The Day Our World in Butte County Changed. #CampFire2018
We awoke to one of those crisp, crystal clear autumn mornings where we could see all the way to the coastline from our perch. From the moment I looked out our window during breakfast and saw a menacing plume of smoke racing across the sky, with gray ashes falling into the pool, our world here in Butte County has been forever changed.
We awoke to one of those crisp, crystal clear autumn mornings where we could see all the way to the coastline from our perch. From the moment I looked out our window during breakfast and saw a menacing plume of smoke racing across the sky, gray ashes raining into the pool, our world here in Butte County has changed.
Scott and I stared in shock at that swiftly moving smoky cloud as we flipped on the news to find that the newly named Camp Fire, tearing through our neighboring Paradise, was moving at the speed of a football field every 3 seconds. With my cousins and many friends living in that area we were desperately concerned for their safety. My cousins (and pets) safely evacuated to our house leaving with the roar of fire in their ears. They brought a young friend who had escaped as her home burned, flames flanking the road as she drove down the mountain, with burning embers peppering her car.
The day was a blur as we provided blankets, water, toast & jam, soup, chocolate and a steady stream of news but there was truly nothing that could quell the anxiety and fear for the possibility of lost loved ones, pets and homes. Scott ventured out to the grocery store amidst road closures and insane traffic but made it back with pasta and pizza, comfort food, for dinner.
Though I started packing a few essentials earlier in the day, around 8:30 Thursday evening it all became real as we received our own mandatory evacation order at our home on the south edge of Canyon Oaks in Chico. We suddenly had lots helping hands but left in a flurry of packing, loading and warnings and wishes to neighbors.
This was the view out our window and up our street as we fled.
Scott, our elderly cat Jack, and I ended up at my step-daughter Briana’s home on the north end of town where she, Shawn and baby Charlie provided food, drinks and lots of TLC for the night.
We finally slept but I awoke in the darkness of early morning to check the firelines on my phone to see if our home was possibly still standing. Within an hour we felt pretty certain the fire had not progressed to our home.
We later learned just how close the Camp Fire came to our neighborhood. Our home is the black dot surrounded in blue.
It was sweet comfort to wake up to this little guy, grandson Charlie, and have the kindness of family that morning. By late morning we were incredibly relieved to get the notice that we were cleared to return home.
This was the surreal drive home across town at around 11:30am as I followed Scott in his SUV. I’ve never seen a daytime sky the color of charcoal with an orange glow. We also knew, with that dust and ash came a world of devastation, loss and heartbreak.
It’s been almost a week since our world changed:
My dear cousins lost everything except the few items they could pack into their cars. They are in shock but grateful to be safe and sound. We have numerous friends and colleagues who lost their homes in Paradise and everything but the clothes on their backs. We know some who have lost a family member in the fire.
The devastation in Paradise and surrounding areas is truly jawdropping as you have probably heard on the news. The loss of life is astounding as the stories continue to unfold of residents miraculously escaping with flames on all sides. There are still so many who are unaccounted for and tragic stories of those who were unable to escape the flames. It may be months before some of those remains are found and identified.
There are also heartwarming stories of bravery, generosity and great appreciation. The firefighters have been a godsend. Giving, sharing and volunteering helps to ease the anxiety and stress of the the moment. When an entire town is decimated, as Paradise has been, our neighboring city of Chico is welcoming the residents with shelter, food, clothing, fundraisers, work spaces, governing spaces, places to worship and eventually, places to attend school. The community support is overwhelming and a true bright spot with the grim headlines.
Unfortunately, our town of Chico, with a population of around 90,000 has a 1% vacancy rate. Nearly 7,600 homes have been destroyed in this fire. Homeless camps are growing all over town. It’s cold, rain is coming, the holidays are on the horizon. My husband is at a community meeting right now and just texted me that the Camp Fire has displaced 4 times the number of students as did the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa last year. It will be a long haul of rebuilding. Not just months but years.
I write this post today since I’ve heard from so many family and friends from around the world sending prayers and well wishes. They have watched the news coverage with horror and want to help. I know many of you reading this are wondering how you can help. Centers are overwhelmed with clothing and shoes right now but financial donations are desperately needed.
