up the east coast into Canada. Kathy was esp fond of the dessert bar, she has quite a sweet tooth.  She really enjoys her visitors tho.

……So we have a wonderful  and exciting new development in kathy’s life. She has just been granted, via a wish foundation locally, a fabulous trip to Hawaii.  Cory, who owns the care facility where Kathy is,  is on the board of the wish foundation and he presented her case.  She was chosen and her wish had been a trip to Hawaii.  Now everyone has to get it all together to make it possible.  It will be a challenge due to her care.  George of course will accompany her. And take lots and lots of pictures. They will either fly over and take the cruise around and visit all the different islands, which will be 7 days of wonderful pleasure and sight seeing or a 14 day cruise over , all around , and back.  All expenses paid. Kathy is very limited in her ability to get around and is now unable to walk. Although she is wheel chair bound she is still fairly alert and able to enjoy life with what she has left.  It will be a life time dream come true, to bad its so late in life for her.  She and I are very excited about the trip, it really makes her smile when we talk about the trip, so I know she’s looking forward to going.  It will leave wonderful memories for George going forth into the future. Kathy has always had a yen for travel. That was our plan in our “golden years.” At least she will have one dream come true…More to come.         Hugs,  Shari

The weekend of Sept. 25th, 2010 will forever be precious to me. It was my 50th high school class reunion. It started with a pool party at Judy Lou’s hotel, Judy hosted a fun get together, where she and other out of towners were staying . This was early afternoon. Marlene Valine, My Angel and Hearts buddy and my soul friend was there, we finally met after 50 yrs of not being around each other, and two yrs. of being fb buddies. Judy Lou, Ron Whitehead, Doug Hall and wife, Sharon Howe and hubby and several others were there. We brought snacks and drinks and really had a good visit. Lots of memories, but mostly we talked about the present and what all of us were doing now and where we are presently living. It was a great beginning to a most wonderful weekend.

In the early evening over 100 of us met out at the Elks picnic area for another get together. They had a taco wagon on hand. There were beef, chicken and shrimp taco’s, shrimp was wonderful, with rice and beans. Pretty good grub for 7.00$. Some of our wonderful reunion planners had gotten together and made homemade salsa, by the buckets full, soooo delicious. I know Steve Hegdlen and Gary and Rosemarie Imhoffwere involved with the chopping and mixing, it was perfect. So chips and salsa were available and it was a BYO drinks. This event was very informal,  and we really got a chance to visit and renew acquaintances. We had dinner with Charlie and Connie Augustine and I met up with some of our group that I haven’t seen in 50 yrs. What a joy it was to see so many familiar faces. Jerry also knew quite a few of my classmates from the 45th reunion and also from the local monthly luncheons. The weather was perfect, a slight breeze to temper the occasion. The dress was casual, so we were all in our summer clothes. It was a comfortable and relaxing get together. Visiting with every one and getting reacquainted was the prelude to the big Sat night.

Then the “Piece De Resistance” was of course the Sat. night dinner party and silent auction. It was an affair to remember, and for those of us who attended I’m sure this event will be in our memories for the rest of our lives. The decor was all Red and Gold. I got such a kick out of Judy Lou, she was fluttering around every where, visiting with everyone, taking pictures of all, and to top it all off she was wearing a lovely butterfly fluttering blouse that was gorgeous. She always reminds me of a beautiful butterfly. Got to see Jerry Rassmussen and Gordon Knight, Dennis Aaron, Jeanie Richardson, sooo many happy classmates were there. For a brief moment, while surrounded by the chaos of the evening,  I was back in1960,  in Mr. Scott Lawler’s journalism class.  I was in the halls of that beautiful old brick school, Chico High School, with  my official Red and Gold press card that got me everywhere  because I was the official Red and gold newspaper photographer. Yes, I can brag, after all this is my blog.  For a moment I was on the goal line at our last football game, remember, with our arch rival Oroville High School? Yes, we did lose.  Sob, sob.  It was heartbreaking, and yes, I remember.

