# 438 - December 24th, 2014

Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… Hopefully you’re enjoying the spirit of the Holidays and may Hummingbird and I wish you and yours the very best of health and happiness at this time of year and for 2015...Meanwhile, how about a Christmas Quiz?... Yes, I thought you’d agree with that. Here we go with ten seasonal posers...Answers at the end of the column...

1. What headgear did boys receive for Christmas in the mid-fifties?

2. What ‘Saturday Evening Post’ artist was known for his whimsical pictures of Santa Claus?

3. In the song ‘Grandma got run over by a Reindeer’ what did Grandma go to get?

4. What was the angel’s name in the best Christmas movie ever made, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’?

5. What is the famous Christmas story written by O. Henry?

6. In the film ‘White Christmas’, which actress ends up with Bing Crosby’s character?

7. Who was the President on Christmas Day 1952?

8. In the great film ‘A Christmas Story’ what special delivery arrived at Ralphie’s parents’ home in a package marked "fra-gi-le"?

9. In a 2001 movie, who said, "One can never have enough socks. Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn't get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books."

10. In the song "The Thirteen Days of Christmas" what is given on the thirteenth day?

       With all the socializing at this time and the many parties and drinking sessions being enjoyed, please be careful. In fact, if you are out and about on the roads try to get your designated driver organized and whatever you drink I urge you to stay off the ‘Train Wrecks’ (Tequila and Whiskey) – that’s just really silly! Which segues perfectly into the Quote of the Week, this one from Miguel De Cervantes, author of ‘Don Quixote’ and Spain’s greatest literary figure,  “Drink moderately, for drunkenness neither keeps a secret, nor observes a promise”...Wise words of advice but I may have some difficulty in following them – oh, well... 

       Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… #366 - Useful numbers at this time of year - for road conditions and closures call 1-800-gas-road (427-7623) and for power problems and outages call 1-800-PGE (743)-5000. I just thought you should know… #367 - At Lauren’s, on Wednesday, December 31 at 9pm, you will be able to dance in the New Year with Los Piratas featuring Michael and Leslie Hubbert, Chris Bing, Jim Dooley, and David Lipkind. There is a cover for this star-studded line-up of $12 and prior to the show the regular dinner menu will be served from 5-8.30pm… #368 - The Valley’s country-French-style Coq au Vin restaurant at the Floodgate will be open on New Year’s Eve, as will The Buckhorn pub… #369 - Another reminder, with last-minute Christmas gifts in mind perhaps, of the Valley’s two annual Crab Feeds that will take place early in the New Year. First it’s the event that benefits the Senior Center, organized by the hard-working Board, and held on Saturday, January 17. Then, three weeks later, on Saturday, February 7, it will be Gloria Ross and her Crew presenting their event, ‘The Original Crab Feed’ on behalf of the Catholic Church. Tickets for the first event ($30) are on sale at the Senior Center (895-3609), A.V. Market, Rossi’s Hardware, or Lemons’ Market; and those for the Feb 7 feed ($40) can be obtained from Gloria at 895- 3071. Both events will sell out so you are advised to not leave it to the last minute!… #370 - The Senior Center at the Veterans’ Hall in Boonville is closed for the holidays until re-opening for lunch on Tuesday, January 6… #371 - The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital have confirmed two dates in January when they will be in the Valley - Thursdays, January 15 and 29…

       Moving quickly on to a few of the topics and Valley events under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge – yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant (and surprisingly reliable) Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley, a location that sees people get together and share their thoughts about life in A.V. and where we subscribe to the Winston Churchill philosophy that “A lie will get halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put on its pants”… So I’ll put my pants on and continue…

… I have mentioned this before but perhaps it needs repeating… Having frequently witnessed the white-bearded grin of A.V.A. Mighty Leader, Bruce Anderson, and heard his jolly laughter on many occasions, I am unable to get over the thought that the red-coated stranger who struggles to come down our Valley chimneys in the early hours of December 25 may not actually be Santa Claus. Now that’s something to ponder as you go to bed this evening...

