Kathy and I can’t wait to tell you about our new adventure. After living in a three-acre oak-woodland paradise for the last forty-two years, surrounded by wildlife and the best neighbors anyone could hope for, we decided the time had come to downsize and live closer to our doctors. It wasn’t an easy decision. There will always be a special place in our hearts for Shasta County and all the dear friends we’ve come to know and love over the decades, but we both knew the clock was ticking and we weren’t getting any younger.
We bought a smaller house in Yolo County, a rock’s throw from our doctors and only fifteen minutes farther from my hometown of Orland—where I have so many fond memories—and only thirty minutes farther from Chico—where I attended college and Kathy and I also have many dear friends.
From the day we arrived in our new home, I began turning it into a mini version of the wildlife sanctuary we had enjoyed for so many years in Palo Cedro. First came the flowering plants that we brought along in large pots. I had pruned them down to the nubs so they wouldn’t get damaged during the move. I’ve fertilized them once a week ever since, and our reward has been an explosion of new growth and brilliant colors. Kathy says the increase in humidity has a lot to do with it.
First to come were the honeybees, followed by a half dozen species of smaller wild ones. A female Anna’s hummingbird came next, followed by a male Anna’s hummingbird and another female. Kathy and I were so excited, we began a new bird list. Over the years, we had recorded sightings of over fifty bird species from our home in Palo Cedro. So far, we’ve recorded sightings of fifteen bird species from our new home—among them the Canada geese that fly over our house every morning and a pair of great horned owls that entertained us from outside our bedroom window a few nights ago.
While Kathy and I continue to unpack boxes and figure out where we’re going to put furniture in half the space we used to have, I’m working diligently on my third novel in the Game Warden Henry Glance series. I hope to have it ready to send to my publisher next year. Meanwhile, I’ll soon be back on Facebook, the book tours will continue throughout the state, and Kathy and I plan to make regular visits to our old stomping grounds in Shasta, Glenn, and Butte counties.
Thank you all so much for your continued support of my writing. Kathy and I treasure your friendship and wish you and your families all the best. We hope you’re enjoying this season of crisp mornings, fall colors, and peak bird migrations.
32 thoughts on “Our New Adventure”
This is going to be a wonderful new time for you. I know you are having such a positive impact on your neighborhood and everything around you. Best wishes for your new adventure. It will be awesome! Love, Glenys and Dennis
Glenys and Dennis, you made our day. Your message touched our hearts. We hope to see you soon. Love, Steve and Kathy
Congradulations on this new chapter of your lives. Sharon and I downsized and moved to Roseville to be closer to our sons and our grand children. I left our home in Elk Grove kicking and screaming (just kidding). I have no regrets, we see our boys and grandkids frequently. The older we get we realize how important it is to be close to family.
It’s so good to hear from you, Woody. Thank you for your well wishes. I’m so glad you and Sharon are enjoying your new adventure in Roseville. Take good care!
wow you have been busy 💘
These last five months have been quite an adventure, Diana. Please take good care of yourself and heal well.
I’m sure you Will have plenty of wildlife in your new place, those owls will probably be regulars ! I love our owls . Smart move to get closer to medical care , while living in Manton we realized the life flight isn’t quite as cool as it may seem. Exciting adventures await ! Congratulations!🎈
Thank you for your thoughtful message, Terry. We can’t tell you how much we appreciate your support for all these years. Take good care.
The pictures are beautiful. Hope you enjoy your new home.
Thank you so much, Irene, for your kind words. They mean a lot to us. Please give our best to Dan.
So happy for you both.
Thank you so much, Connie. We hope you’re doing well.
So so happy for you and Kathy. I always enjoyed visiting Orland. Wish you two the best happiness ever.
Thank you for your kindness and your support, Pat. Please keep in touch!
What wonderful happy news! Change can be hard but it sounds like you both have fully embraced it and are busy making a new home sweet home. We are so happy for you and know you will create your new little special spot to welcome the birds, bees, and other critters. They will find you! Enjoy… and please keep in touch!
Thank you, Susan and George, for your friendship and support all these years. Your friendship means the world to us.
Welcome to Yolo County!
Thank you, Cyndi!
Congratulations on your new home and adventure!
Thank you so much, Tammy. We always enjoy hearing from you and hope you’re doing well. We’re so grateful for your friendship and for the support you and Dick have provided for my writing over the years.
Your plants look like they are thriving. Wishing you much happiness in your new home.
Thank you so much, Connie. Our plants seem to like their new home! We hope you’re doing well.
How exciting for you guys to start this new Adventure/Chapter. We will have to make a
trip up to see your new digs. So happy for you guys😁🙌🏻❤️
Thanks so much, Joel. We look forward to seeing you and Jenny more often now that we live closer. Take good care.
Wow! This is a big surprise! I’ll miss your “yard” posts, but I’m so pleased you are creating a new natural environment for all the beautiful creatures. I’m sure they’ll welcome you and Kathy with open wings! I’m looking forward to hearing more stories about your new adventure! Congratulations you two!
Your heartfelt and thoughtful message brightened our day, Sheri. Thank you. We look forward to staying in touch and seeing more of your adventures, as well.
Congratulations Steve and Kathy. The yard looks beautiful! Moving closer to Kelly has been a God send for me. Good luck on your new adventure!
It’s so good to hear from you, dear friend. Thank you for your well wishes. We’re so happy for you and will stay in touch.
You are a talented landscaper, you should have many different critters enjoying what you have created. We look forward to hearing about your new adventures. Hope to see you at the next class luncheon.
Hi, Joanne! Thanks so much for your kind words and all your support. Kathy and I missed seeing you and Buster at the class luncheon this past week. We look forward to seeing you at the luncheon in December.
Well, we will miss you in Shasta county and your wonderful photos from Palo Cedro. Props to you for making the big move. Maybe we’ll see you at a B & N book signing.
Thank you, Warren and Tara, for your friendship and support. They mean the world to Kathy and me. Take good care, and please keep in touch.