 We had NY steaks cooked to perfection at  med rare, fluffy baked potatoes with butter and sour cream, sauteed vegies and buttery dinner rolls. The other entree was chicken breasts with rice pilaf, and vegies. There was a cake bar and coffee bar as well as a wet bar. Jerry and I sat at a table with some of my face book buddies. Marlene Valine, Elaine Wright, also with Joy Norris and Rena Wampler and husband, all the way from Montana. We had a wonderful time, many precious memories, many great pictures. My wonderful precious friend Joyce ( Joy) Shaw Jones was here from Texas. She was there for me in Texas when Jerry was in surgery and remained a staunch supporter all the while we were there. I love her dearly. Plus she makes the most beautiful jewelry, several sets she donated to the silent auction. Her sets consist of ear rings, a bracelet and a necklace. Jerry bid and got me a fabulous pearl set. My very special friend Judy Lou Anderson got the two of us together during the crisis time in Dallas , when Jerry ‘s life was at stake. She was there to pray withus for his successful surgery, and it was successful. There was a memorial board and we have lost 85 now from our class, two in the last month. This was a sad thing, but we all do know now why they did not attend. Gives us all some closure. I’m sure they were there in spirit. There were, last I heard, 212 classmates for the Sat nite extravaganza. Our very own class president and just retired Butte Co. Judge Mike Kelly was there with his lovely wife Kathy.

The silent auction was a great success, lots of lovely donations, afghans, paintings, prints, jewelry,coffee, there was a companion for the cowboy I picked up at the 45th reunion. This one was holding a shotgun, where mine had the six shooters. I like mine best. Jeanie Richardson generously donated wonderful pictures from her great collection, shes become quit the photographer, and she also had photos of the historic Richardson Springs. Lots of money made for the class, it will help with the 55th reunion Im told. Well I will be ready for the next one, will you?? See you all then…………..Hugs Shari

Hello from “Sin City.”  Jerry and I have an affinity for this riotously unrealistic city.  We come here at least once a year, more often if Tommy or Angie have special business here.   Since those two are the worlds greatest entrepreneurs, Vegas is usually a place to come to.

But aside from that we all four have a special bond with Las Vegas.  It was just a tad over 4 yrs ago that Angie and Tommy got married here  850 ft above the strip at the Stratosphere.   Leave it to them to pick such a remarkable and memorible  place to be married.  The guest list was remarkable to, as guests came from all over the USA.  I have to say it was the best wedding I have ever attended, and it was my daughters.  We were in Texas for the holidays  that yr so I was privileged to be able to help them plan the wedding, guest list and all.  We had about 7 come from Chico.  One of which was her God Mother, Kathy.  She has been attached to Kathy from the time I was a waitress working at Studio Inn.  Kathy and her father were the owners.  Kathy was always there for the two of us and is close to Angie’s heart.

The wedding was what every mother wants for herself and her daughter.  It was a delight.  Jerry was able to walk his daughter down the isle, which greatly touched his heart.  She has always been his delightful little girl and Angie is very close to her dad.  I guess you can’t raise a child without a loving attachment. Jerry looked so good in his tux. The absolutely hilarious part was that before he ran her down the isle, and I say that because he did, he was so nervous and the tears were on the edge that he must have been thinking a marathon. It was not your normal slow trot, that’s for sure.  Anyway, Angie and Jerry were waiting to go down the isle, and Angie said to her dad,” I won’t cry if you don’t,”  well check out the pictures, Jerry was pretty red eyed.  It was emotional for all of us.  Angie was marrying her “Soul Mate.” It was and is a marriage made in heaven. It seemed like we were almost up there near heaven  too.  What a wonderful view from the top of the Stratosphere. Angie and Tommy and Jerry and I were lucky enough to find our “soul Mates.”  They had the most scrumptious sit down dinner reception, lobster bisque and all.  After the wedding dinner party the entire group was invited to the Bellagio, where Tommy had arranged to have a suite, and we did the wedding cake and champagne.  What a beautiful setting that was.We all watched the dancing waters show from way up in that  great hotel.  They had a full bar and fun was had by all.  It was of course hilarious with the cake cutting , but was done in good taste, and lots of laughs. Its so neat to sit here now and think about  how it all went down, and we are so happy with the results.  We could not love Tommy more if he were our own, well now he is.. My little girl always did have good taste.

