# 169 - July 29th, 2009

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... First let’s turn for even more comfort to the love songs that Country and Western music offers us. This time my Song of the Week is the timeless, “I’ve missed You but my aim is improvin’ “ – a very moving and tender song with poignant lyrics that will no doubt bring a tear or two to many an eye...
Public Service Announcements – #’s 403 and 404: Lauren’s Restaurant plays host to an Evening of Dinner Jazz at 7pm on Saturday, August 1st, whilst The Boonville Lodge sees the return of Karaoke, this time accompanied by a menu of Sushi, on Wednesday, August 5th at 6.30pm...
With karaoke in mind, for The Quote of the Week I am reminded of the comment by great jazz songstress Billie Holiday who said, “I can’t stand to sing the same song the same way two nights in succession. If you can, then it ain’t music, it’s close-order drill, or exercise or yodeling, or something, not music.” Sounds like she’d go down well on Wednesday night, when every song is unique!...
On to a couple 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?...)...
... A family of five visitors swung by The 3-Dot this past week and each of them was raving about the delicious sandwiches they had enjoyed on a picnic in Hendy Woods. Laurie Cooper had made the ‘goodies’ at the deli in the Anderson Valley Market in Boonville and the visitors wanted me to pass on their deep satisfaction and gratitude to her. Good job, Laurie – a great deli sandwich is a truly wonderful thing...
... Along with one or two other 3-Dot regulars, I am currently deeply involved in reading the recently published ‘Mendocino Noir’ by the A.V.A.’s Powers-that-Be, Bruce Anderson and Mark Scaramella. I think it’s a great read and I can assure readers that I am not being paid to say that, although by doing so I do have their guarantee that nothing macabre will ever happen to me in this county!...
Wine and Whine of the Week! Yes, both in one tidy package. Here we go... Lazy Creek Winery is now owned by Ferrari-Carano ‘Family’ and Eric Asimov, in the N.Y. Times’ Dining and Wine section says, “They are a big, glossy outfit in Sonoma whose ornate esthetic is about as far as possible from the rusticity of Lazy Creek. I suppose I should not panic yet. Don and Rhonda Carano, the owners of Ferrari-Carano, told Wines & Vines magazine that they don’t plan to change anything at Lazy Creek. They say they will keep the separate name, vineyards and vines. Lazy Creek made wonderful but idiosyncratic wines and whilst Ferrari-Carano’s wines are not bad, they aren’t particularly interesting. They’re made with mass appeal in mind.”... Meanwhile, I am reliably informed that the winemaking techniques used for decades by Hans and Theresia Kobler and in more recent times by Josh and Mary Beth Chandler, have been displaced by more ‘corporate’ methods and at least one member of the staff was unceremoniously told she was being let go and given five days to get out. I shall certainly savor my final bottle of Lazy Creek’s Gewürztraminer and will sip it down as The Wine of the Week with some Humboldt Fog Cheese, a little Brie, and some smokey Gouda - it may the last time I get to feel such an orgasmic experience... Before you say to yourself, ‘Oh, all our Valley wineries are the same’, please don’t! The Koblers and Chandlers were Valley friendly and lived here. I cannot imagine, for example, that the Caranos will be seen at The Lodge or will attend the annual Crab Feed (but would love them to prove me wrong). So, despite the blurb on their website telling us that they are not interested in short-term financial gains, I have my doubts, and cannot help but think, in my humble opinion, that once again we have witnessed outside corporate winery interests and their blandness displacing the unique product of a wonderful old locally-owned winery (one of the Valley’s original three, I should add). Please pass me the sick bag, Bruce...
The Value of a Drink...Before I go, I’d like to pass on to you, under the heading ‘Life Lessons’, a little advice that you may find useful, even important, at some point as you meander across life’s rich tapestry. Wine is once again the focus and this clearly comes from a very wise and caring mind – “'Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink, I feel shame. Then I look into the glass and think about all the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.” - Beautiful sentiments, wouldn’t you say? - This column is getting kinder and gentler all the time...
