Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin. What a busy Labor Day weekend! I attended the wonderful wedding of Denise Mattei and Alan Kendall in Philo on Saturday, an event which provided the opportunity/reason/excuse for the reunion of many old friends most of whom originally arrived in the Valley during the ‘tidal wave of immigration’ in the 70s. It was quite a ‘group hug’ and those of us not in that particular ‘wave’ were made to feel very welcome too, certainly helped by the delicious food provided by Burt and the Gang from Boont Berry. Hummingbird and I were then able to spend a delightful Sunday afternoon celebrating Robert Mailer Anderson’s Birthday with the Anderson Clan and friends up at The Ranch on Highway 253. With savory tacos provided by Alicia (of Alicia’s) and Hemingway’s favorite El Floridita daiquiri’s flowing freely, courtesy of bartender Robert himself, a lovely time was had by all. Despite the Scottish heritage it was not quite a case of the ‘Show me what’s under your kilt and I’ll show you what’s under mine?’ But a wild time was certainly in the offing as I left in the late afternoon and headed back down the hill to the Valley. I rounded off the holiday by attending the Blues Festival at The Navarro Store & Grill featuring Rick Derringer, Edgar Winter, and Johnnie Winter. It was a really tremendous show, once again presented by impresario Dave Evans ably assisted by his excellent staff, crew, and Pablo on the Grill. I believe there is one more show this year: next Saturday evening (Sept 19th) and that’s it. Hopefully Dave will be able to do it again in 2010 – the Summer Nights Live Music Series is a very special and unique regular event he has brought to the Valley and long may it continue.
All that partying and mirth leads me very nicely to the Quote of the Week which comes from 17th century English writer, Izaak Walton, who said, “I love such mirth as does not make friends ashamed to not look upon each other next morning.” Well, I’d face anyone I spent time with this past weekend, something I cannot say every Monday morning!
Now it’s time to talk about the main topic of conversation this week at The Three-Dot Lounge, my favorite gathering place in the Valley at a location known only to ‘those in the know.’
…The AV Museum on Highway 128 in the Little Red Schoolhouse by the Elementary School is certainly one of the Valley’s hidden treasures. I say ‘hidden’ because it would appear to be that way based on the small number of visitors passing through there these days. Several Three-Dot regulars have expressed their disappointment at this and are trying to think of a way to boost those numbers. Any ideas? The Museum is a marvelous place and the local Historical Society has done a truly wonderful job as they continue to improve and add to the exhibits and keep the venture going. I have been to many, many museums in my time and this little gem is right up there with the best. You will not be disappointed if/when you go. The Museum is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm, and the docent on duty will be delighted to share their knowledge with you I’m sure.
…Appropriately, this week’s edition of Anderson Valley’s Who’s Who is none other than The Anderson Valley Historical Society board which consists of President Jim Hill. V.P. Hayes Brennan, Secretary/Treasurer Sheri Hansen, and board members Vicky Center, Joann Borges, Bob and Sandra Nimmons, Joanie Clark, Christine Clark, Marvin Schenck, Joyce Christen, with back-up docents, Diane Herron, Donna Reilly, and Lucille Estes. Many thanks to one and all. Keep up the good work!
I’m outta here. Be careful out there, stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts, and, with the hot weather still with us, please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle. May your god go with you. One final request: “Let us prey.” Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture. PS. Contact me with words of support/abuse either through the Letters Page or by e-mail at turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net. PPS. Thanks to reader Carol Pankovits for politely pointing out my slip of the pen when describing Henry Miller as a playwright instead of novelist in a recent Quote of the Week. As my Latin teacher would have said, “Never mind, Vulture, even Homer nods.”
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