# 91 - December 26th, 2007

Greetings one and all…Cold enough for ya? Being greeted by a succession of deep morning frosts is not my idea of fun but it does keep the flies off the carcasses and for that I am grateful. I’m sure you understand…
Right, let’s get on with the Turkey Vulture Quiz…Answers at the end…
1. In 1856 John Gschwend built The Valley’s first what?
2. Husch Winery is the eldest of the current wineries in operation on The Valley floor. What is the second oldest?
a) Handley b) Christine Woods c) Lazy Creek d) Navarro
3. Name the two venerable guest speakers at last year’s A.V. Film Festival – one was a pioneer in the film business, the other a veteran behind the scenes of many C.B.S. TV. Shows; both of these gentlemen are Valley residents.
Now it’s a quick Quote of the Week…”Man is the only animal that blushes, or needs to” – by Mark Twain…Perhaps as relevant now as on the day he uttered these wise words…
The Valley’s Holiday social scene continues to whirl, and not just in a drunken way I can assure you. Last weekend saw two art openings/displays in the heart of Boonville and both were well received. First up was the work of Stan Peskett at the Art Studio behind the Farrer Building followed a little later on Saturday evening by Denver Tuttle’s latest offerings that were on display at The Mosswood Market. A nice crowd was at each event and the artwork seemed to receive plaudits from all. I can only say that whilst I do not know what I like, I do know art (?)…
On Friday, Hummingbird attended a pagan affair in honor of the Winter Solstice. About thirty people were in attendance at The Community Altar at The Caretaker’s Garden on Lambert Lane to celebrate the event with a ritual. As the congregation sat on benches provided by Dick Sand in loving memory of his wife, Lovella, the ‘service’ was led by Wendy Blankenheim-Read with additional segments from Patty Liddy, Audrey de Chadenedes, and music from Mitchell Holman on the mandolin. “It was very special,” said a beaming Hummingbird when she arrived home, “This Valley never ceases to amaze me”…Yer gotta like that!...
Saturday night saw both the carol singing event at Lauren’s and an ‘Open Mic’ Christmas Party at The Ox. Although neither brought in the “crowds” of Valley folk who no doubt intended to get off their sofas and come down out of the hills to take part, all those present were thoroughly entertained and no doubt enjoyed themselves. The hill-huggers and sofa-warmers missed out once again…
I am very pleased to report that my #1 fan, “Confused of Comptche, California” has sent me holiday greetings and some words to the wise…”Dear Turkey Vulture, Happy Holidays to you, Hummingbird, and all the gang up at The Nest. Let me share with you a little Christmas anecdote. My great Uncle Ernest was born in 1908, and he had all his own teeth until the day he died. This isn't as impressive as it might at first seem, however, as he died aged sixteen when he choked on a turkey bone on Christmas Day 1924”…
Moving swiftly on…I was delighted to hear that the wise Master Shepherd and the very keen Deputy Shepherd have recruited an eager rookie shepherd and, together with their combined ten Border collie sheepdogs, they have secured the field next to the Barn Sale venue owned by St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church on Anderson Valley Way. They have “invited” a dozen Navajo-Churro sheep from Comptche plus three Targhee sheep from The Valley to join them, and the plan is to train the dogs on the sheep and hopefully revitalize the shepherding and dog-herding traditions of bygone days in The Valley. It’s just north of Boonville on the west side of Hwy 128 so if you see them working/training as you drive past, give them a wave, honk your horn, or “Better still”, says the Master Shepherd, “stop by, check out the dogs and sheep, and drop off three cold ones for when their work is done!”...
On that note, it’s time for me to take my leave. May the New Year bring you happiness and good health…Be careful out there, think good thoughts, and may your god go with you…
Let us prey…Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…
Quiz Answers…
1. He built the very first sawmill.
2. Lazy Creek Vineyard is the 2nd oldest on the floor of The Valley.
3. Carroll Pratt and Ross Murray…Incidentally both will be presenting the awards at this year’s Festival, coming to The Valley on the weekend of Jan 25th-27th, 2008