Oh, dear, have I upset somebody? - I’ll get my coat and leave shall I?... Be careful out there; 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

# 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!...

# 167 - July 15th, 2009

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin – on a sorrowful note I’m afraid...Having just attended a funeral in San Francisco for my friends’ two-and-a-half year old son who died from meningitis – happy and healthy on Wednesday; dead on Thursday, I have to think that the loss of a child must be one of the most tragic and overwhelmingly sad things that someone can ever endure. The parents, Pat and Doreen Ryan, are very popular and well known in the City’s Irish community and there was a huge crowd in attendance. It was humbling and heartrending to see so many grown men and women all in various degrees of tearful distress. There is nothing good to come out of such an occasion except perhaps that each of us learned a little more about ourselves on this difficult and mournful day. With that in mind I offer you this Quote of the Week from Dr. John De Frain, professor of Family Science, “The death of a young child is like a stone cast into the stillness of a quiet pool; the concentric ripples of despair sweep out in all directions, affecting many, many people in many, many ways”...R.I.P. Joe Ryan, you will always be remembered as the ‘little buddy’ to many...
Onward, ever onward...I think it’s been too long since our last Wine of the Week, don’t you? I thought so - here we go...As I enthusiastically devoured my sliced sirloin with horseradish and creamy mashed potatoes a couple of weeks ago at Lauren’s Restaurant in Boonville, I found myself sipping on a delicious 2005 Zinfandel from the Valley’s Navarro Winery. The taste sensation in my mouth when the medium rare meat and red wine blended together was, as regular readers can well imagine, positively orgasmic and I highly recommend such a pairing... Furthermore, as I sat there in the ‘afterglow’, Lauren herself approached me and said she had been disappointed with my past negative review of her French fries and couldn’t understand what had happened. Now, it should be noted that I never write a negative review unless I have tasted something substandard at least twice – I figure surely everyone is entitled to make at least one mistake (ask Dick Sands, former Senior Bus Driver). Lauren’s fries had been poor on two occasions previously (when I ordered them to go, we believe) so I decided to try them again...Lauren returned with the fries. What can I say - they were superb! It’s difficult perhaps for many of you to get too worked up about French fries but these were definitely worth getting worked up about, I assure you. Even Goshawk, over here from England, was very impressed and she knows a thing or two about her national dish - ‘chips’, as they strangely refer to them. They were most certainly in my All-Time Top Five French Fry Experiences. I think I’ve said enough – I suggest you get out and try some...
And now, obviously, The Whine of the Week...They’re back! Yes, folks, the biker hordes are slowly returning to the Valley for their summer rides during which they stop at various local establishments and try to scare us with their menacing poses and glares (they fail miserably at this) and annoy us with their ridiculously loud motorbikes (certainly they have some success there). When I become Mayor of the Valley (I’m looking at the year 2020 when everyone will have perfect ‘vision’ and vote for me) I shall strongly suggest that Valley residents 'confront' these weekend "bikers", in their rarely worn, stiff and shiny new leathers, posing as "rebels", when they annoyingly rev up their very noisy Harleys. They will be pointed at by the locals and will be told, "See you in the office on Monday" - they are mostly accountants, bankers, and lawyers etc., after all. What are they going to do? Throw their laptops at us? And if things get a little ugly, then we’ll deal with them in the tried and tested Boonvillian way, via The Hanging Tree on Anderson Valley Way before visiting the hungry pigs on Ornbaun Road - ‘nuff said...
Now on to some of the topics under discussion this week at The 3-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?...)... ...Despite the rumors swirling around The 3-Dot, as far as my expert team of investigative reporters can discern, there is no truth to the scurrilous hearsay and slanderous scuttlebutt that ‘King’ Ken Allen is planning to install life-size statue of himself in bronze at the entrance to his A.V. Brewery. I couldn't possibly comment further...
