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Oct 3, 2000 Back In Ottawa
The bus ride back to Ottawa reminded me of why I swore I'd never take the bus again. It was crowded, uncomfortable and seemed endless. With the traffic, I was also half an hour late. M met me at the station and unfortunately for her the trip had made me Grumperhead.
The big news here, of course, has been the death of former Prime Minister Pierre E. Trudeau, a man whom I was sadly taught to hate as a child. Only now do I realize how wrong that was. He was despised by the adults around me for all the reasons I now admire him. His tolerance, his vision of Canada as a country instead of a bunch of whincing regions. His hope for a Canada that belonged in the 21st century, not a clinging to a "Waltons" past that never actually existed. His dedication to making his enemies his friends, and our troops peace keepers not cannon fodder. I was told as a child he was a bad man. Unlike "the chief". Now, the only legacy John Diefenbaker left was his brilliant move cancelling the Avro Arrow and effectively destroying our aerospace industry.
M and I both cried while we watched Justin Trudeau's eulogy. M's father being French Canadian and her mother being Chinese, she grew up with a slightly different point of view of Trudeau than I was provided with. A view I only grew to share after a life of experience unravelled an upbringing of bias.
As I passed by the parliament buildings today, Kevin Quain's song "Mr Valentine's Dead" ran through my mind.
Oct 1, 2000 Back In Toronto
The bus! I swore I'd never take the bus to or from Toronto again... but I did. I came down Wednesday morning. I left for the bus station at 7:30 when M left for work. She got off at her office on Bank St. and I keep on going until I got off just before Catherine St. Then I walked five minutes over to the bus station. My bus left at 9:30am which gave me time for a nice breakfast and a tea. The ride itself wasn't bad. I had two seats to myself and I snoozed for the first half of the way. The bus takes a rather backwards route to the 401, and stops at a small restaurant along the way. In all my past trips, this stop was either under the creepy darkness of night or in a raging snow or freezing rain. Thus M and I have always referred to the place as "the X-Files stop". This time however it was daylight, sunny Indian summer, with flowers still in bloom and plants still green. I sat out in the sun and drank a tea.
I was awake for the rest of the trip. On my walkman... the new Emmylou Harris (amazing CD, highly recommended), Spooky Ruben "Modes of Transportation pt 2", a mix tape featuring selections from recently purchased CD's... and the Snowmelter mixes from June. We arrived in Toronto at 3:00pm. Once off the bus I decided to make the 40 minute walk from Bay and Dundas to The Grapefruit Moon. I followed the same route I would have a year ago when I'd walk home from work. It was a wonderful walk. How I miss Toronto!! I met up with Sandy at the GFM and so began my visit. I got my hair cut, and at 6:00pm Justin M met me at GFM. We went back to his place and goofed around with the sampling program on his computer.
Thursday I spent most of the day at GFM then went over to Justin and Kims' at around 6:30. Justin and I made a little noise, but mostly we just talked and hung out. I left around 10:30pm after several Iron Dukes and headed back the GFM in hopes of food. Unfortunately the kitchen was closed...BUT... I saw Greg Downing sitting in The Black Rooster, so I joined him and had a Guinness. We were later joined by Greg's friend Karen and a friend of theirs who's name I believe was Alexis. I got drunk(er) and ended up crashing at their place in the spare room surrounded by Gregs conga drums.
Friday I left Chateau Downing at 9:30am and with my massive hangover walked to the GFM. Sunniva and Sandy were already there and had been slightly concerned about my whereabouts. Ex-Aikido pal and friend Deb showed up, and when Sunni and Sandy split, I spent a wonderful afternoon sitting on Deb's rooftop patio talking and soaking up the sun while 70's tunes played on her stereo. Friday evening I met up with Gina and had a burger. She arrived in her new 1969 Chevy muscle car... We hung out and talked and caught up on what has been happening in our lives. Friday night I crashed at Sandy's.
