As many of you already know, we California newspaper folks are just emerging from our better newspaper competition.

Well, even though I submitted a couple of things for judgment, the Weekly Calistogan didn't directly win anything. Nope. Zilch. Nada.

In a way, I'm OK with that. Winning stuff is nice, though.

Anyway, I did get my score cards back on the items I did submit, and in one of the categories, my column generated some interesting comments. It seems the majority of judges agreed that this column, the only part of this paper that is truly me (OK, the paper is just about all me all the time) was "disjointed." "Jumbled." Too quirky, and "should be more organized!" Schizophrenic.

I guess if somebody else's shoe fits I should feel compelled to wear it!

Ok, now I feel compelled to change the subject!

* Last week's First Thursday Art Walk was a real smash! After reading that story we had on A4 about the Napa/Sonoma Film & Music Institute exhibit of Sondra Barrett's neat molecular art -- especially that part about pouring Sterling and Grgich Hills wines, I had to check it out. That stuff was so, so good! I'm not a white wine drinker, but both the chardonnay and the sauvignon blanc from G-H and Sterling respectively were to die for! The result was that I later felt compelled to go to CalMart and attempt to purchase some of that wine. It was then I was reminded that, on a journalist's salary, all three of me must settle for getting my wine from the third shelf from the top. There were only two shelves lower ... but I'm sure the wine down there is just about as good.

* Anyway, I'm confused by this weather. I'm not complaining, mind you, but one week I feel like I've fallen into the frying pan because of heat, and the next two weeks I have to sleep beneath a blanket because I'm freezing. Is it just me?

I received several birthday wishes this week, too! Imagine, I came into my office on Saturday to check my messages. One of them was from none other than that Enoteca mistress of the universe, Margaux Singleton, singing "Happy Birthday" a capella! Wonderful!

* I know I've got to because I have a meeting to get to. I'm not sure, but maybe I'll send this column to the judges next year!

* Anyway, the St. Helena Star won more first place awards than any paper in its class! Five! Maybe I'll go to work for them!

Happy Birthday to us!

One of the first things brought to my attention on Tuesday, when I went into the Calistoga Roastery for my wake-up elixir was that Tuesday, Aug. 8, was Carmen's birthday! Carmen is the lady who works in the kitchen, and she was on the job on her special day! By the way, Carmen adopted a new name. The 41-year-old's new official name is Alicia Carmen Miguel Bautista! Happy Birthday ACMB!

Better late than never! Don Meyer, past Calistoga Fire Chief and retired owner of Calistoga Auto Parts, had a birthday on Aug. 3, and this weekend, Aug. 13, current assistant fire chief Steve Campbell is having his birthday! Shortly after that, on Aug. 18, Stacey and Elias Fernandez will have a wedding anniversary! Elias is the winemaker at Shafer Winery!

See you next week!

Print this story   |   Email this story | Browse today's articles in this category: |