We had a taste of nightlife in Chico recently. It rattled some old memories of my college years down there. Day or night, you can’t help but notice that Chico is fueled by younger folks.

Thanks to Chico State University, the youthful footprints of nearly 17,000 full-time students are spread across the entire community. It is the second oldest campus in the California State University system. And, despite its current official title, nearly everyone familiar with the landmark institution still favors the vibrant brevity of “Chico State,” the traditional moniker dating back to 1887 when the city of Chico’s founder, John Bidwell, donated 8 acres for the creation of Chico State Normal School.

Maybe that’s why our daughter, June, has been so captivated by the community since moving there in 1981. Now in her 40s, she is blessed with a younger mind, one that thrives on the pace that is life itself in Chico. As a flight attendant for a major airline, her base is San Francisco International Airport, but she would rather live in her condo on a cul-de-sac in Chico and brave the long commute.

One day in the San Francisco terminal, she met a weary traveler waiting for his flight. If you like popcorn and happy endings, this was the storybook beginning of a love that blossomed fast from that day five years ago. Returning from a visit with his family in Kansas City, Ernie was working his way back to his nursing classes at Fresno State.

Telephone romance lacks a certain spark. By the end of the semester, Ernie was transferring his studies to a nursing program in Chico. Class by class, semester by semester, he has been working his way to his goal as a registered nurse. By working at Enloe Hospital and counting his classroom units, his graduation is finally growing near, his future looming bright.

Daughter June and Ernie have been engaged for two years so it was no surprise when, at a recent gathering to celebrate Ernie’s 41st birthday at The Gooney Bird Bar & Grill in Chico, the giddy lovebirds announced that wedding bells would be ringing in the not-too-distant future. The long-awaited news filled the dining room with joy.

And for those who might recall my reporting on Santa Claus’ visit during this recent Christmas holiday, it should come as no surprise that Little Debbie blessed Ernie with countless chocolate calories at his birthday celebration.

Also, he received a Slap Chop kitchen tool, as advertised on TV. Ernie doesn’t cook worth beans, but he does do comedy. Rumor has it that he may be seen on Facebook being crazy in the kitchen. But don’t ask me for details – I’m just the father of the bride and I’ve never been to Facebook.

Sadly, June and Ernie’s beloved kitty, Pepalee, was at the party in spirit only. On the hearth, a hand-painted river rock brightened their recent loss, thanks to one anonymous Redding artist named Sandi, famous for her stony soft-heartedness.

Outside on the porch, feline neighbor Polly Dactyl grieved for her absent friend.

As the birthday party ended, we blessed the betrothed couple with a “thumbs up” salutation, bolstered in no small part by Polly Dactyl – born with six toes on several of her feet.