#41 - October 19th, 2005

Greetings one and all….You'll no doubt be fascinated to know that I enjoyed my week off and now return with an answer to the frequently asked question, "Can a Turkey Vulture make a difference ?…The answer is a resounding "Yes!"… I present as evidence the smiling face and cheerful words from Ron at The County Dump on Mountain View Road just outside Boonville. Apparently, after my suggestion that people try to pay their dump fees with smaller bills to help Ron out, there has been a very good response and his job has been made a little easier over the past few weeks…Having said that, personally I would have thought a job at The Dump was a dream situation whatever difficulties may arise ??
Enlightening News… from one of my intrepid reporters embedded in the Nation's capital…'Shortly after President Bush's job-approval rating dipped to 40 percent, the lowest of his presidency, a poll indicated that Bush's approval rating for American citizens is also at an all-time low. "At 30 percent, President Bush's satisfaction with 'likely voters' is the lowest it's ever been," said Rachel Markham of TNS Intersearch. While Bush finds that 40 percent of Americans are "on the right track," he said he believes only 30 percent will do a good job supporting him in the event of another disaster or terrorist attack" '…I have nothing further to add…..
Public Service Announcements # 24 - #26…I flew out to the Coast last Thursday and found the weather to be unusually pleasant all day long as I visited the towns of Albion, Mendocino, and Fort Bragg. As a result of these adventures and as part of my on-going assignment to inform you of where some of the little 'pleasures of life' may be found I have three more such delights to report. First up is the Albion Grocery which has an excellent wine selection and if you can get past some of the weird characters hanging around outside you will not be disappointed with a visit to this strangely endearing place…Next, as I have mentioned before, the burgers and fries at Mendo Burgers in Mendo Burgers in the town of Mendocino are simply delicious. The fries won my "Best Fries" award earlier this year and they will be hard to beat next year too. The burger is juicy, thick, and tasty. The only problem - the prices appear to have gone up….Finally, for the non-t-shirt and jeans brigade amongst you, there is a very good and very inexpensive dry cleaners in Fort Bragg on Main Street opposite Racine's. Obviously you'll not make a special visit just for some dirty laundry but, if you're out that way, at $4 a shirt you can't go wrong….Anyway, I just thought you should know this stuff…..
Last Friday evening I had the distinct pleasure of attending the A.V. High School Homecoming activities at The Fairgrounds in Boonville. With the band in the stands blasting out some stirring songs and the Panther cheerleaders getting everyone in the spirit of the occasion it was left to the Panther Junior Varsity football team to ensure the evening got off to a successful start. They didn't let us down as they pummeled the visiting Laytonville team 46-0 ! Once again Dan "The Voice of the Valley" Houk did a fine job from the announcer's booth and I also have to mention the work on the grill by Bryan Wyant who produced some excellent cheese burgers at the concession stand - watch out Mendo Burgers !….
Talking of Bryan, our local electrical guru, I should just mention that his best employee, Laddie Kalinowski, the Electrician Magician, was not in attendance as he was honeymooning on the east coast with lovely bride Bridget Reilly of A.V Brewery marketing department and A.V. Animal Rescue fame - best wishes to the happy couple, too bad they missed the burgers though…Anyway, after the parade of nominees, driven around the field in vintage and not-so-vintage cars, the Homecoming King and Queen were announced (Rudolfo Ibarra and MariLu) and the evening was made complete when the A.V boys soccer defeated a competitive Cloverdale team for the mythical "Highway 128 Trophy" by a score of 6-3…Well done to all involved and I hope nobody did something I wouldn't do at the Homecoming Dance later on that night…
After all these healthy and heart-warming festivities I was in desperate need of a beer so I flew down to The T.R. (The Brewery Tasting Room) and quickly devoured a pint of Poleeko Gold Pale Ale. I had just ordered a pizza and settled down with some peanuts and my second beer when suddenly a vaguely familiar sound began to permeate the room - it was rain on the roof !…Like kids in a candy store, the few revelers ventured outside and enjoyed the sight, sound, and feel of the first real rains of the fall. This was very exciting !…
The next night I decided to fly down to the Apple Hall in Boonville to attend the Bayou Benefit. This event was organized to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and it was a most enjoyable evening with a good turnout of people of all ages representing every aspect of Valley life. Serving fine Mexican food and a selection of local beer and wine the organizers and volunteers should be congratulated for their efforts. Special mention should go to Adam "Smooth-talker" Springwater, the Master of Ceremonies and Voice of the Auction - an excellent performance and if he ever thinks about giving up his day job I believe he has a back-up career in the making…On a personal note, midway through the evening I felt the need to visit the Boonville Lodge for a pick-me-up. For medicinal reasons I decided to have a vodka and grapefruit but my companions decided on the cocktail known as the Train Wreck, so named by Lodge regular, Vinny, as a result of him feeling like he'd been in such a wreck the morning after an evening spent 'sipping the nectar'…"What's in it ?", I hear you ask. Well, to be blunt, it's whisky and tequila and, according to those who now know, Vinny has named it most appropriately !…..
Well, that's probably enough for now. Besides, the coals on the grill are ready and it's time I added the baby back ribs…Before I do, do join me and "Let us prey"….Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…