...Most regulars at The 3-Dot seem to give big ‘thumbs up’ to the job being done by local Deputy Sheriff Craig Walker since his arrival in the Valley a few months ago. With Deputy Miller re-assigned after a short stint here, we are back to just Deputies Squires and Walker and the latter has fit in very well indeed. He seems to be making wise decisions and with his Berkeley upbringing he’s taking a somewhat liberal slant on some of the issues he’s confronted with – not a bad approach in these parts; not to mention the fact that he loves dogs – in his case it’s a border collie (to help herd up the miscreants no doubt)...
...The buzz amongst our senior regulars at The 3-Dot is that the new Senior Bus Driver is none other than Natalie Matson, former owner/operator of the One Horse Espresso stand in downtown Boonville. Some of them have not been attending the various senior functions of late but hopefully they will now reconsider, as I’m sure she will do a splendid job with her business-like attitude, effervescent personality, and winning smile. I offer her both sincere best wishes and the sound advice to check that the bus is empty before closing it up for the night – you just never know...
...On a serious note, the economic depression is hitting many in the Valley very hard. I mentioned last week that at every Valley event I’ve attended in the past few months the numbers have been significantly down on previous years and there are no sawmills here for the first time since 1860. This has been reinforced by the recent comments from Vince Ballew and Wayne Hiatt, both lifetime Valley residents (Wayne since the early fifties), that they have never known it this bad...
Well, we started on a sad note and then finished in a gloomy tone. Oh, well, life’s a bitch - but then it has puppies!!! So next week’s column will be like hanging out with a litter of pups and it doesn’t get much better than that...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

# 166 - July 8th, 2009

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin...First up it’s the Country and Western Song of the Week. For this award it gives me great pleasure nominate the classic ‘It’s hard to kiss the lips at night that chewed my ass all day” – a truly poignant number that brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it...
Now on to the Public Service Announcements...#169: This Saturday, July 11th is the Boonville Art Work from 3pm to 6pm featuring many local artists, along with music and food. It’s free and you can call 895-2204 for more details... #170: Not being on the slim side (and thus a natural for the Tug-of-War – see below) I should perhaps think seriously about joining the Valley’s Weight Watchers group that meets every Tuesday at 6pm. I hesitate if only because the meetings are held in the dining room at the Fairgrounds!?!... #171: - Yoga classes continue to be offered by at least four different practitioners here in the Valley. So many in fact that it’s too stressful on my mind and lower back for me to go into details here. Nevertheless, you can check them out in the lemon-colored Grange Community Alliance Newsletter that you can find all over the Valley...Onward...
What a lovely event this year’s Olde Time 4th July Celebration turned out to be. I was a late arrival, sadly missing the rooster and hen calling, but I did but manage to be there for the cake auction and various games. Hummingbird, from her perch at the Lions Club bbq, gave me a full report on the activities and then, following a couple of beers and a delicious tri-tip sandwich off that very grill, it was time for the highlight of the afternoon - the Tug-of-War. Once again the Navarro/Philo (Navilo) squad was too strong for Boonville/Yorkville – The Ville’s. Not only were The Poleekos and Deep Enders victorious in this year’s events for the women (led by captain Erica ‘Big Boots’ Kesenheimer) and under-sevens (led by fifteen month-old Spike ‘I keep falling down’ Matson), but the Men’s team, ably coached by Christie Clark and anchored by yours truly, easily won for the eighth year in a row! This was achieved despite The Ville’s recruitment of several young, muscular Cal Fire guys, who hopefully took my post-Tug handshake and comment ‘you’d better work out a little more for next year’ as simply nothing more than mild-mannered banter. Meanwhile, there is clearly something in the water northwest of the Valley’s ‘Mason Dixon’ line and we’re not sharing what it is!...A fine afternoon under the redwoods was had by all, although for the umpteenth time this year, numbers were down on previous years at yet another Valley event - a sobering sign of the times...