A few of my favorite local donation options:
Action News Now Camp Fire Fund 2018
North Valley Community Foundation - Butte County Schools Fire Relief Fund
If you prefer to donate directly please consider Mrs. Davis & the Fox Class on Go Fund me to support a teacher from Ponderosa Elementary who saved her students. Her classroom and home were both destroyed in the fire.
For now, life feels forever changed here in Butte County. We will support each other and we will rise again, hopefully coming out better, stronger and safer than before. We are #ButteStrong.
Thank you for your support and care for our world in Butte County. xx
Checklist for Next Steps After a Fire - FEMA
How It Feels: “When You Lose Everything in a Fire” - Kristen Moeller
A Sweet Bridal Brunch on the Canyon
Remembering this sweet bridal brunch on the canyon for the beautiful bride-to-be, also my honeymoon travel client, Jordyn. She and her family are longtime Chico residents and have become my dear friends in recent years. We had such fun celebrating Jordyn’s upcoming nuptials in this beautiful spot on the canyon.
Remembering this sweet bridal brunch on the canyon for the beautiful bride-to-be, also my honeymoon travel client, Jordyn. She and her family are longtime Chico residents and have become my dear friends in recent years. We had such fun celebrating Jordyn's upcoming nuptials in this beautiful spot on the canyon.
Every detail was planned to perfection by Jordyn's family and friends! From the splashes of color in the breezy centerpieces, to refreshing flavor options at the mimosa bar, to the delectable brunch dishes, the sparkles of the cupcake bar, and the rose embellished favors. Sparkles, gold dust and 'love' was in the air to celebrate the beautiful bride-to-be.
Side Note: This unique architectural home on the canyon is stunning. Rumors abound that Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor rented it while he was filming, 'The Klansman', in nearby Oroville. If these walls could talk!
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Welcome to the Family, Baby Charlie!!
Welcome to the world Baby Charlie. Grandpa and Gigi are head over heels in love with you!
Ohhhhhh Baby!
Scott and I welcomed our first grandchild to the family on November 1st. He was anxious to get here and arrived a few days ahead of schedule. Mom, dad, and baby are doing great and we (and I'm speaking for our entire family) have never, ever been happier!
Welcome to the world, sweet Charlie Daniel Clark!
We are so ready for this next chapter of life and all the joy that you bring.
Baby Charlie Raspberries!
Wine Country Fires Bring Devastation, Heartbreak and Resolve.
I'm nearly at a loss for words watching the devastating fires in our beautiful wine country. We are hearing reports of family and friends who have lost their homes. This image from iconic Signorello Estate a couple of years back that burned to the ground last night. Thoughts and prayers for everyone impacted by the firestorms.
Update: It's been nearly a week since the catastrophic firestorms exploded in wine country and it still feels surreal. This is a place where I have both lived and visited regularly for most of my life and it always feels like home. Praying that winds calm for brave firefighters and predicted rains help put an end to the destruction. Sending love and prayers to family & friends who have lost homes and livelihoods.
I'm nearly at a loss for words watching the devastating fires in our beautiful wine country. We are hearing reports of family and friends who have lost their homes. This image from iconic Signorello Estate a couple of years back that burned to the ground last night. Thoughts and prayers for everyone impacted by the firestorms.
Update: It's been nearly a week since the catastrophic firestorms exploded in wine country and it still feels surreal. This is a place where I have both lived and visited regularly for most of my life and it always feels like home. Praying that winds calm for brave firefighters and predicted rains help put an end to the destruction. Sending love and prayers to family & friends who have lost homes and livelihoods.
Before and after images of wine country.
This story simply breaks my heart:
Resolution in wine country.
Retirement for Two: "So What Do I Actually Do Now?"
I’ve received so many comments and emails about my retirement series as I made the leap from school psychologist to launching my Curated Travel business, a year ago. From making the bold decision, to steps along the way, saying goodbye, even my changing spending habits, I chronicled my journey this last year in these posts: Retirement Series. There are a number of readers who are planning on retirement in the near future and curious about how it feels to go through this experience. It’s been fun to share our experience.
