Meet Your New Neighbors

Pauline McKindley moved from Vermont to Tehachapi in April to join three of her five older sisters on a 20-acre ranch they all purchased in Cummings Valley. She says she loves the openness of the valley and the view from their property, especially when SpaceX launches from Vandenburg.

Born in San Bernardino County, Pauline, her sisters and two step-brothers lived there until they all moved to Tucson, Arizona when Pauline was 7 years old. Tucson was her home for 30 years. While in Tucson she began a career in health care. She worked for a while as an in-home caregiver. It was when she was hired by a pathology lab that her training really began. Through on-the-job-training she learned all aspects of the business from autopsies to shipping and receiving, eventually becoming a supervisor.

She moved to New Hampshire with a long-time boyfriend and was hired as a supervisor at Dartmouth Hitchcock, a teaching hospital affiliated with the college in Hanover, New Hampshire. Pauline said she again did a little bit of everything at the hospital, an experience that only increased her knowledge of anatomy and pathology. She was also working there during the COVID pandemic which contributed to the burn-out she felt after six years.

While living in New Hampshire, Pauline developed a desire to live in a tiny home; one that would give her the ability to explore the country. After purchasing a 17-foot camper with solar panels, she and her two cats, Toonces and Weasel (aka "The Twins") took off for Vermont. She got a job at the Black Mountain Inn in the Green Mountains, hired to work at the front desk. Her employers treated her like family, says Pauline. It was while working there that she got a real education on "boondocking" during the winter.

In the meantime, her sisters purchased the Cummings Valley property and Pauline decided to join them in the venture, so she packed up her tiny house and her cats and headed to California. Once she arrived and settled in, it didn't take long before she found a job. She attended a pre-planning seminar held by Wood Family Funeral Services and when they found out she was looking for a part-time job, they hired her on the spot. She said she loves the team there. The remainder of her time will be spent helping her sisters develop their 20-acre ranch and, as I hear it, they have lots of plans.

Welcome to Tehachapi, Pauline. I have a feeling we will be hearing more from you.

If you have moved to Tehachapi within the last six months, Hilltop Welcoming Service has a bag of information about the Greater Tehachapi area, including local activities, events, government and facilities. There are always a few coupons and gifts, as well. It is a great way to learn about your new community. Being part of this column is strictly optional. If you would like a visit from the Welcome Hostess, contact our office at (661) 822-8188.