Saturday I had breakfast with Tiffany. No, really! Tiff picked me up from Sandy's and we went to Kilgour's on Bloor near Brunswick and ate. We talked and caught up then went for a walk around the neighbourhood. We saw two army choppers flying around and hovering. Perhaps training or perhaps practicing for the upcoming state funeral in Montreal for Trudeau. In any event we went back to Sandy's and had a tea. We sat out in the backyard and talked more, then went up the GFM and met up with the regulars. Megan came in all excited about a date... Sandy was there as well as Sunniva. Saturday night was Justin M's last shift, now that he has a real job... So towards the end of the evening, Justin, Nathan, Derick, and myself got VERY drunk out on the patio.
Sunday I woke amazingly early and without a hangover. I went back to the GFM and had breakfast. At around noon, Justin and I went down town and walked about. We talked about Canada and how I felt less patriotic than I did before I went to the Philippines. We ended up at HMV and I amazingly left without buying anything. From there we picked up a car that Justin was borrowing and Justin dropped me off near College and Clinton. I went and visited my friends Steve & Wendy and their 12 year old son Nathan. It was a brief visit though, since I had to rush back to the GFM for Sandy's surprise baby shower.
The baby shower was a total success. I won't try and list off everyone who was there... But chances are YOU were. And if not, it was GREAT. It was a last chance for me to see many of my friends before I headed back to Ottawa on Monday.
September 24, 2000 Still In Canada
The best laid plans of mice and men... Here I am still in Canada. I will be heading back to Manila in October. Why did I stay? Well, I haven't decided if it was instinct or impulse. Perhaps a bit of both. More on that later. I will be heading back down to Toronto tomorrow. Strange.
September 22, 2000M Last Night In Canada
Today is my last day in Canada until who knows when. I know there are some big changes about to happen for me, and I'm not really sure what returning to Manila will bring. Oh well. As they say, ONLY TIME WILL TELL...
September 19, 2000 - Kingston Visit
On Saturday, Michelle and I rented a car and drove down to Kingston to visit with Drew, Carean and Era. We arrived in Kingston at 4:00pm and were welcomed by the very pregnent Carean. Drew had just returned from work so after a undated tour of the many improvements and changes the house had gone through, we headed over to the Kingston Exhibition. There we ate, wandered around, looked at the tractors (nothing runs like a deere) and watched Drew take Era on rides.
Michelle and I went on several rides; oddly the one that scared her most was the ferris wheel. Yet she went on one barf-inducing thing that I refused to go on. We left, Era's face coated in cotton candy, and drove 2 blocks back to the house.
Arrielle and Jeremy are now also living in Kingston together, so they stopped by for the evening once we were back. Arrielle made some amazing garlic bread and we ate the chili that Drew and Carean had been working on before we went to the fairgrounds. It was an excellent meal.
We watched Fight Club on video, which is a movie I've avoided seeing, but ended up enjoying. We stayed the night and drove back to Ottawa Sunday afternoon. I left my toque behind.
September 14, 2000 - Picking Flowers
Michelle and two co-workers, Val and Gaetan, had to go to Montreal to check out a floral sculpture and mosiac show. I tagged along with them. We left at 7:00am and drove to Quebec. Our first stop was in rural Quebec at a greenhouse that supplies Public Works with plants. Michelle and her coworkers looked around while I sat outside in the sunshine and enjoyed the freshness of the air and the beautiful scenery.
Our next stop was the Montreal Botanical Gardens. It is located on 75 hectres of land right next to the Montreal Olympic Stadium. It was simply too big for us to see everything, so we visited the greenhouse gardens that housed tropical and desert plants as well as the outdoor Japanese and Chinese gardens. Michelle was worried that I would be bored by the whole expedition, but I wasn't. After being in the heavy smog and noise of Makati for months on end, this was like going to heaven.
We headed to old Montreal at around 2:30 and had lunch. Then it was off to the waterfront to see the floral mosiacs and sculptures. There were displays from all over the world, although I would say that China seemed to have the most impressive displays. We were there until 5:00pm or so.
We walked back to Old Montreal, but not before spending some money on a painting or two by a local artist. I bought a bright but erie painting of a man walking on a cobblestone road and passing between 3 houses. I felt it reflected my own situation quite well.
We ate dinner and then headed back to Ottawa.
September 12, 2000 - Toronto Weekend
Michelle & I travelled by train to Toronto on Friday night. Once at Union Station we took a cab to THE GRAPEFRUIT MOON. Justin Morrison was spending his last night as a single man out on the patio with a selection of Toronto Morris Men and a large quantity of beer. Michelle and I joined them and listened to them sing sea-shanties and folk songs. At 12:30 or so we walked over to Sandy's new house, which is just west of Christie Ave. This is where we spent the weekend.
