Took this photo on a dog romp yesterday around the Francey-Girdler homestead.  When we returned from some shows Beth had this belated birthday surprise puppy waiting for David.  I’d heard about the idea earlier and had thought, “what a brave woman”... but she surely knows her man, as he was ecstatic.  Badger is a border terrier -- small, energetic and clever as well as sweet.  He came already 6-months old and he’s about as big as he’ll get, but he’s got the heart and stamina of a horse.  Better keep him engaged and busy or he’ll get into all the spices and dismantle the kitchen table, but he’s sweet as can be.

I head back home on December 8 and will remain there basking gloriously in family and friends for the rest of December.  I’ll also return to other projects including recording.  Two more western Ontario shows to go and then I’m off for a bit.  More ahead in the new year.  Hospitality and company here at the Girdler-Francey home are sweet as can be, but I’ll be thankful for a bit of a break from travel and a heartwarming dose of my own home life and some quality and quantity time with dear Liz.