# 107 - April 23rd, 2008

Greetings one and all…Is anyone around here getting any sleep these days? Me neither; which brings me straight into my Whine of the Week…With frosts occurring virtually every night (according to some old timers it hasn’t been this bad since the Spring of 1969), those very loud whirring vineyard fans, which are used to prevent temperatures slipping too low and damage to the crops resulting, have been turned on virtually every night for what seems like weeks now. Those of us not too far from The Valley floor are experiencing what it must be like to have several helicopters hovering above one’s Nest every night. There is probably no equitable solution – the wineries are hardly likely to turn the fans off out of the kindness of their hearts are they? However, a few gift bottles of wine dropped off at the door of those kept awake would be nice. Perhaps I could then drink a few and go into a very deep sleep. What a thoughtful gesture that would be…Oh, look, there’s a pig flying over the Roederer vineyard!...
Meanwhile, I wonder what exactly the law is on this? After all, if somebody were shooting off guns, riding loud motorcycles, or shouting and screaming outside your house then surely some ordinance would be enforced to stop this sort of unsocial behavior. The wineries and their obnoxious fans are affecting many people whom I have spoken with and nothing is being done about it? I think we should be told why…
On to a far more pleasant topic – ironically, it’s The Wine of the Week…I have been wanting for some time to taste the 2005 Primitivo, an Italian grape blend from Brutacao Winery just north of Philo on Hwy 128. Then last weekend I finally opened a bottle Hummingbird had brought to The Nest and paired it with my own ‘specialty’ - chicken cacciatore. It was a good move. Following aromas of ripe plums, the tart cherry flavor with spicy undertones worked very well with the chicken and veggies in pasta sauces– so well that we decided to open a second bottle! For a taste of Italy I highly recommend this well-priced wine ($20) with your next pasta dish. Trust me on this; you’ll thank me later…
My trusted roving reporter, Bald Eagle, informs me that our very own County Dump on Mountain View Rd – one of my favorite all-time hangouts – may well be closed on Tuesdays if new budget proposals are passed. That would leave us with just weekends and Wednesdays and that is simply not enough in my experience. Furthermore, the whole industry in these parts may be privatized with, apparently, severe price increases being the result, if Ft Bragg is anything to go by. Obviously none of this is acceptable and when I next speak to Dump Guy Bill I imagine he will be most displeased and that’s someone we need to keep happy and employed…
What’s this Valley Community Plan I have been reading about? Actually, perhaps the question should be, “what are the credentials of those who are behind this plan to allow them to decide what is best for the rest of us”?...I have no doubt that there are several good ideas being discussed within the Plan but nobody has asked anyone that I know for their opinion. Once again, one wonders whether we should have an elected Mayor who would then be responsible to push forward such ideas with the backing of the majority. Who would you vote for?...Our Very Own Uncle Sam (Bruce H)? Lauren or Libby (of Restaurant fame)? Coach Dany Kuny? The A.V.A.’s Bruce Anderson? Wayne “Let’s have a Community Christmas Tree” Hiatt?......Ken Allen?? Dick Cheney??....Turkey Vulture even? – you’re too kind…
Good news – the Vets from Mendocino Animal Hospital in Ukiah will be in town at Dig Landscape and Garden Supplies (formerly The A.V. Farm Supply) on Thursday, April 24th from 2pm until 3.30pm…It’s the usual first come first served situation and there is a sign-up sheet to help with this. The vets are some of the best I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with, so I hope this service will continue, with perhaps a regular and reliable schedule in the future…
“Helpful” of Hopland, my new #1 fan, has surfaced again this week with two, yes, two pieces of useful advice…Here we go…”Dear Mr. Vulture, I hope you are well. I have been a little sick of late but as I sweated it out in my bed I did a lot of thinking and wanted to pass on to your readers a couple of pieces of wise advice I came up with. Firstly, to those amongst you who are slovenly homeowners, always keep a few 'Get Well Soon' cards on view. When unexpected visitors arrive you can tell them that you have not been well and that's why the house is untidy…And secondly, to those of you intending to attend a funeral sometime soon, make sure you read the dress code instructions on funeral invitations very carefully. Somber, whilst being just a couple of letters different to sombrero, is a world apart in tone when dressing for funerals – I speak from experience…I hope I have been of some assistance…Best wishes, “Helpful”…Seems like he is fully recovered, wouldn’t you say?
There are a few events in Boonville to add to your social calendar for this weekend. On both Saturday and Sunday we have the annual Wildflower Show at The Fairgrounds and the monthly Barn Sale just north of town. whilst at the school just down the road, there is a Junior High School Soccer tournament on Saturday (26th). I look forward to seeing you at some if not all of these events. Nature, bargains and burgers, plus some school sports – it doesn’t get much better than that!...
There’s no time or space for The A.V. Valley Quiz this week – my apologies to those amongst you who have e-mailed and informed me that you enjoy the weekly ‘teasers’. Perhaps some readers would like to submit questions for upcoming weeks? You’re very welcome to do so – see my e-mail address below…
Anyway, that’s all for now…Be careful out there, stay out of the ditches, think good thoughts, and may your god go with you…Oh, and of course, one last thing, “Let us prey”…Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…
You can contact me with words of support/abuse, and those Valley Quiz questions, by e-mail at

