Bird’s Eye View (June 4, 2014)

Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin. In one of the letters I received this week was this comment on the state of the American beer industry from Doctor Ivor Bigthirst of San Francisco. The good Doctor writes, “Brewing in America has certainly benefited from the craft-beer revolution, but I fear the tendency has been one of severe overcompensation. Pale fizzy dishwater has been replaced with the likes of Bacon Brown Ale, Toasted Chocolate Lager, and Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout. I’d say the brewers in this country still have a long way to go until they can brew an elegant and pure Pilsner to compete with those of central Europe, or a creamy, perfectly smooth stout to even be mentioned in the same sentence as Guinness. the delicious black nectar from Ireland.”

I tend to agree with the Doctor and could add my own thoughts on raspberry ales, pumpkin stouts, etc., and the overly-hopped beers that so many micro-breweries produce. However, I shall resist and instead turn to the wise words of some expert American beer consumers for your Quotes of the Week. Comedian Henny Youngman: “When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.” Steven Wright: “24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I think not.” Dave Barry: “Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.” Benjamin Franklin: “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

Public Service Announcements. Calendars and pens at the ready. #494. The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will be visiting the Valley tomorrow, Thursday, June 5. As always the venue and times are the AV Farm Supply from 2-3.30pm. New customers are always welcome and for those who have been before you can call 462-8833 and the vets will bring your pet’s charts. Their next visit will be on Thursday, June 26 and then only once in July I’m sorry to report. #495. The monthly Barn Sale takes place this coming weekend at The St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church Refectory on AV Way, just north of Boonville from 9am to 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8. #496. A final reminder that sheep-shearer Matt Gilbert is setting up his schedule for the next few weeks of work in the Valley. If you have sheep to shear and/or good wool to buy do not hesitate to call 972-9144 and Matt will fit you in. you’ll be very pleased that he did. #497. It’s coming! The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival hits town over the weekend of June 20-22.

Since the demise of the Community Newsletter and its comprehensive coverage of Valley events, it has not been easy to find out what is on the Valley social calendar. I did check on the Chamber of Commerce website events page to see if, on the off-chance, they mentioned any commerce going on and, not surprisingly I’m afraid to say, found nothing for the whole month of June apart from the monthly Grange meeting on June 17!? That was it. So, if anyone has some input on Valley events please contact me at the e-mail address at the end of the column.

Here is the menu for the next week at the Senior Center at 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, June 5, the lunch, served by Marti Titus and her crew at 12.15pm, will be Chicken Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken, Brown Rice, Spinach, Broccoli Salad, and Bread Pudding for dessert. Then, next Tuesday evening, June 10 at 6pm, the dinner will feature Pork Chops, Red Potatoes, Brussels sprouts, Sourdough Bread, Strawberry Gelatin, and Quinoa, with Lemon 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.

Topics and Valley events under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge; yes “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant (and surprisingly reliable) Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley.

…Giving jobs to family and friends, whether they are the best person for the position or not, is a fact of life in every society and the Valley is no exception. It is a way of the world, and the local version, Boonepotism, is a condition that is alive and well. Some folks get frustrated by this but most of us at the Three -Dot accept it, realize its inevitability, and just hope it doesn’t really mess anything up too badly.

…A continuing topic of discussion among the regulars at The 3-Dot is the number of tasting rooms and restaurants in the Valley. Many of them are providing some excellent “stuff” and the Valley is increasingly becoming even more of a place for a high-quality wining and dining experience. I personally like the trend, but until we have more places for visitors to stay overnight there are limitations and one wonders where will all the money come from to support so many businesses to ensure their survival? Perhaps it really is time for that “tastefully designed and appropriately located motel.” Over to the Valley’s wheelers-and-dealers with a few dollars to spare.

…Great job by the Lions Club last weekend at the benefit BBQ for the AV ElderHome. The tri-tip was very tasty, not too salty as some have been, and the chicken and fixings were equally as good. And as always those guys seemed to have fun doing it.

…Coq au Vin, the country-French style restaurant at The Floodgate, is not being sold. Circumstances have changed, and the Richard family are continuing to provide their excellent food so make a reservation and enjoy. 895-9255.

…A mountain lion was apparently spotted chasing a deer near to the Ranger Station in Hendy Woods last week. It’s nothing to really worry about, after all county trapper Gary Johnson tells me that if the lion wants to end your days, because of their stealth and killing skills you will never even know about it, the beast will have done the job in the blink of an eye. Yes, you’ll be admiring the wonderful trees, and the next second you’ll be a gooey mess on the forest floor. Good to know.

Time to take my leave. Besides I’ve got see a man about a sheep. Until we talk again. Keep the Faith; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; and may your god go with you. A final request: “Let us prey.” Poking and stroking but always humbly yours, Turkey Vulture. pleased in the knowledge that the old hare has returned safely to his burrow. PS. Contact me with words of support/abuse through the Letters Page or at turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net. PPS. On the sheep, Grace. … Hi, Silver Swan, behaving yourself? Hopefully not! … Bobwhite Quail, keep up the knitting!