… I am very pleased to report that my #1 fan,  “Confused of Comptche, California” stopped by the 3-Dot to offer holiday greetings and share some words to the wise… “My own particular favorite Christmas story concerns my great Uncle Ernest. He 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”… Thanks for the warning, Mr. Confused - something else to ponder…

… From our 3-Dot regular, The Old Buzzard, comes another in his insightful series – ‘Signs that the Apocalypse is Approaching’… Buzzard reports, “Kids sitting on a barstool at the bar?... This topic has been a hot one of late in certain Valley circles, and is something which, as a bar patron of many decades standing, I personally feel quite strongly about. To be blunt - they really should not be there! If for one minute I have to censor my comments or the topic of my conversation because a young kid is sitting next to me at a bar stool, then we’re clearly further down the road to Armageddon than I had previously thought... And it’s not just for me – it’s for the sake of ‘the little ones’ too!  Would any parent really want their child to hear the foul-mouthed and frequently tasteless gibberish that is spoken by so many, so often, as they pontificate at a bar surrounded by like-minded friends and acquaintances? I thought not... “

       I’m outta here - I’ve got see a man about a sheep… So, until we talk again – ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; be wary of strangers with more dogs than teeth; please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; and may your god go with you… Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”… Sometimes poking, often stroking, but always humbly yours, Turkey Vulture - pleased in the knowledge that the old hare has returned safely to his burrow…

p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse either through the Letters Page or by e-mail at <turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net>

p.p.s. Skylark – read any good books lately?... Keep on humming, Hummingbird… Everything cool with you, O.J.? Of course it is…

Quiz answers...

1. Coonskin Hats                     2. Norman Rockwell

3. Her medications – she’d have been better off without them!

4. Clarence Odbody              5. The Gift of the Magi

6. Rosemary Clooney              7. Harry Truman

8. A lamp shaped like a leg.

9. Dumbledore in J.K. Rowling's, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

10. Thirteen preying Turkey Vultures - which those who read last week’s column would certainly know!

# 437 - December 17th, 2014

        Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… Isn’t it around this time that the ‘Thirteen Days of Christmas’ begin? And how come we almost never sing about the 13th day? You know, the one that goes ‘On the thirteenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me – thirteen Turkey Vultures preying’ – arguably the most moving line of all... Certainly more so that any lines about swans swimming, geese laying, colly birds, French hens, Turtle doves, and a silly partridge in a pear tree. But that’s just my opinion…

         Another opinion, but one hopefully shared by many, is to echo the sentiments of my friends over at the Anderson Valley Chamber of Commerce when I ask all you Valley-folk to shop, eat, and drink locally this holiday season. Support your local businesses; they need your business if they are to survive both the slowest time of the year and the current economic climate. I am of the opinion that these businesses are beneficial to the Valley and we need them to be successful or we run the risk of losing them completely. Then we’d be faced with dealing with that loss - just as my Mother predicts I will feel when she says, “you’ll miss me when I’m gone” - and those prophetic words from The Wise Owl make up your Quote of the Week… Meanwhile, if you’re out Xmas shopping try to remember that I’m an XXL; otherwise fresh carrion is always good...

       Onward!!... Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… #366 - Useful numbers at this time of year - for road conditions and closures call 1-800-gas-road (427-7623) and for power problems and outages call 1-800-PGE (743)-5000. I just thought you should know… #367 - The annual Christmas Caroling with Lynn Archambault on piano, will take place at 8.30pm this Saturday December 20, at Lauren’s Restaurant in Boonville; songbooks will be provided… #368 - And also at Lauren’s, on Wednesday, December 31 at 9pm, you will be able to dance in the New Year with Los Piratas featuring Michael and Leslie Hubbert, Chris Bing, Jim Dooley and David Lipkind. There is a cover for this star-studded line-up of $12 and prior to the show the regular dinner menu will be served from 5-8.30pm… #369 - Our country-French-style Coq au Vin restaurant at the Floodgate features a special holiday deal with their locals’ special night extended to include every evening from Thursday, December 18 to Monday, December 22! This deal offers a soup or salad, entrée, dessert, and glass of wine, all for just $23.95. They will also be open on New Year’s Eve but closed Xmas Day and New Year’s Day… #370 - Another update, with Christmas gifts in mind perhaps, of the Valley’s two annual Crab Feeds that will take place early in the New Year. First it’s the event that benefits the Senior Center, organized by the hard-working Board, and held on Saturday, January 17. Then, three weeks later, on Saturday, February 7, it will be Gloria Ross and her Crew presenting their event, ‘The Original Crab Feed’ on behalf of the Catholic Church. Tickets for the first event ($30) are on sale at the Senior Center (895-3609), A.V. Market, Rossi’s Hardware, or Lemons’ Market; and those for the Feb 7 feed ($40) can be obtained from Gloria at 895- 3071. Both events will sell out so you are advised to not leave it to the last minute!… #371 - The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital have made their final visit of the year but they have confirmed two dates in January - Thursdays, January 15 and 29…

