Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin. So, while I continue to enjoy the Annual Birds of Prey Convention over here in the United Kingdom of Turkey Vultures, Buzzards, and Lesser Birds of Prey, what better place to file this report than from a pub?
I am in the “big heart of England.” Birmingham, the second largest city in Britain after London, and enjoying a pint and a steak and kidney pie and chips at The New Inns, a classic old pub built in the early 1900s. As has been the case for centuries, the pubs are mostly very welcoming, particularly those outside the trendy city center areas, and intentionally provide a warm and cozy atmosphere somewhat representative of people’s living rooms. With quality beers and ales from every tap (none with fruity flavors or overly hoppy, you know what I am talking about, “proper” beers), and simple late night pub fayre such as cheese and onion cobs (rolls) or scratchings (fried pork skins), it’s like sitting in your own home with a bunch of friends and being served a perfect combination of food and drink. Why would you leave? Well, you don’t have to. With “after-hours” available to those “locked in” after the official 11pm closing time, when the curtains are closed and the ash trays come out, those remaining inside can continue with their fascinating conversations about “What makes a real English breakfast?” (answer at the end of the paragraph); “How did the Conservatives win the election last week when I don’t know a single person who will admit to voting for them?”; “Does anyone care if Scotland becomes independent?”; “Is the friendly barmaid in the low cut blouse staring at me or is it wishful thinking?,” etc, etc. By 2am these questions have all been answered and it’s time to get a taxi home, one that can carry six inebriated friends to their abodes not more than a couple of miles away. It’s a civilized way to live, I must say, even without the friendly barmaid. Oh, and of course, I must inform you that a real English Breakfast, known as “The Full English,” consists of back bacon, pork sausages, fried eggs, baked beans (Heinz, available at Lemons Market in Philo), fried tomatoes, fried mushrooms, black pudding (dried pig’s blood), and one, some, or all of toast/bread and butter/fried bread, plus the inevitable cup of tea.
Public Service Announcements. #121. The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will be in town at the AV Farm Suply on one more occasion this month. tomorrow Thursday, May 14. Call 462-8833 for further details. They set up at the AV Farm Supply from 2-3.30pm and to avoid a line perhaps go around 3pm; you will definitely be seen. New customers and their pets are always welcome. Their next visits are June 4 and 25. #122. The AV High School branch of the FFA is holding its next Drive Thru Dinner on Thursday, May 21. The meal includes a tri-tip roast, baked potatoes, beans, rolls, and watermelon slices. Tickets are $50 for a dinner for four or $25 for a dinner for two. You can call the School Ag Dept at 895-2514 to reserve your ticket. Dinner pick-up is from 3.30-5.30pm. #123. The monthly “Open Mic” night at Lauren’s restaurant in Boonville resumes this Saturday, February 15 at 9pm. All are welcome. musicians, singers, poets, writers, impressionists, magicians, comedians, actors, fire-eaters, pole dancers, sword swallowers, ventriloquists, raconteurs, exotic dancers, animal callers, etc. No clowns; apparently they scare kids who might be there, and no mimes, please; they scare just about everyone. #124. The Mendocino Bookmobile returns to the Valley on Tuesday, May 19. They are here on alternate Tuesdays for 45 minutes at each of these places and times: Navarro Store 9am (for just 30 minutes); the Floodgate 12.30pm; Philo 1.30pm; Boonville (Apple Hall) 2.30pm. Phone 463-4694 for further details. #125. The AV Museum continues its spring hours of Saturday and Sunday, from 1-4pm. Situated in The Little Red Schoolhouse next to the Elementary School on AV Way, this is a perfect thing to do in the Valley when you have a couple of hours spare on a weekend afternoon. It is not without reason that it is generally regarded as “The Best Little Museum in the West.” #126. Need a burn permit? You can get one from the Firehouse in Boonville, also home of the oddly named Community Services District which, for those of you wondering, deals with all issues connected with the fire department, our local airport, the recreation center, and those street lights in the center of our heaving metropolis. Call 895-2075 for any questions or stop by; you will be efficiently served with a smile. #127. The AV Drumming Circle meets from 7-9pm at The Grange on the second Wednesday of each month. that would be tonight. To be sure, call Rob at 895-3897 or Andy at 895-3020 for further details. #128. Final announcement: Support your local businesses!
Here is the menu for the Community Lunches over the next week at the Senior Center at the Veterans Hall in Boonville. The Center asks for a $6 donation from Seniors and charges $7 for Non-Seniors. Tomorrow, Thursday, May 14, the lunch, always served by Marti Titus and her crew at noon, will be Tamale loaf, cauliflower, salsa, black beans, wheat berry salad, and Wendy's chocolate oatmeal bars for dessert. Then next Tuesday, May 19, the menu will feature Citrus cod, couscous, broccoli, kale barley salad, and triple lemon dessert. All meals include vegetables, salad bar, and fruit, plus milk, coffee, tea, and lemonade. What a deal. it maybe the best $7 you’ll spend all week! Hopefully you will be able to attend, and remember. ALL ages welcome!
Time to take my leave. That barmaid is staring at me again. 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. A final request: Let us prey. Sometimes poking, often stroking, but almost always humbly yours, Turkey Vulture. Contact me through the Letters Page or at turkeyvulture9@gmail.com. PS. Keep on wagging that tail, Fred. Is that “lafter” I hear, Carroll? Knitting anything for me, Round-eyed Robin?
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