Like I said, whenever we come to Las Vegas we wax nostalgic because it was all such a fantasy come true for all of us. They make such a gorgeous couple and my beautiful granddaughter Felecia was maid of honor and Tommy’s brother Vince was best man.

Two days after the wedding Angie arranged to have a catered lunch for all her Chico friends held at their Bellagio suite. A lot of the guests were able to stay a whole week after the wedding. It was so special and so thoughtful and we got to eat some more of that special wedding cake .  Thank God for little girls, because they grow up to be such wonderful women.  We love our little girl and woman with all our hearts.  Now you know what happened Feb. 26, four  yrs ago.  It’s called, “MEMORIES.”

It seems like only yesterday I was counting down the days until Elvis Presley was to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show, and now it’s 54  yrs later and I remember it as if it were yesterday, and I know  lots of my friends and family are thinking the same thing.  Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll”, would have been 75 today.  I personally cannot visualize him as 75, and maybe it was fate that spared us all that vision, including Elvis himself.  I really cannot imagine a 75 yr old Elvis.  Still it would have been better than the way it really did end.    But I still miss him.  I miss all these yrs of lost entertainment and memories we won’t have.  I miss never having been able to go see him in person again.  I think of the song “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” and yes, I am lonesome tonight, lonesome for one of those wonderful love songs he was so good at. I realize I can put on a CD, or tune into Channel 6013 Satellite music on dish Network, but it’s not the same , is it? Elvis was such a very real and important part of my growing up years. I feel so blessed to have ever had him in my life and memories. He contributed so much to my teenage and early 20′s yrs.

 With each of his many songs I can remember back to what was going on in my life at the time. I remember where I was and what that particular boyfriends name was.  One memorabilia occasion was while I was living in Charleston, South Carolina. The movie was “Jail House Rock”, and his name was Michael Herndon.  Wonder where he is now?  I also remember the exact place I was and what I was doing when the news came across the TV that “The King Of Rock And Roll was dead!!! ”  I was, I’m sure, along with many many other people in sheer shock and denial.  I think back to 1971 when I was fortunate enough to see Elvis in person. That was one of the two things my X husband, Bob did for me.  He took me to the Saraha Tahoe Casino in Lake Tahoe to see him in person and got me a front row table.  I not only got a kiss smack on the lips, but I got my arms all the way around Elvis’ neck.  When I did I could feel him tighten up, I think he thought I would try to pull him off stage.  I never would have.  During the show Elvis introduced  us to one of his friends, and there sitting a couple of tables away was Clint Eastwood, looking really good,  in fact he still does look better than ever. Elvis  did his wonderful gyrations on stage and caused some of us to nearly faint.  He sang ” I Just Want To Be Your Teddy Bear,” while tossing teddy bears out into the audience.  He sang his famous ”Trilogy”, “Poke Salad Annie ”, ”In The Ghetto”, and so many many of his gold record songs.  He tossed scarves out into the audience, accepted flowers from girls close to the stage, and just put on a show that was unbelievable and sustainable for my lifetime, because I was never to see him in person again.

My cousin Bobbie and I were both about 12 or 13 when he came on the scene.  Since we were both the same age we had Elvis in common.  Although I’m sure I was far more crazy about Elvis than anyone else in the world.  Bobbie and went to the Senator Theater in Chico when we were 14 to see Elvis’ first ever movie,” Love Me Tender,” and it was so wonderful. I remember the first scene we saw Elvis in was where he was way out in the field plowing with the mules, the whole theater went wild, at least that’s the way I remember it.  Subsequently through the yrs I have seen all 33 of his movies, have seen all his specials and concerts on TV.  My best friend Kathy Augustine and I have shared memories of Elvis all thru the yrs, she also got a kiss from Elvis when she saw him in Las Vegas.  We have spent the last 40 some yrs getting each other Elvis memorabilia and CDs. We have delighted in seeing who could get who the best of the best Elvis stuff.