# 106 - April 16th, 2008

Greetings one and all… Lo and behold! - I received a kind invitation to attend a “bbq and beer bash” up amongst the hill-dwellers on Signal Ridge. I was asked to bring something to drink and everything else would be provided – this was not to be a Pot Luck per se. The hosts had taken care of everything, which included four different smokers containing a variety of meats and a keg of beer, along with some delicious wines. Naturally guests brought some drinks and snacks, although it was not expected, and it was a lovely affair with plenty of everything for everyone. As one guest wisely observed, “Pot Luck, Schmot Luck –smoked meats and a keg is the way to go!”…
Meanwhile, I’ve no doubt that you locals are enjoying April’s Valley vistas? It really is getting to the most beautiful time of year with the blossoms approaching full bloom and the long, sunny days gradually outnumbering the cloudy and wet ones, although it must be said it’s still chilly in the early a.m. The baseball season has begun and our local High School heroes are playing well, the Junior High Soccer team are winning games, the Pot Lucks are about to take over our social lives, and just around the corner it’s the Wild Flower Show, the opening of the Boonville Farmer’s Market, and The A.V. Beer Festival. Where else would you rather be?...
What’s missing? Oh, yes, let’s have a The Valley Quiz, shall we?... Answers at the end…
1. The 26th Annual Boontling Classic foot race will be run on May 4th this year. What is the distance of the course?
2. As mentioned above, The Wild Flower Show is also coming up – April 26th/27th – but when did this event first take place. I’ll give you three choices…
a) 1926 b) 1946 c) 1966
3. Many of you may be aware that the first white settler in The Valley was Walter Anderson and his family in 1852, but who was the second settler and his family?
The “Sombrero Six” story will not go away with further comments on this topic appearing last week in the A.V.A. I have spoken to a couple of people who were on the trip to Mexico and, whilst there was a little “naughtiness” and some disciplinary measures were necessary on their return, the reaction of some here in the Valley has, in my humble opinion, been a little melodramatic. Future trips should perhaps be planned to include more viable chaperoning options but a little teenage drinking in Mexico, a society/culture where this is perfectly normal, is not the terrible sin that some see it as. Hopefully as much effort would be made in dealing with some of the real problems confronted by so many high school kids – the increase in methamphetamine use, early-teen pregnancies, and inappropriate relationships between predatory adults and unsuspecting children, to name just three…
Now it’s on to The Wine of the Week…At the above-mentioned gathering I found myself devouring a plate of superbly smoked pork ribs, brisket, prime rib, sausage, accompanied by David Norfleet’s potato salad with artichokes and his delicious smoked yams. It was the best feast of the year-to-date, and that includes the two Crab Feeds I attended! To wash these down, a keg of the Anderson Valley Brewery’s Poleeko Gold Pale Ale was tapped and it worked perfectly in tandem with the aforementioned culinary delights. Yes, folks, Poleeko Gold is the “wine” of the week and it is excellent with smoked meat I can assure you!…
Now, as it so often does, that brings me very nicely to The Whine of the Week… On many occasions in the past I have been known to be a “light on my feet”! Not in the gay/homosexual sense, but in the “good dancer” sense - just ask Hummingbird. Anyway, I have never understood why one particular group of individuals who seem to do lots of dancing are almost always not very good at it. I am obviously referring to Hippies. I once again witnessed this ‘phenomenon’ a couple of weeks ago in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and, whilst I’m sure they were having fun, their twirling, swirling, herky-jerky, off-balance, seizure-like movements completely lack any sort rhythm whatsoever, and the majority appeared to have some sort of physical disability. There are exceptions of course, mainly the lithe young women performing some exquisite belly dancing, but they are few and far between…None of this is of any consequence of course and it’s hardly worth a “Whine of the Week, but I just wanted to share. For those still reading this, I blame Jerry Garcia for my ‘pain’ – I imagine some of you will sympathize…
I’ll get my coat and go shall I?...Be careful out there, stay out of the ditches, think good thoughts, and may your god go with you…Oh, and of course, one last very important thing, “Let us prey”…Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…
You can contact me with words of support/abuse by e-mail at
Quiz answers…
1. The Classic is a 5 Kilometer race and following my recent diet the chances of me winning this year are very “slim”.
2. The Wildflower Show first took place in 1926.
3. The second family to arrive and settle was that of “J.D.” Ball – named after Jefferson Davis, leader of the Confederacy. The Ball Family arrived late in 1852.

