Roundstonefarm Blog

Those of you that have listened to some of my stories around the breakfast table are well aware of my ability to take a simple task and create a monster out of it. Well, here is another one to add to that long list! Every year at this time, for at least the past 20 years, we have been  blessed with hundreds of cliff swallows returning to build their mud jugs on the inn and our house, which is about a hundred yards away. I should say first, that Karen’s view of the swallows returning and mine isn’t the same. She thinks we’re blessed. I, on the otherhand look at it with mixed feelings. After all, Karen’s not the one that has got to wash the windows (multiple times), climb up on the ladder to put the little birds back into their nest after they’ve fallen out (the record is three times), and, then knock down and clean up the nests when everybody has split to wherever it is that they go. I think you get my drift.

About tenyears ago I broke the swallows routine of returning to the B&B; of course, I then had to agree to let them all come up to our house to build their nests and raise their young. Well, little by little I’ve been putting plastic screening under the eaves to keep the swallows off certain areas of the house - like where I barbecue my ribs. (Karen actually agreed to that)

To get to the point, Karen went to Washington, DC for a couple of days a week or so ago, so she was not here when the big wave of birds arrived. I thought, great, this is my opportunity. I got together all my netting, staples, and ladders and proceeded to cover the eaves.  After two-days, I had done it. Totally protected from mud nests and bird doo-doo. It was a great feeling!  No longer would I have to chase our cats off the bed while they waited for the birds to commit suicide by crashing into the windows; which they never did. I mean, I had won.  Finally!

I awoke the next morning at half-light,  went to the window to check out what was happening outside, and what did I find.  At least a million cliff swallows flying around the B&B. I mean they were putting mud under the eaves and anywhere else that might hold it. Gads! Here it was Friday morning and a full-house of guests was about to arrive for the weekend to find bird doo-doo all over everthing. Most notably the windows. Believe me, from experience, a lot of people may say their “green” and that animals have their rights, but when it comes to bird doo-doo, all bets are off.

Anyway, after another couple of days running outside and yelling at the birds and cursing my stupidity, I got smart. I went up to the house, climbed up on the roof and removed all the nets that had taken me two-days to put up. I had lost another one! What is it they say about mice and men?

Cindy Muldoon has been named the Superindendent of Pt. Reyes National Seashore and will start her new position in mid-May. Ms. Muldoon has been with the National Park Service since 1985  and has occupied varied Park  Service positions throughout the United States. She is currently serving as the deputy regional director of the National Park Service’s Pacific West Region. Ms. Muldoon replaces Don Neubacher whom, since February, is  serving as the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park.

Priscilla’s -  11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays (closed Tuesdays) 12781 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness, 415-669-1244, Cuisine: Fish/pizza ; Service: Friendly; Noise Level: Moderate; Recommended items: Fish tacos, crab enchiladas, pizza; Liquor selection: Beer, wine, soju, margaritas; Corkage: $10; Heart-healthy and vegetarian selections: Salads; Parking: Street and lot; Wheelchair access: Yes; Credit cards: All major

Summary: Nine years ago, Priscilla Levy bought the Gray Whale Pub and Pizzeria and renamed her roadside cafe Priscilla’s. Though pizza is still on the menu, the offerings have expanded to include everything from fish tacos, which are better than average, and fresh oysters to pastas and chicken pot pie.

Tanya Henry, Marin IJ,Wednesday, April 21, 2010 (for complete story visit www.marinij.com)

I look forward to working with the other members of this committee, county staff, and the Marin Economic Forum (MEF)  Executive Committee to recruit and retain businesses in the the nine targeted industries that were defined in the 2004 “Targeted Industries Study (TIS).” The  TIS was performed by the “Economic Competitiveness Group (ECG) to analyze the drivers of Marin County’s economy.

This should be very interesting, for it will expose me to industry sectors, such as “Media & Electronic Arts,” in which I have little or no experience. Of course, being from West Marin, my primary focus will be the agriculture and tourism sectors. This combination, or cluster comprised of the two main economic drivers of West Marin is what butters our bread, so to speak.

“Top 100 Bay Area Restaruants” San Francisco Chronicle (April 2010)

Chef-owner Christian Caiazzo calls his food “Point Reyes Italian.” Specialties: Oyster pizza, Tomales Cove mussels with Lunny’s grass-fed hot links; beans and greens; braised goat with creamy herbed polenta; any dessert. Prices: $15 to $19

Located at: 11285 Hwy ! (corner of 3rd Street) in downtown Pt. Reyes Station; (415) 663-9988 or www.osteriastellina.com

Lunch and dinner Wednesday thru Monday. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted.

Personally, I love the goat shoulder. Frank B.