End of Summer

As always, the summer flew by. It was a very quick one for Lindsay and I because we were so busy. But it was great seeing everyone again and we had a blast. Our last night in town, Si, Normy and Jesse threw a party at their place. It was the first night in a long time that almost all of us were together in one room. What a perfect way to spend our last night in Fredericton (despite its Northside location).Si, Nicki, O, Lydon and Skead ... on the porch (read to the tune of Fluffy by Ween).
I don't know who took this but they must have been sitting down. Wheat and I look like giants.Here our first attempt at a group shot. I like how I'm Normy's height in this one.
The group shot. Look at us all! Like a reunion. By the way Skead, why are you facing the wrong way?

Now, I have to send out a special mention to Si. Out of the whole summer, he was the one who kept me entertained the most. Many of the boys were out on the weekends and what not but, Si was always there. He was out every night with me and was always on for doing something. Whether this was due to: a) a strong loyalty to our friendship; b) alcoholism; c) ulterior motives (i.e. meeting up with random girls whom he suspected might be out at so-and-so bar on so-and-so night - this could actually be the case, as it seemed to happen every time); or d) all the above; I am very grateful for his companionship.

Of course, Wheat is a close second. He was great too but would often bail early because of his job (can you believe it?) Normy, was unfortunately a bit of a mystery man this summer. I think I only saw him twice. So, Simon, I guess that makes you the new Super Friend.

P.S. Si, don't ask why your outline is a sawblade. I tried to get a star but couldn't find one. I did the first one with a heart outline but, well, it looked a little too friendly (if you catch my politically correct drift).

P.P.S. That's some crazy red-eye. You should try looking into the camera next time.

Tap Room

One of the things I love about Fredericton in the summer is all the patios down at the Tannery. Though the city isn't using the area to its full potential (compared to, say the Boardwalk in Saint John for example) it's still pretty fun. Unfortunately, because of this, it makes it possible to go out every night (as I seemed to have done). One night in particular stands out though: Wednesday at the Tap Room. Si took me down one night early in the summer and I couldn't believe it. A eight (nine? ten?) piece reggae band! Great sound and a great scene, even though you have to wait about two hours every time you want a drink (that place seriously needs to consider putting in a fridge full of bottled beer). Anyway, here are some photos. As our loyal readers are well aware, Lindsay and I didn't have a camera all summer. These are some of the few pics we have from Fredericton, sent to us from Jenn (see below). I appear to telling a really interesting story here.

Here's me giving Jenn a Jasper kiss. A Jasper kiss is basically opening your mouth wide and leaning in until you hit a cheek. I learned it from Jasper (see baby from Toronto post). I hope I'm wrong but I think I gave a Jasper kiss to Simon that night as well.

Jenn giving Lindsay a big Jasper kiss.

Lots of people were home this summer. It was great. Nicki and Jonny pulled into town near the end of August. It was a great surprise (technically I shouldn't have been surprised as I had been notified beforehand. But I misread Nicki's email and forgot about Jon telling me he was coming to visit Fredericton when I was out in Victoria visiting him).

Aww ... how cute.

Gatineau/Ottawa

The last stop on our road trip was Gatineau/Ottawa. One of Lindsay's good friends from Taiwan lives in Gatineau. Her name is Claude and she is all that and a bag of chips. We spent a couple of nights with her and became fully integrated into French culture. Lindsay did well. She understood most of the French and she spoke fluently. Claude and her friends seemed to understand her quite well. I, on the other hand, was basically lost. I understood maybe 30% of the conversations around me and, a lot of the times, I would say something (after carefully planning my words in my head) and they would laugh. Actually, it wasn't that bad but, man, I need to practice my French. I also got the chance to visit my Aunt Janice and my grandmother on the Ottawa side, which was nice. My aunt is great and I don't see her nearly enough.

A coté du piscine avec Claude, Mikael et Lindsay.

Aylmer

After Toronto, we went to a little town called Aylmer for a Fred Eaglesmith Charity Picnic. Aylmer is south of London, near St. Thomas. The town itself is a little strange, but cool. Many different types of people around, including Mennonites (which I guess is what made the place seem strange). The show was great - at a campground called the Springwater Conservation Area. It ran for three days and included many different bluegrass/country bands. It was a very small scene too which was cool. We met lots of great people (partied with Eaglesmith's son, which was interesting) and talked to many of the musicians. I could have probably jammed with them too ... but they were a lot better than me.

Here's a picture of the stage on Sunday afternoon. Not many people at this one and I can't remember who is playing but it was the first time I touched the camera all weekend.
Here's the beach. Right next to the stage.

Toronto

After North Bay, we headed down to Toronto to visit our friends Alex and Heather. Some of you might already know Alex (Billingsley), but you might not know that he is Raffi's twin (see below). Toronto was great. We did a bit of shopping (which I hate) and I got some much needed (at least, Lindsay said they were much needed) clothing. Also played some darts and saw an Eaglesmith show at a cool venue called Hugh's Room. Very good times. Here is Alex next to his counterpart. Here is Alex and Heather's littly boy, Jasper. Cute little dude, especially when he gives kisses.

Thanks a lot guys, we had a blast!

North Bay

After Montreal, we went to North Bay for our good friends Chris and Tara's wedding. The entire weekend was great. First night, we took it easy at Tara's parents' cottage - a beautiful place on its own island. The next night we checked into a fancy suite. It had a separate living room, fireplace and the bedroom had a jacuzzi in it. We stayed there two nights. It was awesome. The wedding was great too. Live band that didn't play any horrid wedding reception clichés (eg. Chicken Dance, Jive Bunny Remix, Old Time Rock and Roll, etc.) and prime rib that melted in your mouth. The next day we visited our other good friends Jimi and Steph. They also live in North Bay. Again, very good times. Lots of bocce ball, beer drinking, jamming (Jimi was the other half of the Double Standard) and the last night, a lot of tequila at a bar on an old boat. Thanks to everyone in North Bay. We had a blast.

Here's a picture of Jami and I having an early morning jam on his boat. Jami (the bride's brother), is another good friend and an excellent guitar player. He also lived in Taichung and I played lots of music with him. He was lead guitarist/singer for the Country Levers - a band we formed over there.
Here's a picture of Lindsay, Chris (the groom), Tara (the bride) and me at the reception.Here's a picture of Linday and I with Jimi, Steph and their dog Radley (as in Boo).

Montreal

In August, Lindsay and I went on a two week road trip. The length of the trip turned out to be quite controversial among friends and family but it was very fun and we saw many people. Our first stop was Montreal to visit my cousin Ted. He and his girlfriend Brandy live in the Plateau which is a very cool part of town. I've probably been to Montreal about fifty times and I had never been there before. We also took a walk through the Old City, which I had never done before either (I guess I don't usually venture too far off Sainte Catharine St). Anyway, it was great seeing Ted again after so many years. It was also nice meeting his girlfriend Brandy. Thanks for the hospitality and hopefully we will see you guys again next year.

Here's a shot of our upcoming album cover.

St. John, NB and PEI

My wonderful friend, Jill, is going to be a new mother in December. When I was home we had a little shower for her in St. John. It was awesome to see some ladies that I haven't seen in a while, and although I won't be there for the arrival, I can't wait for Olivia Grace to get here!!



I was lucky enough to go to Prince Edward Island with my favorite gal, Jenn, to see the Shoreline Festival. Saw some GREAT music such as Joel Plasket, Xavier Rudd and Grand Theft Bus. It was a wicked weekend!