# 105 - April 9th, 2008

Greetings one and all…Following last week’s column, and its over-the-top emphasis on food and drink, perhaps I should avoid that topic somewhat and concentrate on my report on what is being discussed at The Valley’s most popular local gathering spot. Yes, good readers, it’s “Good thoughts, rampant rumors, and a few moans and groans from The 3-Dot Diner”…Here we go…
…The passing of Charlton “Ben Hur” Heston on Sunday was certainly an event that led to a lively debate in the Diner about gun control and the 2nd Amendment. He was quite a force in the political arena for many years and at one point he changed his allegiance from Democrat to Republican, actively campaigning for the latter since the Reagan era. His battle cry against gun control was perhaps his last stand and at the 2000 N.R.A. Convention, he famously challenged those who would oppose his views on this topic to try and take his rifle “from my cold dead hands”…Now is their chance, I suppose, but it’s not going to be easy, he was a tough old bastard…
…It’s that time again – the pledge drive for our local public radio station, KZYX & Z…I know it’s not for everyone, and the station’s overt and unyielding politically correct stance grates on many people’s nerves, but they do a fine job overall and certainly provide the community with many hours of entertainment and information so please give generously…
…”The Tequila Scandal” continues to cause waves around these parts and I cannot understand why. ‘Teenagers experimenting with alcohol on a school trip’ is surely not the terrible crime is has been depicted as. It’s part of the Mexican experience wouldn’t you say? The nature of the boarding arrangements in Mexico meant that the chaperones/teachers on the trip could not be expected to watch the kids around the clock and besides, what is the big deal anyway?...In any other developed country, a legal drinking age of 21 would be scoffed at, but with yet another poll (at the very credible Economist.com) just published showing that Americans are far more conservative in their views towards drinking (and sex) than the citizens of other advanced countries, perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised at the “storm in a tequila glass” that has arisen…
…Meanwhile, I’m sure there are other more serious indiscretions at the School that could be addressed. In fact I just heard that… (continued on Page 74)…
…The Economist poll also pointed out that Americans are more religious, more patriotic, and more willing to use force in global affairs than other advanced countries. In fact they are actually more like the inhabitants of developing, third world countries when it comes to religion, and when it comes to the use of force, they continue to inhabit the 19th century world of great-power politics whereas Europeans and the other developed nations believe in diplomacy and treaties…What has happened?
…Equally as mystifying is what is happening at The Bar formerly known as The Highpockety Ox? Rumors abound, but the most convincing one is that the two curmudgeonly fellows who, when they actually decided to open, did a decent job at The Lumberjack Pizza, will run a pizza restaurant out of the kitchen and one of “King” Ken Allen’s minions will take charge of the bar operation. Sounds like a plan I suppose, and anything would be better than the unsubstantiated rumor that there is to be an installation in the main bar and restaurant area of the “Ken Allen Library”...