Saturday morning Michelle and I had brunch at GFM. It was strange to sit on the patio while the traffic on Bathurst moved by. Michelle and I then headed down to Queen St., where she shopped for a purse to go with her dress, and I shopped for a tie. Unlike Bono from U2, we found what we were looking for.
Justin and Kim's wedding was held at The Banking Hall, on Yonge St, just north of Queen St. As the name suggests, the Hall was once a bank, which might seem strange until you see the incredible marble and metal work inside. As I was designated to MC the event Michelle and I arrived early and I was given my instructions. Violinist Rod Booth was warming up when we arrived. We were also pleasantly surprised to find truck drivin' cousin Rob walk in.
The ceremony took place at 7:15pm and was followed by a brief photo opportunity, and then a receiving line. Justin had ordered a whole case of Wellington "Iron Duke" beer just for yours truly. As I was still suffering from the Makati Fever, I didn't manage to finish it. A few of the evenings highlights included The Toronto Morris Men performing a Morris Dance, then forcing Justin to join them in his suit. Justin also did a solo dance which was quite impressive. Kim's belly dancing instructor also danced and pulled Kim up, who demonstrated how well her lessons were going. Justin had burned a series of mix CDs which removed the need for a DJ. Dancing, eating and drinking went on until 1:00am.
Sunday was another whirlwind day. Michelle and I slept in until 11:00am, then headed over to GFM. I had sent out notice that I would be on the patio from noon until 5:00pm. Thanks to all of you who came out. It was good to see my friends again.
Sunday evening Michelle and I went up to Michelle's Mom's, where I met her brother Chris who's just moved back from the west coast. We had dinner then Chris, Michelle and I went to the Cameron House and caught Kevin Quain and the Mad Bastards. We were later joined by Chris and Michelle's friend KD and the newly weds Justin and Kim. Kevin Quain stopped by our table to say hello and sign the many copies of his new CD that we had purchased. It was an excellent night.
Monday I picked up a supply of contact lenses which should last me until the futuristic year of 2001. Monday evening we headed back up to Ottawa on the train.
September 7, 2000 - Home Again Home Again Jiggity Jig
I have returned!
Rene picked me up at 7:00 on Wednesday morning and drove me out to the airport. I flew Northwestern Airlines this time so I travelled a different route than before. I was put in business class for the first leg of my trip; from Manila to Osaki in Japan. The three hour flight was on board a Boeing 747 and being in business class meant I got to sit in that bubble upstairs part of the jumbo and saw how the other 5% live...or fly... It was wonderful. Room! Service! Food! Free Drinks! and the comforting thought that if we crash we'd go first.
Osaki was beautiful. The airport wasn't as huge as Hong Kong's. I was searched, but unlike Hong Kong the security staff apologized the whole time they searched me. Being from Manila, I'm used to security checks now. A trip to the shopping mall means I can expect to be searched at least twice. So it was strange to have someone apologizing for it. I also saw an amazing sight there. From the window as I headed to my departure gate I could look out onto the water. There I saw a hydrofoil going by full-speed out in the bay.
The flight from Japan to Detroit was in a Boeing 747-400. I was in normal class, but had an empty seat beside me, so it wasn't too bad. I enjoyed the flight a lot more than the last one. I must say I'd rather fly in a Boeing than one of those rattley Airbus planes. Even at the bumpiest times, I never felt as if the plane was about to come apart at the seams... unlike the Airbus, which rattles and clatters like its being sucked through a blackhole.
We arrived in Detroit at 2:30 on Thursday morning for me... but due to our crossing the international date line, it was Wednesday afternoon again. The Detroit stop-over was pleasant, and at 5:00pm I boarded a 39 twin engine Saab-Fairchild turbo-prop and headed off to Ottawa. On take off I saw a parked WW2 vintage B-17 (Memphis Belle style) Bomber by a hanger.
It was a wonderful flight. Smooth and clear all the way. We flew over Toronto and I could see the CN Tower, and all the downtown buildings. I looked down and could see the line that would have been Bathurst St. Strange!