       As a bonus P.S.A. here is the menu for the Community lunches and dinners over the holidays at the Senior Center at the Veterans’ Building in Boonville… The Center asks for a $6 donation from seniors for the lunch and charges $7 for Non-seniors… Tomorrow, Thursday, December 18, the lunch, always served by Marti Titus and her crew at 12.15pm, will be Ham, Twice Baked potatoes, Green beans, dinner rolls, Barley salad, and Rum cake for dessert…The Senior Center will then be CLOSED for lunch/dinners from December 19, 2014 through January 5, 2015. Lunch will resume on Tuesday, January 6, 2015… Remember, all ages are welcome!... Hope to see you there…

       Moving quickly on to a few of the topics and Valley events under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge – yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant (and surprisingly reliable) Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley, a location that sees people get together and share their thoughts about life in A.V. and where we subscribe to the Winston Churchill philosophy that “A lie will get halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put on its pants”… So I’ll put my pants on and continue…

… Last Wednesday, I was one of the 15 Dependent Men that attended the ICW’s (Independent Career Women) Christmas Party held at The Buckhorn and hosted by 30 women. As is my custom, I was the last to leave once again and wish to thank the ICW members for their hospitality, and the large doses of both their sparkling conversation and sparkling wine. Yes, the food, drink, and conversation were of the highest quality – as is always the case when the women are in the vast majority at any event in this Valley - clearly a ‘Power Place’ for the female of the species as I’ve said many times...

… Another group with ‘power’ in the Valley, but one that certainly should not wield so much of it, is children. ‘Little children should be seen and not heard’ is a phrase that seems to have long passed into oblivion… Not necessarily a good thing, some might say…

… A couple of the 3-Dot regulars did attend the Community Holiday Dinner at The Grange on Sunday but the rest of us declined. We were informed, I assume correctly, that alcohol is not allowed at this event - apparently a family/community gathering should not entertain such a thing. So, being members of the community who quite like to enjoy a glass of wine with our dinner, we gave it a miss. No doubt some folks smuggled alcohol in and discreetly sipped, taking care not to be ’exposed’ as miscreants or for being a bad influence on the many naive and vulnerable children in attendance. While acknowledging the work that it takes to put on such an event, in my humble opinion, and that of others who have commented, this alcohol ban is a somewhat exclusionist policy and hardly lends itself to a sense of community spirit (pun intended), so for an event that is a great concept and an important Valley ‘happening’, simply put - some sensitive souls felt left out...

… Following my report of the ‘Chicken Castle’ built at Penny Royal Farm at the south end of Boonville alongside Hwy 128, regular reader Marshall Newman writes, “Mr. Vulture… On chicken-eating critters that accessed our chicken house, we used a good spotlight and a rifle when I lived in the Valley. The critters usually lived close to the chicken house and once eliminated, could not teach their brethren about the easy pickings there. Best, Marshall Newman”… Hmmm - easy for some…

       Time to go - I’ve got see a man about a sheep… So, until we talk again – ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; be wary of strangers with more dogs than teeth; please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; and may your god go with you… Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”… Sometimes poking, often stroking, but always humbly yours, Turkey Vulture - pleased in the knowledge that the old hare has returned safely to his burrow…

p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse either through the Letters Page or by e-mail at <turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net>

p.p.s. On the sheep, Grace… Hi, George – hope you and Sheila are well… Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not!

