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Bird’s Eye View

Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin. Well, has it been wet enough for you? The ‘experts’ in the world of weather forecasting grossly underestimated this past weekend’s rain, which for long periods of time was torrential. I don’t know why they bother. I just ask Dave Gowan at the AV Farm Supply just outside Philo and time after time he is invariably spot-on with his predictions of what, when, and how much. Hopefully the Weather Channel will get in touch with him next time.

With this in mind, for your Quote of the Week how about a few words from the American author, poet, and philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson who wisely observed, “The good rain, like a bad preacher, does not know when to leave off.”

Unfortunately this recent storm certainly affected the turnout at the South West Dinner that was held on Satur­day evening at the Apple Hall in Boonville to benefit the Senior Center. They were hoping for close to 150 but, when that weather system arrived, estimates went down to about 100 and in the end, with the Giants playing at the same time, the actually attendance was about 70. Nevertheless, those in attendance no doubt thoroughly enjoyed the fine dinner prepared and presented by Chef Natalie Matson and excellent helpers Sherri Hansen and Gloria Abbott of the Sr. Center along with the Lions Club tri-tip crew of Justin Clark, Bill Harper, and Judy Long. With the music of Billy and Sheila’s Okie Hoe­down and their friends and the presence of many volun­teers helping out at the door, on the bar, with serving the dinners, with the sale of raffle tickets, in the set-up and decorating, and the end-of-night clean-up, it was a real community gathering for what is most definitely a Senior Center that is an important part of this community. Most of all thanks to the Seniors – without you there’d be no Senior Center!(?). Great job everyone; oh, and thanks for the bargain priced tri-tip to go!

Speaking of the Giants, I was a season ticket holder for many, many years at Candlestick Park when they played there before moving to PacBell Park (now AT&T Park) in 2000; in fact my first season ticket was bought for what turned out to be the 100-loss performance of 1985 that led in to the ‘Hum Baby’ years of Roger Craig’s managership that saw quite a few successful sea­sons for Los Gigantes. However, since being in the Val­ley my conversations with people about the Giants have been few and far between. Until very recently that is. It seems that everyone is suddenly a big fan now that they are heading for the World Series and people are talking about not being able to do this or that because the Giants are playing. I can understand that, after all we live in a society where being, or following, a ‘winner’ is viewed by many as the only way to be and there are “no second placed winners.” Therefore, this sudden outbreak of Giants Fever, while quite puzzling to some I have spo­ken to, is just the beginning and the Orange and Black will become even more visible as we all hope that in the next couple of weeks they go on to win their first World Championship since moving out West back in 1958 from New York. Then we can wait in anticipation for the 49er Faithful to suddenly burst forth out of their hiding places when the Niners emerge from their own years in the wil­derness.

Public Service Announcements: #323. I urge you to fill out and return the postage paid Lyme Disease Survey that you hopefully received in your mail in the past week. It is important to have the numbers if grants are to be made to our Health Center to make sure it remains on the cutting edge of tick borne diagnosis and treatment. If someone needs a survey then call Maureen Bowman at 621-2280. #324. It’s that time of year again. Yes, The Magic Company’s Halloween Hospital at The Grange is the happening this weekend. This year they invite you to join them aboard The Voodoo Queen at it sets sail on Saturday, October 30th at 7pm. #325. The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Party are coming to the Farm Supply in the Valley three times next month. Their first visit is on Thursday, Nov 4th when Dr. Burns will be in town. They will also be here on the following two Thursdays – October 11th (Dr. Bennett) and Oct 18th (Dr. Burns). #326. A very special event will take place on Sunday, October 7th at the Evergreen Cemetery on AV Way just north of Boonville. It’s in observance of Veterans Day and will start at 10:30am. Everyone is encouraged to attend as the American Legion and friends plan to com­memorate and thank those who have served and hope­fully this important event will be well supported. #327. I would like to announce that one day there will be a major Valley event that does not serve tri-tip, and instead serves beef or pork ribs, or chicken, or even some lamb. Imagine that! I do like tri-tip, and the Lions Club do a wonderful job with it (albeit it too salty for some I know) but in talking to many of you on my travels, people are wondering if they are going to continue to have tri-tip at every Valley gathering all summer long, every year. Meanwhile, I should use this announcement to dispel the vicious rumor that tri-tip will be served at the Valley’s two crab feeds early next year!

Oh, dear, have I upset somebody? Surely not? OK, I’ll get my coat and leave. Be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts, and may your god go with you. One final request, “Let us prey.” Poking and stroking egos wherever necessary and, as always, humbly yours, Turkey Vulture. PS. Keep the Faith. PPS. Contact me with words of support/abuse either through the Letters Page or by e-mail at turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net

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