Talking of sobering times, before it gets too late I do want to add some personal comments about the glut of recently deceased celebrities - Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, Karl Malden, and David Carradine - all dead, each having provided entertainment for millions; yes, even Johnny Carson's sidekick Ed, though probably not nearly as much as the others...Until a few days ago, Jackson was arguably the most well-known live person on Earth (along with, very arguably, Obama, The Queen, Madonna, and Beckham in a Top Five) and obviously, over a forty-year career, gave pleasure to many millions, billions even, of people around the globe...With the U.S. television channels going into over-drive with their coverage of his career, it has been emphasized that he truly produced some amazing stuff, and whilst my own personal favorite remembrances will be of his Jackson Five and early solo career, clearly, with his total globalization coming later, the period from 1979 (the release of 'Off the Wall') to recent times is what the majority of people are talking about when they speak of him. Ultimately he will surely be remembered, as Obama said last week, as one of this country's greatest ever entertainers.
Meanwhile, Farrah, and specifically ‘that poster’ of hers with the era-defining hair, the amazing teeth, and the delightful nipple, must have provided millions of teenage boys with their first ‘adult thrill’ and for that she should be acknowledged as having a profound effect on many of us...err, I mean them. She actually only did 'Charlie's Angels' for one season and then gave some very good performances in her later, less commercial projects. She certainly influenced a whole teenage generation and that poster remains the biggest selling pin-up of all time... Ed McMahon always fascinated me. What did he do? Apart from introduce the 'The Tonight Show' (his "Heeeeere's Johnny' intro becoming part of the American lexicon) and laugh at anything Carson said, he did not do a lot. However, he was also the host of the forerunner to 'American Idol' ('Star Search') along with his appearance as co-host on the annual Labor Day Jerry Lewis telethon for charity, and for some inexplicable reason there was a certain comforting feeling when he was there chuckling alongside Johnny...As for Karl Malden, I was a big fan of 'The Streets of San Francisco' and it's portrayal of S.F. in the seventies. This cop show, in which he co-starred as Lt. Mike Stone opposite a young Michael Douglas, was my introduction to the City by the Bay – a place in which I was to live for many years in later life. This, along with his Oscar-nominated roles in two of my favorite films to come out of the fifties, 'On the Waterfront' and ‘A Streetcar named Desire’ (for which he won the Best Supporting Actor Award), and his incredible nose which put my own beak to shame, means I feel a certain connection to good old Karl - his role in 'my world' somewhat worth mentioning...And then there was David Carradine, seen in recent years in Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill’ films but perhaps best known for his role as Caine in television’s ‘Kung Fu”. It was a different kind of ‘western’ and I have very fond memories of watching the ‘bad guys’ pushing Caine to his limit throughout the show until the much-anticipated climax in which they finally received their come-uppance at the deadly hands and feet of our hero. You knew it was coming but seeing justice prevail was always such a joy to watch.
I think there will be a glut of 'personalities' passing away over the next few years. It was fifty years or so ago when television and 'modern' music and entertainment burst into our consciousness in a way far more widespread and significant that ever before. Many celebrities/performers/stars who 'arrived' in those days would have been in their twenties and thirties at that time, making them in their seventies and eighties now, and I have to believe we are approaching some busy times for obituary writers everywhere...155,000 people die each day on Earth. In all of history, 54 billion have died. Who's next?
I’m outta here - I have to see a man about a sheep... 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

# 165 - July 1st, 2009

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin...Good god, it’s been hot! However, there’s no rest for the wicked so here we go...Public Service Announcements: Just one this week but it’s very important...This Saturday sees the ‘Olde Time 4th of July Celebration’ from noon to 4pm at The Fairgrounds in Boonville - $3 for Adults, Kids Free. It’s all going on – parades; hot dogs and tri-tip sandwiches; root beer floats, wine and beer; games, races, and of course, the ‘Ferocious Tug-of-War Contest’...And all to benefit the A.V. Education Foundation – yer gotta like that!...
