Duncans Millings from The Blue Heron

The Merchants, residents and visitors sure are enjoying this gorgeous fall weather! Foot traffic through our stores has been quite enjoyable with all things considered. The radio contest for a new Duncans Mills slogan has received a tremendous response! With the winner of the One Thousand Dollar (Yes $1,000) grand prize shopping spree being announced on December 12th during our holiday tree lighting, so tune in! Congratulations to the winner and the merchants of Duncans Mills for a job well done!

Sightings: Effren Carillo at the Duncans Mills Town (Hamlet) meeting attended by over 45 participants. Not too shabby for a populace of 85 eh’? Discussion centered on the dangerous crossing in town and potential remedies. We need people who speed up when they hit our straight stretch of Hwy 116 to simply slow down so people and pets have a chance at crossing the street from one side of town to the other.

Christine Canelis as a terrifying mother with pug child in the Day of Dead Residents costume parade. Billed as the worlds shortest parade. Have you seen our Main Street?

Rumors: A Duncans Mills air show. (what?) And plans for the return of the ever popular Russian River Submarine Regatta. (right, wait, is this a precursor to another low flow debate?)
In other news: Gloria Tamagni’s of Weavers and Dreamers fame is on the move again, after the holidays the girls are taking over the Duncans Mills General store. January the move is on, They will now be known as the Tamagni’s General Store. So stop, shop, and snack! Come and see the holiday train and trolls before they move. With their “daily” Holiday Sale up to 30% off! Sorry Ladies, I just had to throw in the “daily” part.

Also on the move is The Horse and Butterfly Tea room. With a new owner and a new name; Brian Trombly and Ron Harmon have purchased the shop and renamed it Mr. Trombly’s Tea. Specializing in all things tea, with over 65 fine teas to choose from. A large selection of Vintage and new teapots, as well as many tea accessories. They also feature a tea of the day which you can sample. I personally discovered that a tea set is a fantastic, last minute, “geez I forgot again” gift idea. The gift went over very, very well I must say.

The Quercia Gallery featured exhibit is “Bowls, Bowls, Bowls”. Hand thrown soup bowls for the warmth of the Holiday Season. Come in and choose the bowl that fits your hand. A great gift idea! Everyone loves soup. Opening December 5th, with a reception from 3 - 6.

The log cabin on the West side of town, Antiquarian, becomes enchanted for the holidays. With gorgeous décor, locally grown Protea flowers and an eccentric mix of antiques.

Cape Fear hosts Holiday Dinners and Thanksgiving was their usual exceptional buffet where they make you feel part of their extended family. Call them to see what they are doing for Christmas 865-9246.

A favorite stop of mine is Jim and Willie’s. With Willie being the dom and Jim the sub. With Sir Jim saying his wares range from the “sublime to the ridiculous”. (did I just say that?) A quaint, whimsical antique shoppe reminiscent of jolly olde England located in the Country Stores Courtyard of Duncans Mills.

On a personal note, after coming to play (work) in this quaint little Hamlet for the past year, I wish to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the tremendous “welcome back” that the Blue Heron has received. It has been a challenging, mind numbing and huge learning curve for the O’Bryan Brothers. The love shown to us and the Blue has been incredible and we Thank You all from the bottom of our hearts. Well Jaime’s heart at least as everyone knows by now that Tom has none! Ha.

Coming in December, with a date soon to be announced, will be a community wide (free food buffet) Hosted by The Blue Heron. In appreciation of the warmth and love bestowed upon “The Blue” by our great river citizens. (and a few derelicts such as myself, gotta love those guys).
Yes, live music as always with never a cover!

ps: please bring doggie bones for me to bury as winter is on the way!
Yours in kind,
Xena
Duncans Mills, CA