What I Enjoy – Gail Fiorini-Jenner
Gail Fiorini-Jenner…
Rancher’s wife; writer; teacher; partner, Jenner Family Beef
Family: Doug Jenner (spouse); children Tricia (husband Cole), Nick (wife Jenny), and Matt; eight grandkids
How long have you lived in the North State? After graduating from CSU Chico, I married a fourth-generation cattle rancher, so I’ve lived in Scott Valley in Siskiyou County, for 55 years.
What do you enjoy most about living in the North State? I love our ranching/rural lifestyle, even with long days and busy seasons. I love this mountain valley. Finally, I love the people. Having been an educator for 50 years, I cherish the people here, including their diversity and history. It’s part of the reason I began writing 20 years ago, to preserve stories from early contact through to today. I’ve written 12 books,10 nonfiction and 2 historical novels.
You’ve probably tasted more great steaks than most people. What’s your favorite cut, and how do you like it cooked?
A great barbecued rib steak is nice, but since I cook for a crew and love to experiment, I love “odd” cuts, like shanks for osso buco, enchiladas and minestrone. I love flank steak for braciole, and a pot roast in winter makes a hearty dish.
What’s your favorite local hidden gem that you think most people should know about? One gem has to be the mountains surrounding our valley, where we loved going on horseback each summer and fall. For “tourist” destinations, I suggest Denny Bar Distillery & Restaurant, the historic Etna Brewery (originally part of my husband’s family) and the old Callahan Emporium. Other gems include the Siskiyou County Museum, Fort Jones Museum and Native Daughter’s Etna Museum.
What’s something people are always surprised to learn about you? I have an identical twin who also lives in Etna. When students see her, they call out, “Hi, Mrs. Jenner.” They’re always surprised when she says, “No, I’m Pat, her twin sister.” Also, I wasn’t raised here, but Scott Valley is the most precious home I could imagine. The moment I arrived, I came “home.”
What’s one skill you’d love to learn just for fun? I’m studying Italian and hope to become more fluent. My father was first-generation Italian American, and we have family in Italy whom we visit and who also come here. I think any foreign language is an asset; it reveals so much about culture and history. Plus, it’s fun.
What three words best describe your perfect day? Being with my husband, kids and grandkids on the ranch, especially when calves are being born, is a perfect day. And while I don’t ride much anymore, being on horseback on the ranch or in the mountains is fabulous. So three words would be peaceful, joyful and surprising.
What’s something you never leave home without? Sadly, my cell phone, mostly for the camera because there’s always something to record. And sunglasses! Whether it’s sunny or wintry and bright, I find they’re important. Maybe it’s the aging process?
What fictional character do you think you’d be friends with?
I have many favorite characters from classic novels, but I most enjoy stories about people who lived in the 18th, 19th or 20th centuries — particularly immigrant women who, like my Italian grandmother, came to this country with nothing. I love reading about those unsung, courageous women. Their stories need to be celebrated.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? As a writer — everyone has a story! Or, more, everyone IS a story. Write it. As a wife and mother — Love is a choice and an action, even when it’s hard or requires grace. Also, “Do not lose hope — ever. God has a plan.”