# 436 - December 10th, 2014

Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… So, the Christmas lights are beginning to appear around town and as my maternal grandfather The Venerable Vulture would no doubt have said, “It’s all very festive and gay” - in the traditional sense of the word of course… Although it must be said, and let’s be honest about this, ultimately this time of year is really only unconditionally enjoyed by a couple of groups of people - children (for all the obvious reasons) and gay men - and as a result of spending many Christmas holidays in San Francisco as the only straight Turkey Vulture on a construction crew of six birds of prey, I feel that I can make that observation with a degree of authority - yes, those guys just loved this time of year… And the parties? Wow!…

       And with that last thought in mind, for your Quotes of the Week let’s refer to ‘parties’ - a topic we have never visited for quotes before… First up, we have this from that master of good manners, Jane Austen, who somewhat inevitably said, “The sooner every party breaks up the better” - I love her writing but she should have relaxed a little sometimes; maybe even burned her bodice!?... Next, who can argue with Elsa Maxwell (1883-1963), the American gossip columnist and author, songwriter, and professional hostess renowned for her parties for royalty and high society figures of her day, who commented with some experience that, “Nothing spoils a good party like a genius” - yes, Elsa, many a good party around these parts has been tarnished by certain ‘experts’ and their know-it-all monologues… Having attended a number of those S.F. parties mentioned above, it would seem that those in attendance were not aware of these wise words from British writer Izaac Walton (1594-1683) who said, “I love such mirth as does not make friends ashamed to look upon one another next morning”… But finally, and with the ‘Season of Joy’ upon us, let me share these splendid thought by Adela Rogers St. Johns (1894-1988), the American journalist, novelist, and screenwriter, who remarked, “Joy seems to me a step beyond happiness - which is a sort of atmosphere you can live in sometimes when you’re lucky. Joy is a light that fills you with hope and faith and love”… And with that I wish you much joy at this time of year…

       Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… #340 - The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will be visiting the Valley just once more this month - tomorrow, Thursday, December 11 from 2-4pm at the A.V. Farm Supply and new customers are always welcome. Previous visitors should be aware that they can call 462-8833 and the vets will bring your pet’s charts with them - making this an even better service than it already is! This is their final visit of the year but they have confirmed two dates in January - Thursdays, January 15 and 29… #341 - The annual toy drive by the Food Shed and our Volunteer Fire Fighters is underway and you can certainly help by visiting All That Good Stuff store in Boonville where owner Claudia will give 10% off any toy that you buy for kids who will not be getting much else this Christmas. She will pass that gift on the volunteers when they come by at the end of this week to pick up the toys - please contribute if you can… #342 - Gardeners, farmers and produce growers of all kinds, please remember Food Bank days as a time to donate your extra produce. This is always the third Tuesday of every month, which on this occasion is next Tuesday, December 16. It will be greatly appreciated if you could please drop off on the Monday before, behind the Boonville Methodist Church. If you need someone to glean your produce to take to the Food Bank, contact Valerie Kim at valerie.h.kim@gmail.com or Denisse Mattei, the Food Bank director, at 895-3763… #343 - The Boonville Winter Market is every Saturday, rain or shine, in front of the Boonville General Store, 10-12:30.   Come on down with your locally grown or made food or crafts, to sell or trade. For more info, call Cindy at 895-2949… #344 - The Chamber of Commerce ‘Mixer’ planned for The Madrones tomorrow, Thursday, December 11, has been cancelled…

       As a bonus P.S.A. here is the menu for the Community lunches over the next week at the Senior Center in the Veterans’ Building in Boonville… The Center asks for a $6 donation from seniors and charges $7 for Non-seniors… Tomorrow, Thursday, December 11, the lunch, always served by Marti Titus and her crew at 12.15pm, will be Chicken Stir Fry, Jasmine rice, mixed vegetables, Asian Slaw, and Triple Chocolate for dessert… Then next Tuesday, December 16, the menu will feature Clam Chowder, Broccoli salad, Garlic bread, Tabbouleh salad, with a dessert of Pecan Pumpkin pie... The Center will be open on Thursday, December 18th for a lunch of Ham, Twice Baked potatoes, Green beans, dinner rolls, Barley salad, and Rum cake for dessert before closing for two weeks over the holidays. They will re-open for lunch on Tuesday, January 6… Remember, all ages are welcome!... Hope to see you there…

       Moving quickly on to a few of the topics and Valley events under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge – yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant (and surprisingly reliable) Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley, a location that sees people get together and share their thoughts about life in A.V. and where we subscribe to the Winston Churchill philosophy that “A lie will get halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put on its pants”… So I’ll put my pants on and continue…

… Many people in the Valley who have chickens no doubt have their ‘horror’ stories of their coops being invaded by various creatures that manage to get inside and then devour the defenseless brood… Well any such critters who may be thinking about making an ‘attack’ on the plump and healthy looking chickens at Penny Royal Farm at the south end of Boonville will have to come up with quite a master plan to overcome the veritable ‘Chicken Castle’ that has been built there alongside Hwy 128… I’ll keep you posted…

