Feliz Navidad!

Cats love Christmas

We had a perfect Christmas Day here in Happy Valley. Jane gave me a hemp shirt (no you can't smoke it) and a self-powered fan for the wood stove. We went to the Carter's for a big family feed and are just now coming down off the turkey buzz. We thank God for all the blessings we enjoy here in Canada, and the gift of his son, Jesus Christ. Tomorrow we will be heading into the north country to see the Bedford side of the family....no snow, though.

James Brown - Man's World

Goodbye, James, we'll miss you.

$1.50 Beer Night at Jack's

Gabriela caught on camera

The shopping season is winding down now, and Jane and I had a chance to visit the new coffee shop in town for a chai latte. Nice place, we hope that it will help bring about a resurgence of vitality in our beautiful, but ailing, town center.

I've been reading my American friends' blogs and can literally feel their anger and frustration over the war-mongering actions of their elected officials. Please pray for peace. Let the peace begin with you. Teach it to your friends, children and grandchildren.

Alex Cuba and Ron Sexsmith

And tonight a little chill music to mellow you out.

Fire Fire!

The Original Bud Chiminea

Jane's brother Bud and his woman Mary had a Christmas party at their house last night. It was a lot of fun...lots of wine, food, and relatives from the Carter and Atkinson families. Bud fired up one of his two (the other one is at the lake) homemade chimineas and celebrants could elect to enjoy the unusually balmy December night in his backyard or inside. Local music legend (if he ain't one now he will be someday) Mark Fletcher led a jam session later in the evening...we all got out the instruments and tried to keep up with him. Bud got us in the groove with a drum and percussion circle...cool runnings!

Black Uhuru - Push Push

Push Push! Classic Uhuru reggae with the unstoppable riddim section of Sly and Robbie...can't beat it!

Dave in Qatar

Dave's Lunch

My brother Dave is over in Qatar building stage sets for the Asian games...this is what he had for lunch one day at the Four Seasons. It's a tough gig.

Fred Eaglesmith: Alcohol and Pills

Fred is one of our favourite songwriters and lives just south of us in Port Dover. We try to see him whenever he plays in the area.

Banana Benz

We had to put the Banana Benz to bed for the winter. It has 21 years on it's clock, and needs new glow plugs. It has started to get really cold at night here, and even plugging it in doesn't help. So...we got Bud's van out and fixed the leaky transmission cooler line (an easy repair which involved bending a brake line into shape)

Spent the weekend at the lake marveling at the rapid about-face in the weather...today was sunny, south wind and five degrees!!

First Blizzard

Out our back window

Today the famous "lake effect flurries" descended upon us with a fury! Jane is at work and I am all alone here in the convent with only a cat and a bird to keep me company. It is all kinda peaceful and meditative!

Toots & the Maytals - Sweet & Dandy

Jane and I saw Toots in the late 70's at the Campus Pub "The Spoke" at Western. He was detained at the border in Detroit (ganja suspicion?) and didn't start 'till 1 AM! It was an unforgettable set...what harmonies! Still one of my fav reggae artists.

Linton Christmas Party!!

Santa(Guess who?) and Nephew Frank's Girlfriend Tanya


Santa and Grandnephew Miles

December is here so it was time for the Linton(Jane's mom's side) annual Christmas party! A record turnout this year enjoyed a fine brunch at the Vic Inn in Stratford. The party was followed by a dip in the pool...nice! Gabriela has recuperated from her flu after a few days of rest and nursing from her mother. We have shipped her back to London. A fine community advent service at church was enjoyed tonight...I am always amazed at the musical talent in this community. Snowing now.

Vince Gill & Alison Krauss - Blue Trail of Sorrow

Here is a great song that I sing with our band...I only hope that I do it near the justice that Vince does!