# 180 - October 28th, 2009

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... It would be sloppy of me to not remind you that next Tuesday, Nov 3rd, is Election Day – so I just did... However, it was remiss, and very sloppy, of me to not mention the final Barn Sale of 2009 which took place last weekend (10/24 and 10/25) so the very least I can do is thank Gloria Ross and her team of volunteer helpers for all their work every month in putting together this excellent gathering as they raise money for their church – an afternoon of bargains and burgers doesn’t get any better than this...
Which leads straight in to the Quote of the Week from non other than legendary ancient Greek philosopher and poet, Homer, who wisely once said, “The charity that is a trifle to us can be precious to others.” So I’ll see you at The Barn Sale next spring, right?!?!...
This week’s edition of the A.V. Who’s Who shares with you the bored members of the A.V. Land Trust (alphabetically) – Karen Altaras, Kathy Bailey, Thom Elkjer, Barbara Goodell, David Hopmann, Patrick T. Miller, Alan Porter, Lee Serrie, and Steve Snyder...Who, I am assured, are all ‘dedicated to the preservation and restoration of our unique rural landscape with its abundant natural resources for the benefit of future generations.’
Moving 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 gathering place in the Valley at a location known only to ‘those in the know’...
... First up this week at The 3-Dot was what seems to be a regular event these days - Winery-Bashing. On this occasion we wondered whether or not the Valley has more than the average number of women who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer for the population in this area. The obvious implication being the preponderance of wineries in the Valley and the possibility of whatever it is they spray being connected with such illnesses. Are any studies being done on this? We did not have the statistics at hand; this was just a little harmless, yet somewhat informed, pontificating after all, but it is a serious issue and one worthy of further investigation surely...
... Related to this, are the comments I read in last week’s Valley People section that talked about the plague of flies in the Valley at this time of year and its connection to the significant decline in the number of frogs – the flies’ natural enemy –quite likely as a result of the spraying done by the wineries. As was written last week, a winery advocate might say, “you can’t grow grapes without sulfur, you fool, so what if a few frogs go, too?” Charming, eh? I would respond to such nonsense by mentioning that a couple of months ago I was reliably informed that at one of the winery’s ponds there had been sightings of six-legged frogs! Six-legged frogs! This is arguably worse than having no frogs at all, and once again prompts the question, “What the hell is been sprayed around here?”... Anyway, we opened a bottle of Pinot and moved on with our discussions...
... One of the regulars asked who was entitled to get the free rides on the Senior Bus, driven these days by the always smiling, personable, and very healthy Natalie Matson. Apparently any Senior is - for just $5 a ride. It was heartily agreed that this is a wonderful service and there are many deserving seniors who are greatly helped by it as they are transported to their get-togethers at the Senior Center or to the shops in Ukiah, etc – just as long as nobody uses it as their personal cab! Surely not...
... Regulars also discussed Michael Addison’s replacement on the School Board being appointed by the Board members themselves. Yadira Mendoza-Sanchez may well do a good job, Ben Anderson may have done an equally good one, some might say even better. Either way, shouldn’t the Community vote upon such an important position? Just wondering...
... I spoke with the Navarro Store’s owner and music impresario, Dave Evans, following the final show of the year a couple of weeks ago and he assured me that they would be back next year with another series of live concerts down in the Deep End. As I’ve said many times, this is one of the best Saturday nights out you could wish for in the Valley with its excellent bands, beautiful setting, and reasonably priced food and drink. The crowds have bee steady yet not as good as this scene deserves. Those who hesitate because of the ‘reputation’ of the Navarro scene are ill informed on the matter. Many others are missing out on something they’d enjoy if they actually attended. You know, those who bend you ear with “Oh, yes, I love to go out and listen to live music” but who don’t. It's only my humble opinion, of course, but next summer a little less talking and a little more walking might pleasantly surprise a few folks around here...
Oh, dear, now I suppose I should get my coat and leave...Anyway, ‘Have a spooky Halloween’ – I’m going as an ornery black creature with a featherless red head and a curmudgeonly attitude... Be careful out there and stay out of the ditches, think good thoughts, and 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