A mixology of high altitude gadfly chitchat for oxygen-starved brain cells
It has been reported to The Mountain Mix that some rather righteous – if you will – trucker bombs have been spotted along Highway 80 between Reno and Truckee (See ‘Of Fumpdedumps and Trucker Bombs,’ MoonshineInk.com). Though The Mix loathes littering of any sorts, we do admit that the bombs provide some morbid fascination and, as a sad testament to our state of mind, some comic relief.
Harkening back to summertime, the following tidbit needs mention to highlight the local funsanity that has always permeated our region. As everyone knows, Tim Hauserman’s ‘Dearly Departed Restaurants’ columns hit a nerve amongst locals reminiscing about defunct, beloved watering holes and restaurants in Tahoe City, bringing back memories of times that were a more carefree, and a whole lot more crazy. Shortly thereafter, I met some folks at the fabu Chris Botti Concert at Tahoe Donner who work at Nephele’s in South Shore, a joint still retaining an early ‘80s feel. One asked me if I remembered when it was Jason’s Shingle? I sure did. ‘Didn’t you have fun then?’ I asked. ‘I must have,’ he replied. ‘I don’t remember any of it.’ Funsanity.
Jeff and Carrie Ridgel over at Bradburry’s Office Supply welcomed Jack Caelan Ridgel into the world a short spell ago. Pay attention little ladies; if baby Jack ends up being as nice as his parents, he’s going to grow up to be one heck of a catch – and know a lot about office supplies too. So start planning now. I mean, how many chicks from San Jose have moved here to live in the mountains but left after six months due to lack of quality pickin’s amongst the males?
Rumor has it that Squaw is installing gates at all their lifts that will scan skier’s passes. Now everyone can be a ski racer, unless you are on homeland security’s ‘no ski’ list.
The Mardi Gras-like holiday, Halloween, came and went ‘neath the drizzle of much needed rain. Halloween is the best night of the year; you get to dress up as your alter ego, act like a maniac and get away with it. Tahoe Biltmore held a rockin’ ghoulish bash, and The Mix spotted gobs of Sarah Palin’s – an easy costume to pull together. Put on a nice dress, sexy librarian specs, pin up your hair, pack a gun, and yer good to go (but really, who can ever top Tina Fey?). One highly intoxicated – if not bitter – zombie told The Mix he’d have gone as the TRPA but he didn’t know how to dress as a ‘swirling sucking eddy of despair.’ The Mix suggested he go to ZA (Zombies Anonymous) to deal with his bitterness in a group setting.
The Mix feels compelled to end this column groveling. The holiday season is upon us, and it has never been more important to shop locally. Many a business owner found their business down significantly last summer, and the survival of our communities depends on your support. These retailers are your neighbors, who employ your friends, who re-circulate local money, and who help create the great little towns that dot our area. Forgive you we can for a trip down the hill to hit Costco or Trader Joe’s (you can even have fun with the kids searching for trucker bombs along the way.) But please, enjoy holiday shopping in the pines, where you can find excellent variety and affordability. Then, share holiday drinks and food with friends at the super great restaurants here. Remember this festive mantra should your will weaken: ‘I will spread goodwill amongst my community.’ Also, please sign our pledge to shop locally at RenoisEvil.com.
~ Got a tidbit for The Mountain Mix? Send to mountainmix@moonshineink.com. We’ll take it, distill it, and uncork pure nonsense.