Several yrs ago Jerry and I went to visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley.  It was one of the best places I have ever been.  There is so much there to see about MY IDOL.  There is a huge room there with all of Elvis’ gold and platinum records on display. For an Elvis fan it’s the most wonderful place to ever go.  It’s also where he is buried, in the “Memorial Garden.”  I remember how I felt looking at his grave, kind of the way I feel tonight.  I feel and felt  a great loss.  A loss that for one reason or another Elvis Presley never got to live out a full life, never got to expand his God given talent.  Maybe that was God’s plan and we were never to know a 75 yr old Elvis. But thinking about it today, I am lonesome and I do feel a great loss, after all these yrs.  But I do remember, just like it was yesterday.

By the way the second best thing, and most important one, my X husband did for me , was to give me my precious daughter, Angie.

After reading Tongue in Cheek, Cory’s blog, it brought back memories for me also of a fallen Christmas tree and since it was awhile back I want to get it down here for Angie’s benefit for funny memories in the years to come of  HER mother.  Perfect as I was , occas I did have a faux paw now and them.

This happened several years ago, while my mother was still with me.  I was found to be the position to host the ladies church group of about 20-25 women,  my mom was so good at volunteering, bless her heart, but not so  good with her ability to follow through, her health was really beginning to fail.  So, living next door, we figured it would work out just as good if I hosted the party. I now wonder who WE was.  Anyway it was a potluck, I was providing the entree, a ham, and rolls and drinks. 

I was soooooooo busy the day of the party, as at that time I was still working too, and housework has never been my favorite sport.  I was trying to tidy up , cook, set up for the party and GOOD GRIEF, decorate the Christmas tree.  We had purchased a huge 6 ft beauty, set it up against the only bare wall which was narrow,  and I began to decorate, and decorate etc etc. All the lovely trimmings and yes, some antique ornaments. I even put tinsel on that tree it was a delightful vision to behold. I was never so proud of a tree. I was anticipating all sorts of compliments about it’s reverence.   I was across the room behind the bar dusting away and thinking of what a wonderful party we were going to have, when all of a sudden I looked up only to see that tree start to teeter and , Oh for goodness sake take a dive, flat on the floor.  I tried to reach it before it bit the dust, but didn’t make it.  So there on the floor was the biggest mess you ever saw.  I am not kidding, every single ornament fell off that huge tree, and some of my old time beauties lay crunched beneath the branches. I had tinsil everywhere and the cats thought they were treated with the best Christmas present as they dashed and pranced through the tinsil and scattered ornaments everywhere.in one fell swoop that tree was demolished, it was demolished.  I looked at the clock it was nearing 3 and the party was to start at 5, can you guess what went through my mind.  So with great haste I pulled the tree up right a with all the energy I had left redecorated that huge tree.  WA La,  it was done in record time.  About 10 min later much to my dismay that tree took another dive.  Well Jerry got home about then, I was hysterical, he jumped in and helped mainly by tying the tree to the wall with bungee cord and nails and we threw on the decorations. 

The party was a success and no one knew of the disaster going on all afternoon.  The ham even turned out and we all had an very wonderful Christmas party.  That was the last time I volunteered for anything for a long time.  One of my most unforgettable  times.

Such a grand, made with love for all, Thanksgiving meal, made by all. A very special get together, esp for Jerry and I because without devine intervention,  Jerry would not have been here. We have many blessings to count this year. 

The evening was made even more special, for us, with the Paul McCartney concert, “Good Evening New York City.”  Oh what memories were conjured up.  They only aired one hour of his three hour concert, where somewhere in that time period he sang, “   SOMETHING”,  that was Jerry’s and my song while we were “courting.” A very wonderful and memorable time in our lives. It was during this era that both of us discovered what real love is all about . We found OUR soul mates.

Here we sat 3 generations,  all enjoying this concert, staged where the Beatles made their first debut 44 yrs ago. Before two of our three generations were even born.  It’s odd how music crosses generational bounds and brings people together.  It was interesting to see my 22 yr. old granddaughter enjoying Paul McCartney.