That’s all I have for you from The 3-Dot Diner this week so it’s on to The Wine of the Week…As I rapidly devoured the delicious Szechuan chicken and curried vegetables, I could not wait to see how the combination of these Asian delights with the superb Gewürztraminer from Lazy Creek Vineyards (on Hwy 128 at approximately the 18.5 mile marker) would work. I was not disappointed. It was a superb pairing and I would strongly recommend this zesty wine with anything that is spicy. Along those lines, you could substitute this wine for a Thai or Mexican beer with whatever you may be eating with those kinds of beers. Yes, you guessed it, and I like the way you’re thinking, - a super chicken burrito and Lazy Creek’s Gewurzt! Now there’s something very different but undoubtedly very appropriate together - enjoy…
Now, as it so often does, that brings me very nicely to The Whine of the Week…As we move towards the summer Pot Luck season I must just have a pre-whine about this strangely performed Anderson Valley ritual/phenomenon. I say “strange” not because the concept is unusual or weird but because in practice, when attending such events, I have invariably witnessed numerous guests arriving with delicious goodies to eat and/or drink whilst other attendees arrive with nothing, or something very odd – old bread/two oranges etc? These are very often the very people who then proceed to eat and drink as if there is no tomorrow. Perhaps it’s the company I keep but I can assure you I am far from being alone in observing this. When I personally host an event up here at The Nest, the vast majority of the food and drink is provided, but that’s nothing more that just the way I prefer to host, coupled with a desire to avoid a repeat of the potluck experiences as described above. A potluck can be a wonderful thing if basic guidelines are followed, or very disappointing and a lame affair if they are not… So, you “Pot Luckers”, here’s looking forward to an enjoyable season ahead and, if everyone contributes, then I see no reason why it wouldn’t be…
Must go and get my mail – perhaps there is a Pot Luck invite in there?...Be careful out there, stay out of the ditches, think good thoughts, and may your god go with you…Oh, and of course, one last very important thing, “Let us prey”…Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…
You can contact me with words of support/abuse by e-mail at

# 104 - April 2nd, 2008

Greetings one and all…I hope I find you all well and not too bogged down with Spring cleaning, grass cutting, pruning, etc. The Valley is looking well wouldn’t you say? Apart from those ridiculously big earth movers on Hwy 128 by the Anderson Valley Way exit #3 – know where that is?...Anyway, let’s get started with the Turkey Vulture Quiz…
1. Which Valley resident is a former member of the famous singing group, The Andrews Sisters?
2. The current owners of the Lazy Creek Vineyards are Josh and Mary Beth Chandler but who were the previous owners who produced such wonderful wines for many years?

3. What significant role did Harwood J. June play in Valley life from 1927 until 1952?

Let’s move right into The Wine of the Week…On Saturday night, following a “good drink” of Guinness and very fine tri-tip dinner, I was the happy recipient of a dessert consisting of a slice of homemade Rocky Road brownie cake for with marshmallows on top. Beer was no longer the drink of choice at that point in the proceedings and I was given a glass of Port from the Meyer Family Cellars in Yorkville (alongside Hwy 128 about 4 miles south of Boonville). Now in the past I have been accused of overusing the term “orgasmic” to describe my Wine of the Week but on this occasion I don’t have to. As Hummingbird experienced the flavors, bouquet, and textures of the port and brownie in her mouth, she uttered the words, “oh, what perfect chemistry!” You couldn’t argue with that although she looked quite “orgasmic” to me I have to say. Treat yourselves to this delicious pairing, you will not be disappointed - I guarantee it…

