R.I.P. Jean Pigeon

We lost a pet yesterday, our hangabout racing pigeon that showed up almost two years ago and never left. Dubbed Jean Pigeon (think French - Jean PEE-Jean), he greeted us every morning at the back deck looking for food, and swooped us each night when we got home. He even used to hunker down to sleep below our bedroom window.

Having already survived two long winters plus one cat attack and one hawk attack (at least that we know of), both courtesy of Jane's intervention, his days had long been numbered. From his cat-taunting deck struts, to his circular fly-overs of the property, his presence was a daily routine we grew fond of. In the end, he succumbed to instinctual feline aggression.

Based on his legband, we think he was an Ohio purebred Clean-Legged Icicle pigeon that blew off course across Lake Erie. He shall be missed.

Norma Jeans

Made the trek to London last night to catch some quality live music at Norma Jeans. Wide Mouth Mason was already a wicked band before, especially live, and the addition of rock legend Gordie Johnson on bass could only make them better. Arguably a waste of his immense guitar talent, but certainly a boon for WMM and their fans. Luckily they already have Shawn Verrault, one of the most insanely talented and under-rated guitarists I have ever seen.

As good as they were last night, the opening act may have stolen the show. At the very least, they were one hell of a tough act to follow. The Stanfields are from Halifax and completely owned the place with a relatively unique blend of rock, folk, celtic and bluegrass. Something tells me these boys are going places.

Got in late (3:30am) after Jane drove us home in a thunderstorm. Woke up late to already 17 C, birds singing and everything blooming. Heck of a nice way to start a Saturday.

Sound check in a Labatt town

The Stanfields

Dirtiest Drunk in the History of Liquor!

Widemouth Mason

Who IS that masked bass player?

A different sort of Bud than last night

...and the daffodils look lovely today....

Spring Splendor

Absolutely beautiful spring day today, some might even say bordering on summer! Temperatures in the 20's, birds singing, flowers blooming.

Spent some of it painting the master bedroom before we move back upstairs. Spent the rest of it reading on the back deck and just enjoying.

Hocus Crocus in Focus, Spring 2011 edition

April showers bring....April flowers?

Warmer outside than inside!

Goodbye powder blue....hello beige and copper!

The Hand That Rocks the Paint Brush

Long overdue makeover