Retirement Update:
I've received so many comments and emails about my retirement series as I made the leap from school psychologist to launching my Curated Travel business, a year ago. From making the bold decision, to steps along the way, saying goodbye, even my changing spending habits, I chronicled my journey this last year in these posts: Retirement Series. There are a number of readers who are planning on retirement in the near future and curious about how it feels to go through this experience. It's been fun to share our experience.
As of early July, we started a new chapter in this journey and that is retirement for two. At one point, Scott and I contemplated retiring at the same time, but it's safe to say we are happy that I've had a year in between to build my business. A huge benefit of us each having 20+ years in education is receiving a retirement pension and we are both grateful for that resource in our retirement.
It's been a relaxing summer, and we've had lots of pool time, trips to farmer's market, trying new recipes, cooking together, and spending time with family and friends. We've been embracing a slower paced life. Now that Scott is finally retired, we have SO much more flexibility in our schedule. Truly the flexibility with time is the very best thing about the retirement lifestyle. Oh, and the major reduction in career stress too. The first morning after he finally moved out of his office, and it was all over, Scott and I were sitting in bed with coffee and he asked me, "So what do I actually do now?" He was serious, but it cracked us both up!
Scott is a man with many hobbies and interests - cycling, guitar playing, singing, writing, Christmas decorating (in season-thank goodness!), and spending time with family and friends. He is also now dabbling in yoga, cooking for me and considering pickleball (that's a thing for retirees in Chico). He may even show up here on the blog from time to time to share more of our travels. He is also building a consulting and training career to continue supporting kids, families, and professionals. Of course, becoming grandparents in November is our most exciting chapter ever!
We're definitely having fun figuring out the new normal around here. I've also realized that it is pretty tempting to spend less time in my home office now that I have this man hanging around with so much free time. We are looking forward to more travel in our future (all that flexibility), and we have a celebratory "retirementmoon" coming up for Scott. I'll look forward to posting on our Jamaican getaway in the near future.
If you are contemplating the leap into retirement, or a change in career, I highly recommend it. Plan and prepare the best you can and then take the leap. It is totally worth it to be bold and follow your dreams!
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Throwback Travel: Our Honeymoon in Zihuatanejo
Just yesterday I came across an album of old photographs and was mesmerized by the grainy images, long forgotten, captured between the slightly dusty covers. It was an album of our honeymoon, back at the ‘turn of the century’, in 2000. This was before digital cameras, Facebook check-ins, camera phones, and selfie sticks. It was pure, unadulterated relaxation and romance, just like any honeymoon should be. Due to hurricane season being in full swing in September, we opted for a honeymoon resort on the western coast of Mexico, now known as The Thompson Zihuatanejo.
Honeymoon in Zihuatanejo
Just yesterday I came across an album of old photographs and was mesmerized by the grainy images, long forgotten, captured between the slightly dusty covers. It was an album of our honeymoon, back at the 'turn of the century', in 2000. This was before digital cameras, Facebook check-ins, camera phones, and selfie sticks. It was pure, unadulterated relaxation and romance, just like any honeymoon should be. Due to hurricane season being in full swing in September, we opted for a honeymoon resort on the western coast of Mexico, now known as the Thompson Zihuatanejo.
Bliss, all-inclusive luxury right on the beach.
Playing in the waves
Remembering HIS smile that captured my fancy the first time we met at that conference in San Francisco.
Practicing my mermaid skills in the infinity edged pool.
A reminder that no matter how imperfect we may feel on any given day,
we will look back and remember how easy it was to look this way.
Big beach hair- as usual.
An afternoon at the spa for two - erasing the exhaustion of a move to a new city, an engagement, designing a new build home,
landing a new job, and planning a garden wedding within three months.
One night we caught a taxi to a local restaurant, just up the hill, we had heard about around the pool, Kau-Kan. I will never forget that moment we stepped onto the upper terrace, panoramic views with ethereal music playing in the background. It was pure magic!
La Califfa
It was one of those moments of sensual perfection -- the sights, the sound, the flavors, the scents - that you never want to forget. A honeymoon should be designed to capture those kinds of moments that you reflect on over and over as the years go by.
Memories of a lifetime....
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