Gold Country Denizens: History, dusting, Messiah, whistling, Narnia, library

OK. Gold Country Denizens was started – gee, I don't remember when – to be a gossipy, comfortable kind of thing. One of the charming, friendly, previous Journal editors approached me several years ago and asked me to meander around Auburn vicinity and listen and ask questions and look and write down what people said and what and who I saw. At first, I clenched my teeth – OMG, more work! And then, I saw that all it really took was wandering, which is good for a person, and chatting, also good for a person. I only had two problems. One: After taking notes for years, I still do not know how to keep comfortable, easy, careful track of what I scribble on those notepads. And I certainly should know – I'm way older than 15. The second is even worse. What to do when – if – I get sick? Heck, I know what to do when I get sick. Stay home, for Pete's sake. And just do nothing. But if I'm huddling in the house, forcing myself to do nothing much other than taking pills, drinking water and – maybe – reading, I'm certainly not doing any meandering or eavesdropping. And if I'm not, gee whiz, then what happens to Gold Country Denizens? Silence? So that's what's happened in the last few weeks. But not only have I had a cold, Don and I had Thanksgiving at our house, with friends and relatives. This meant straightening up, straightening up again and getting ready. And dusting again. So I was either sick or busy these last few weeks, and that's why there's not much happening in this column. But I'll try. ... First of all: I am THRILLED to share the Auburn Symphony's Handel's "Messiah" Sing-along, set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, is sold out. They tell me this is the first time that's happened. Whee doogies! They're taking signups on a waitlist, just in case. Interested? Call the office: 530-823-6683. I've heard the sing-along several times. I'm not a singer, but I love to listen ... especially to the loud, stunning group of bass voices downstairs. They're thrilling. I'm going to bring a coat. Because I get chills. I look forward to seeing you. ... This past Saturday, the last Saturday of November, I set up at Farmers' Market to promote Silver Screen on the first Saturday of December. December, already! Good heavens. To my delight, Rachel Chaddock placed me next to The Baker and the Cakemaker – a wonderful place to be close to, because people are always gathering around their spot and their bread and their goodies. Plus, I don't have to walk very far to get my breakfast. And as I got things arranged, I heard whistling. Don has a habit of whistling and I love to hear him. This, too, was being done by someone with a whistling habit. I asked around – who's that? Turned out it was Brian Magnuson of Twin Peaks Orchard in Newcastle. He wore a sparkling cap, perfect for the approaching December. I thanked him and said it was wonderful to hear. We grinned at each other. And later, when I was done getting set up and so was he, he came over and hugged me. Yes, yes, I'd just met him, I get it, I'm not supposed to hug someone I don't know, but this felt good. Plus, there were people all around. Turns out Brian is a hugger – it's part of him. "Hugs," he said. "Help U Grow Spiritually." I got it – it makes a person feel better. "Covid tried to stop me," he said, "but I refused." Just because, I investigated the Twin Peaks website – twinpeaksorchards.net. Their address: 6105 State Highway 193, Newcastle. This bunch of growers also sells, constantly – Roseville on Tuesdays at Fountains, Sundays in Sacramento, Sundays in Sebastopol, summer in Truckee and Tahoe City – egad, what energy. Good for them. ... This weekend, Music & More presents "Narnia the Musical." Investigate musicandmore.net or call 530-305-6806. Shows run Friday through Sunday; tickets are $12. I will never forget the first time I read about Narnia. It's followed me for decades. Also: "Golden Bough" presents Celtic music at Music & More, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Tickets range from $10 to $25 – investigate musicandmore.net. ... The Auburn Library is now 50 years old. At the (free) NOON Program next Friday, Dec. 8, Anne Holmes will present a history of the Auburn Library. In addition, Karri Samson, a library employee for 25 years and lifetime Placer County resident, will be honored with the Placer County History Award (posthumous) by the Placer County Historical Committee. This sounds like an interesting, warm gathering, and I plan on attending. I hope to see you there. That's my town. Got any items? Please – email me at goldcountrydenizens@gmail.com.