… A number of Three-Dot regulars, including myself, have attended or plan to attend the Christmas parties of a couple of the Valley’s book clubs. However, I am having little luck in securing an invite to the event being held by the wonderfully named Cliterati book club. For some reason I have never been invited to any of their gatherings…

… So the holiday parties continue and a wonderful evening was had by all at the A.V. Brewery’s event last Friday evening where the food and drink inevitably and appropriately flowed in abundance. However, it will be hard to top the Volunteer Firefighter Association’s event held at River’s Bend (formerly Wellspring) and catered by Coq au Vin. The hors d’oeuvres, turkey dinner, and desserts were all delicious and as the wine flowed the various awards were passed out to various volunteers for the wonderful service this group does for our community. A great night out in the Valley on many levels…

… The next day saw a gathering of the A.V. High School Boys’ soccer team and coaches at The Buckhorn, Boonville to celebrate their recently concluded Championship season with pizza and spicy wings. While their efforts do not have the importance of those by the firefighters, the joy they gave many folks this past season was significant and the smiles on their faces, barely visible beneath the smeared hot sauce, were equally as joyful and well-earned…

… Next up it’s the I.C.W. (Independent Career Women) party this evening at The Buckhorn to which a number of Dependent Career-less Men have been invited for the only time of the year when the ‘inner sanctum’ of the Women’s gathering is open to the men’s wonderment… And on Sunday, the A.V. Lions will be celebrating another year of Valley fund-raising as they sit down to enjoy a feast at Coq au Vin restaurant at The Floodgate where they will not have to prepare food, bbq tri-tips, or clean-up a single thing - they deserve it!...

       I’m outta here… So, until we talk again – ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; be wary of strangers with more dogs than teeth; please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; and may your god go with you… Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”… Sometimes poking, often stroking, but always humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…

p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse either through the Letters Page or by e-mail at <turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net>

p.p.s. Keep on wagging that tail, Fred… Is that ‘lafter’ I hear, Carroll?... Keep up the good work, Round-eyed Robin - wherever you may be at this time…

# 435 - December 3rd, 2014

Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… So how was your Turkey Day? Excessive and ‘over-the-top’, I hope. Here at The Nest it was a beautifully messy affair of organized chaos and that’s the way we like it...

       And for your Quote of the Week, and to perhaps explain my philosophy regarding the Thanksgiving Day festivities (and I assume I’m in the majority on this), may I offer these words from the wonderful novelist and short story writer, W. Somerset Maugham (‘Of Human Bondage’ (1915)), who wisely observed, “Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit.” – good stuff, William... Of course I could have given you the classic comment on this topic by William Blake. In fact, as this is the mantra for any self-respecting Turkey Vulture, I think I will present it anyway. It was Blake, a fine poet, who said, “The road to excess leads to the palace of wisdom”… And who can argue with that?

       Onward… Well the ‘Party Season’ in just about upon us and apart from various organizations’ and businesses’ staff parties, we also have seasonal gatherings for the ICW, various Book Clubs, the Lions Club, The Grange Community Lunch, the Volunteer Fire Fighters, and many others too. Remember to drink sensibly and drive carefully… Meanwhile, daily life goes on in and around the Valley so here are this week’s Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… #500 - Another update and early reminder, with Christmas gifts in mind perhaps, of the Valley’s two annual Crab Feeds that will take place early in the New Year. First it’s the event that benefits the Senior Center, organized by the hard-working Board, and held on Saturday, January 17. Then, three weeks later, on Saturday, February 7, it will be Gloria Ross and her Crew presenting their event, ‘The Original Crab Feed’ on behalf of the Catholic Church. Tickets for the first event ($30) are on sale now and can be purchased at the Senior Center (895-3609), A.V. Market, Rossi’s Hardware, or Lemons’ Market; and those for the Feb 7 feed ($40) go on sale next week at some point. Both events will sell out so you are advised to not leave it to the last minute!… #501 - The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will make their final 2014 visit to the Valley next week, on Thursday, December 11. As usual, the venue is the A.V. Farm Supply from 2-4pm and new customers are always welcome. Previous visitors should be aware that they can call 462-8833 and the vets will bring your pet’s charts with them - making this an even better service than it already is!… #502 - The Anderson Valley High School Ag Dept and FFA have started their annual Holiday Happiness wreath and arrangement sale which goes a long way to helping with many of their projects. Contact teacher Beth Swehla by phone at 895-2514 or email at bswehla@avpanthers.org with your order. Last day to order is Monday, December 9; pick-up at the school from Dec 4-12... #503 - Christmas trees are available at the A.V. Farm Supply. Call 895-3884 for more details and remember - try to shop locally at this time of year!... #504 - This weekend sees the monthly Barn Sale take place at the Big Barn on A.V. Way just north of Boonville. It’s Saturday/Sunday, December 6/7 from 10am to 3pm each day, and with Christmas in mind there will be 50% off clothing items. This is the final sale of the year and they will not be back until March 2015… #505 - At Lauren’s Restaurant in Boonville this Friday December 5, at 9pm, there is live music with Jeremy, Brooks, and the Honey Do Do's - apparently their next (first) stop on their tour to New Orleans!... #506 - Also at Lauren’s, the General Knowledge and Trivia Quiz continues on its schedule of every Thursday this month - except for Dec 25 and Jan 1…

