# 168 - July 22nd, 2009

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin...I think in these difficult times perhaps we should occasionally turn for comfort to the love songs that Country and Western music offers us. With this in mind, for the Song of the Week I humbly suggest that you listen to the classic, ”My Wife ran off with my Best Friend and I miss Him” – I’m sure it’s a favorite for many of you...
Public Service Announcements – #92: The Barn Sale returns for its monthly appearance this coming weekend, from 9am to 3pm on July 25th and 26th, and the grill will be open both days from 11am to 2pm. All the action is at The St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church Refectory on A.V. Way just north of Boonville. Bargains and burgers - what more can I say?... #93: Saturday morning in the Boonville Hotel parking lot sees the weekly Boonville Farmers’ Market taking place from 9.45am to noon for your social enjoyment, fresh produce desires, and much more... #94: My truck was filthy – dogs / sheep / tools / hay / dust / pine tree dew, etc., but the guys at Boonville Auto Detail (B.A.D. at 489-0838) behind Zub Zub Ice Cream in the heart of Boonville assured me they could have it looking like new for $30 (before tip). I must say I doubted it. Three hours later my doubts had been thoroughly dispelled, along with all the dirt, and the vehicle looked immaculate. I needed the premium wash but for a basic car cleaning you need only pay $15 and the B.A.D. Guys - Quentin Dillman and Willy Schmidt - will give you more than your money’s worth. (p.s. if the guys are not around at the shop, check in at Zub Zub – these two hardworking entrepreneurs do have to get some perks after all!)...
As announced in this space a month or so ago, there will NOT be an Annual Woolgrowers BBQ and Sheep Dog Trial once again this year. That is too bad – in my mind, the Woolgrowers is up there alongside the Crab Feed as the best Valley events of the year. Last year the fires prevented it; this year it’s just a case of too much to do for the long-serving committee members. I have spoken to some of those close to the event and it appears that a new crop of organizers is needed to resurrect this wonderful and unique Valley tradition. So far nobody had stepped up. Perhaps people do not know about this situation and so I thought I’d mention it here. If ‘The Woolgrowers’ is to return for 2010, a new committee will probably have to be formed, ideally from both those amongst the old-timers who can still lend a hand in some way plus an influx from the ‘new shepherds’ in the Valley. If anyone has some thoughts on this please get in touch (e-mail at the bottom), and perhaps something can be done to bring this wonderful event back for the undoubted enjoyment of many people in the Valley and beyond.
I was just one of the fortunate 250-plus people who attended the latest gig in the Saturday Night Live Music series at the Navarro Store last weekend. Despite the disappointing news that no alcohol would be allowed in the auditorium (yet another law enforced on the many because of the actions of a few), The Subdudes managed to give everyone a ‘natural high’ with their superb performance. Probably 80% of those in the crowd had not come from the Valley and when I arrived the only person I initially recognized in the sea of faces was owner/impresario, Dave Evans, who was helping out in the Store as the throngs gathered. It was a wonderful event, Dave’s Crew did a great job, and when the masses had departed and the sun had gone down behind the redwoods, I was briefly joined by local regular, Stringbean, who informed me, “This was the biggest crowd we have had here so far, more than Johnnie Winter last year – that’s great, let’s hope Dave has finally made a little money.” Given that Dave has been providing top quality entertainment to the Valley for nearly two years now, with almost all the gigs free of charge apart from any money given via the ‘Donations Jar’, I would certainly concur with Stringbean’s remark and urge you to support this continuing great scene down in The Deep End...
On to some of the topics under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge - yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite bar/restaurant in the Valley at a location known only to ‘those in the know’...(three dots...geddit?...)...
...Regulars here think Bob Maki is doing a fine job flying solo as the new proprietor of Starr Auto in Philo. He hopes to get an employee soon but in the meantime he alone is continuing to provide an excellent towing service along with the capability to provide a basic service, oil change, brake work, and other minor mechanical jobs. He also offers ‘Tire Tuesdays’ when the tire shop down the street is closed. For most of your vehicle problems/maintenance call Bob at 895-2425, he’s around 24/7...
...We need a bank in town!! This is not a new demand but one that addresses an increasingly obvious need. Not to mention a pharmacy and a decent and reliable pizza joint too! Are you listening Chamber of Commerce? Wakey, wakey!
...The fact that Dig Landscape and Garden Supplies, north of Philo on Hwy 128 is closing soon has disappointed many regulars at The 3-Dot. As owner Karen Katz winds down her hard-worked business, supplies are dwindling and new inventory is understandably not being ordered. The result is that many Valley folk have nowhere local to go for their livestock, agricultural, and garden needs. However, whilst it’s a far from perfect solution, I have discovered that Mendocino Farm Supply in Ukiah is offering a great deal on much of its livestock feed and Big Daddy Garden Supplies, also in Ukiah, has very reasonably-priced garden and landscape supplies. These options would probably be your best answer until landlord, and former owner of the A.V. Farm Supply, Dave Gowan, returns to rule the roost on September 1st - assuming that is his plan (?)...
On a final important note, I would imagine that the life experience and wisdom one has gained by the time one reaches the grand age of seventy is quite possibly the perfect amount one would need to run a proper newspaper in a fair-minded, interesting, and informative manner. If only I knew someone of such an age then I would strongly advise him or her to think seriously about taking on such a project...
Well now I think it’s time to take my leave... Be careful out there, stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts, and, with the hot weather now with us, please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle...May your god go with you…Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”…Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…
p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse by e-mail at turkeyvulture1 @ earthlink.net
p.p.s. Happy 70th Birthday, Bruce – and many happy returns!...