The Whine of the Week comes about as a result of The Nest being situated about a mile or so away from the nearest winery and that is apparently not nearly far enough! Over this past weekend we experienced three successive nights of temperatures below freezing and when this occurs, particularly at this time of year with the vines budding, the wineries choose to turn on their giant fans that blast air across the vines and prevent the frost from damaging the vines. The noise these fans make mean it’s like living under The Bay Bridge with a constant loud hum/whirring continuing through the night. Those who live closer to the vines than we do can probably not hear themselves think! For someone who loves a glass or two of the red nectar this may sound a little hypocritical, and it is! But if I was someone who doesn’t drink I’d be most upset at this selfish behavior by the wineries from which there is no hiding. It doesn’t seem right. I have no answer, but in the meantime I’ll have a glass of Pinot and give it some more thought…Now if I were the Mayor of Anderson Valley I’d start by…(continued on page 74)

On Sunday morning I flew into Boonville to make my usual appearance at The Barn Sale, held on the last weekend of each month at the Big Barn next to the rectory for St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church alongside Hwy 128 just north of town. As usual Eva and Bill Holcomb were hosting, long with Gloria and Jim Ross, and together they provided a cozy gathering place as a haven for the bargain hunters on a bitterly cold, yet sunny, morning. Apart from the vast array of items for sale there was also entertainment! Yes folks, one of the local shepherds was training his dogs on the flock of Navajo-Churro sheep in the field alongside the Barn. He had five dogs working at various times and they seemed to be doing very well in herding the skittish sheep. He told me that the sheep were not easy to deal with but it was a decent performance by the dogs and, after an hour or so, he used a football score reference to declare the Shepherd and Dogs victors over the Sheep by 28-21 – sounded like a good game to me!…It had been a perfect Valley scene – a sunny sky, beautiful views of the hillsides in every direction, sheep dogs and sheep in a centuries old battle of wills, the warm and welcoming scene at The Barn Sale, and those delicious Holcomb Burgers sizzling on the grill!...

However, despite being extremely tempted, on this occasion I was saving my appetite for Brunch at The Boonville Lodge Bar and Grill and resisted Bill’s Burgers. Not to take anything away from the Barn Sale Burgers (as I’ve said many times, they are very good) but I made an excellent decision. The Lodge Corned Beef Hash and Eggs, with fresh real corned beef and prime rib, is undoubtedly one of the best breakfasts anywhere! Cooked up by owner Tom Towey and his crew, it compares with anything available for Brunch out on the Coast or, dare I say it, even in San Francisco. I’ve done ‘em all – Mendocino Hotel, Little River Inn, The Palace Hotel in S.F., The Top of The Mark in S.F., etc., - and I stand by this sweeping statement…Well I would if I could but having stuffed myself with this excellent meal only about an hour ago I cannot actually stand at all at this moment but hopefully you get my point!

There’s been too much food and drink talk this week perhaps, and now I’ve run out of space. Oh, well, next week I’ll try to discuss matters of concern other than food and drink - there must be something I can think of...Anyway, it’s time to go, so…Be careful out there, stay out of the ditches, think good thoughts, and may your god go with you…Oh, and of course, one last thing, “Let us prey”…

Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…

You can contact me with words of support/abuse by e-mail at

Quiz Answers…

1. Joyce DeYoung, not an actual Andrews sister, joined the group in the sixties when one of the Sisters became ill. She is a regular “member” of the “Airport Crowd” here in The Valley and is T.V pioneer Ross Murray’s better half!

2. Lazy Creek Vineyards were previously owned by Johann and Theresia Kobler and a finer Gewürztraminer I have yet to find!

3. He was Judge June – the Valley’s Justice of the Peace / Judge.