       As a bonus P.S.A. here is the menu for the Community lunches and dinners over the next week at the Senior Center in the Veterans Hall in Boonville… The Center asks for a $6 donation from seniors for both lunches and dinners and charges $7 for Non-seniors for lunches and $8 for the dinners… Tomorrow, Thursday, December 4, the lunch, served by Marti Titus and her crew at 12.15pm, will be Vegetable Beef Soup, rolls, Broccoli Salad, Wheat Berry Salad, and Triple Lemmon Dessert for dessert… Then, next Tuesday evening, December 9 at 6pm, the dinner will feature Buttermilk Chicken, Sauté’ Collards, Brown Rice, Faro Salad, Strawberry Gelatin, with Carrot Cake for dessert. As this is the 2nd Tuesday of the month, the dinner will be followed by Bingo at 7pm. Hopefully you will be able to attend, and remember – ALL ages are welcome! Hope to see you there… 

       Moving quickly on to a few of the topics and Valley events under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge – yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant (and surprisingly reliable) Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley, a location that sees people get together and share their thoughts about life in A.V. and where we subscribe to the Winston Churchill philosophy that “A lie will get halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put on its pants”… So I’ll put my pants on and continue…

… Based on my travels up and down the Valley, the Thanksgiving Day weekend appeared to be a busy one for the winery tasting rooms… And the special sale at the A.V. Farm Supply, that offered hot drinks and snacks to customers as well as the 20% discount on purchases also seemed to be a success - well done to them!...

… The Redwood Classic high school basketball tournament, hosted by our local high school for nearly 60 years, starts today. So for all that is good about high school sports, plus plenty of excitement, head down to the gym in Boonville where the games come thick and fast over four days, with the Championship game on Saturday evening. The A.V. team is pretty decent this year and hopes are high, with their first game played tonight at 7.30pm against Valley Christian from Roseville - Go Panthers!…

… Several regulars continue to remain bemused, bewildered, perplexed, and even stupefied by the Chamber of Commerce website’s events page. In December all that they have listed as going on around here is their own monthly meeting, the Grange monthly meeting, and the lunches at the Senior Center - and they even have many of these listed either incorrectly - lunches instead of dinners, or happening when they are not - the Center is closed for two weeks around Christmas and New Year... Why even bother?... Anyway, I am reliably informed by other sources that the Chamber is apparently having a ‘Mixer’ at The Madrones on Thursday, December 11 at 5.30pm (“Bring finger food, desserts, or wine”) but I don’t suppose I am invited so I shall not be sending in the requested R.S.V.P. by December 8…

       Oh, dear, have I upset somebody? Oh, well - just calling a spade a spade… Onward… So, until we talk again – ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; be wary of strangers with more dogs than teeth; please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; and may your god go with you… Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”… Sometimes poking, often stroking, but almost always humbly yours, Turkey Vulture - pleased in the knowledge that the old hare has returned safely to his burrow…

p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse either through the Letters Page or by e-mail at <turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net>

p.p.s. On the sheep, Grace… Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not!... Good day to you, Bobwhite Quail - keep up the knitting!