This and That /Updates

 

https://gofund.me/ab651f65

Starting with the local news update. 

Update on Elias: He had emergency surgery last Saturday night due to a leaking kidney and fluid in his abdomen. The surgery went well; the surgeon placed two drain tubes. By Sunday, Elias was feeling much better, eating a little, talking, and smiling. The other boy's family prefers privacy, but I’m keeping Roman in my prayers.

https://myshastahome.blogspot.com/2024/12/details-of-school-shooting-and-2-little.html

Bidwell Mansion Fire

https://myshastahome.blogspot.com/2024/12/bidwell-mansion-in-chico.html

There are clear signs of arson, indicating that this fire was intentional. Fire investigators can now confidently rule out the possibility of an accidental fire in this case.

The house and its contents have been destroyed, except for a few items that were moved out for renovations.

I can hardly believe Christmas is 4 days away. I've been done with shopping for a week or more, and my sweet husband wrapped all the gifts. He's been such a tremendous help to me. 

I visited Margie at her care facility yesterday late afternoon, and she looked good. She's in a tough situation - with her three children. They won't move her or or take her in. It breaks my heart. I briefly thought, “What if we took her in?” but we’re unsure we could meet her increasing medical needs as she ages - plus we're getting up there too! And that would mean involving her family which might also create problems.  

Margie, 80 and still sharp. What happened was,  she signed her house over to her children, believing they would sell it to help her move to a better facility, but they have refused to spend the extra money. While her Medicare and Medicaid cover her current living arrangement, it's not ideal. Her sedentary lifestyle has weakened her physical abilities, and the staff neglects her rehabilitation. Her son visits regularly and treats her well, but her older daughters make decisions about her care, which adds to her sadness. 

We did enjoy a wonderful visit with her roommate, Mary, as well. 

Laydee had her stitches removed this past Monday, and what a difference! She was so good to let me take a photo of her improved self. That neck ornament was definitely bugging her.

And she smells so much better now, too! 

Source: Friends of the Redding Eagles

In a previous post, I noted that the tree hosting our eagles' nest for 15 years was dying. The FORE crew set up a new nest nearby, and although the eagles initially ignored it, they eventually discovered it after harsh winds destroyed their old nest. They began building in the new location and are now settled in, which is a relief since they didn't have to move the live camera feed. Egg laying typically starts early to late February, so the timing was perfect - avoiding any tragedy had they laid eggs in the old nest. 

https://myshastahome.blogspot.com/2024/10/this-and-that-on-thursday.html

On Christmas Eve, I’ll deliver a meal to Gail before the candlelight service at our church, and afterward, we’ll probably stop by a local 24 hour-diner. 

I cherish these moments during Christmas, connecting with genuine people. It’s always a blessing especially knowing that some may feel lonely. Each encounter brings a chance to meet those who just want a simple "Merry Christmas." 

Before moving up here, Foodie invited a homeless man to our Thanksgiving dinner after befriending him on his way to work. The young man shared memories of his family, and I was proud of my son’s kindness. 

Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake

I decided to make this for our Christmas meal dessert - 

It will be perfect since there are just six of us, and four of us don't have a major sweet tooth. I have never made an olive oil cake before, but my friends in the Bay Area used to make them, and they are delicious. 

This will be the recipe I will use. 

https://www.themediterraneandish.com/orange-cardamom-olive-oil-cake/#wprm-recipe-container-58524

I’m all caught up now! Time to grab some lunch and enjoy this lovely rain. I’m thinking of making some potato soup for dinner later. 

Talk to you all soon.

Debby

Bidwell Mansion in Chico.

My son phoned me early this morning to inform me that the Bidwell Mansion in Chico was destroyed by fire. 

Historic Italianate construction was finished 

in May 1868. 

When constructed, Bidwell Mansion featured modern plumbing, gas lighting, and water systems. The three-story brick structure was built in an informally romantic version of the Italianate style, which also included aspects of the Italian Villa and Octagon house types. The building's exterior was finished with pink-tinted plaster.

John Bidwell was well-known and instrumental in early California - history.

 

This fire is a huge loss, not just to the house but also to all the historical contents of the mansion. 

Once every couple of years, 

we would go down (about 60 miles) and take a tour. 

The last time we were there was before 2020.

It had been closed down for restoration. 

They are investigating the cause. Some reports saw someone running from the house (arson), and others speculated if it had anything to do with the restoration. 

It's a total loss. 

Now I wish I had taken more photos. 

In the 1892 presidential election, Bidwell was the nominee of the Prohibition Party. The ticket of Bidwell and James B. Cranfill of Texas finished fourth nationwide, receiving 271,058 votes, or 2.3%. It was the most significant total vote and the highest percentage of the vote received by any Prohibition Party national ticket. Their most substantial result was in Minnesota, receiving over five percent of the vote.

I hope that while they were closed due to restoration, they at least saved most of the furniture and historical documents. 

I feel bad for the town of Chico -