As I flew over Boonville last Wednesday evening I was startled to observe so much activity on the fields behind the High School. On closer inspection I observed Rob and Barbara Goodell, Doug Johnson, and friends playing volleyball, the A.V. Women’s softball team practicing, the adult soccer team, La Laguneta, training hard, and, perhaps sweating more than all, the High School soccer team at their first summer practice. With Coach Tom Smith in China on vacation, I spoke with Coach Steve Sparks who informed me that the loss to graduation of many seniors from the 2008 team will result in this being a transitional year with perhaps only two seniors and one junior in the starting line-up – thus a very young and inexperienced Panther team will be on show. Still, he felt that the League title was not beyond the squad’s abilities whilst acknowledging that many of the non-league match-ups were going to be very tough. With twenty boys in attendance, at least the lack of preparation will not be the reason for any shortcoming, and the ‘doom and gloom’ crowd may yet be surprised...From there I zoomed into town. It was deserted with maybe jus five vehicles in the whole downtown area. It was a little eerie and I almost missed the hullabaloo of the previous weekend’s music festival – well, only for a second or two. That was before I regained my senses and thought ‘This Valley is an even more wonderful place on a serene summer’s evening’...
I read with interest and enjoyment the report by Steve Heilig in last week’s A.V.A. on that Sierra Nevada World Music Festival held here in Boonville. He had a very positive experience and in my own conversations with locals who were around Boonville, or who worked downtown, during the event, it seems to once more have been a success from their point of view. This gathering sees far fewer annoying incidents than witnessed at The A.V. Beer Festival but I couldn’t agree more with Mr. Heilig’s comment that it needs a more appropriate name now that it is held here in the Valley. His ‘Boonstock’ is good, and may suffice, but perhaps is not quite right. Anyway, I hope that whatever it is called, the numbers will not shrink anymore. Certainly the revelers with whom I had a few drinks with on Sunday afternoon in The Boonville Lodge will continue to attend no matter what. They love the music, they love the Valley, they even declared their love for me – and I’d like to think that their affection was not just down to the ecstasy and mushrooms...
I was once again lucky enough to attend the most recent show in the Saturday Night Live Music series at The Navarro Store. I don’t wish to harp on about this but the music is first rate every time I go and on this occasion John Nemith and his band were exceptional. With great ability on the blues harp and a soulful voice not dissimilar to a young Van Morrison (high praise indeed!), he had the crowd open-mouthed in admiration and raising the roof (if there had been one) with their applause and cheers. It was yet another great night amongst the redwoods and this weekend’s July 4th celebration down in the Deep End, featuring The Blackhorse Blues Band, will probably match it...And not just because Tommy Hopper will be responsible for, as he put it, “the watering-down of the ladies t-shirts” in that much anticipated competition. The mind boggles...
Which brings me to the Quote of the Week...I have no problem with wet t-shirt competitions and if women (and some men) feel that ‘soggy jock strap’ tournaments should be organized too then that’s fine, albeit not something I would have much interest in to be quite honest (despite being in touch with the feminine side of my brain quite often!) Nevertheless, with all this in mind, here we have some words from Katherine Mansfield, one of the world's best-known short story writers and New Zealand's most famous author, who commented, “How idiotic civilization is! Why be given a body if you have to keep it shut up in a case like a rare, rare fiddle?”...Tommy assures me, in an undoubted factual and non-sexist way, that he will be involved in the exposing of some fine ‘fiddles’ this weekend down Navarro way...
Well now I really think it’s time to take my leave...But before I go I’d like to pass on to you, under the heading ‘Life Lessons’, a little more advice you may find useful at some point – “The consumption of alcohol may cause you to tell your friends over and over and over again that you love them.” - Not a terrible crime of course, but sometimes a little irritating...
Be careful out there, stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts, and, with the hot weather now a daily occurrence, please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle – they won’t last long if you don’t...May your god go with you...Have a Happy 4th! 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