We landed smoothly in Ottawa at 7:15pm. I exited the plane, walked down the gang-plank thing like one of the Beatles and was hit by the freshness and coolness of the air. It was absolutely sweet to smell. I entered the gate and after clearing customs found my Michelle waiting for me! It was wonderful to see her again, and to hold her. Michelle's Dad was waiting out in the parking lot and he drove us back to Chez Michelle's. Amber the cat was also happy to see me. But not as happy as Michelle.
September 1, 2000 - A Few More Days!
There's only five days left until I climb aboard a big ol' jet airliner and fly robin fly back to my baby (how many 70's song lyrics can I fit in one sentence?). All the arrangements have been made and I look forward to arriving in Ottawa, then hopping aboard a Via Rail train to Toronto for Justin and Kim's big day.
Karate continues to be the highlight of my time here. I feel as if I am making some headway, although the kicks still confound me.
On Wednesday night, I purchased a KORG ER 1 drum synthesizer and have been messing with that unil all hours.
More later...
August 25, 2000 - Super Typhoon Bilis
The super typhoon which killed a dozen folk in Taiwan passed us by, but did dump a couple of days of rain on us. Today, though, the skies were blue.
I am currently on-line at home. Tarzan Mike has hooked his laptop up to the amazing information superhighway. So instead of walking to the cybercafe and enduring bad pop music and super slow internet response...I can laze here at home and write this while I watch TV. It's currently on Cinemax, which should be called the Cheesey Violence Network.
On the Geri front, I have received text messages on my handphone from her in the UK. She is debating coming back to Manila. I doubt she will stay in the UK. How do you keep your daughter on the farm once she's seen the bright lights and fast-times of Makati nightlife...where even I can be a star for a evening.
I have made my arrangements for my return to Canada. I will be arriving back for Justin & Kim's wedding (oh, THAT should be a journal entry worth reading) on Sept 9th. I will be in Canada for 2 weeks, then its back to Makati where even Jim Bob Walton could be a man of means and king of the road at the same time.
August 19, 2000 - Teki-Torture
Last night Geri dragged me out to her friend John's birthday party. It was Geri's last night in Makati for awhile, so I couldn' t say no. The party was held at this French Water Company executive named Richard's home in conjunction with his pal Cherry's birthday. Geri was in her element. I was not.
We were picked up in a cab by Geri's Italian friend Laura and off we went. The cabbie was thrilled to have such obvious happenin' hipsters in his car; especially Geri in her tiny leopard print dress and her Debbie Harry (Blondie) hair-do. He spoke boldly to the shotgun-toting guards at the gate to the community who grilled us on our destination. Those crazy guards! Couldn't they see he was the most important cabbie in Metro M? He had Movie Stars in his cab...or was it Rock Stars... It was truly cute. I'm certain he's still recounting to his pals how HE got to drive these Superstars to some big event. I would have rather hung out with him.
We were greeted by more guards at the house. Inside, introductions were made and drinks were served. I found a discreet spot by the swimming pool amoung teki-torches and floating candles. The usual hoards of expats were there. Like myself, all bustouts in their homeland...but here? They were all superstars. I felt as if I were in the pool party scene from Boogie Nights.
After several dozen gin and tonics I called Rene and had him rescue me in the Merc. I found Sir James and friends at a disco called WHERE AS, where I was once barred from for not having "proper shoes on". This time, in my Fleuvogs, there was no stopping me. Jenny, Sir James' better three-quarters, found me and the rest is a blurred gin and tonic ride into confusion.
I ended up back at the Teki-torture party and recall making the guards laugh by making fun of some big headed 80's leftover expat who rode off on his noisey Harley. I pointed at him as he zoomed off and said "The bigger the cickle...the smaller the dickle..." The guards roared. I also have an image of entering the house while Stardust "The Music Sounds Better With You" spun. The live band was taking a break I believe. Geri briefly forced me to dance with her ("it's my last night..."), but I bid her goodnight and left her to fend off the advances of all the drunk macho men.
Rene got me home safely.
Tonight Geri and I went to Persian Kabob for once last meal and then Rene and I drove her to the airport and sent her on her way. Will she come back?? Only time will tell.
August 8, 2000 - Broken Guitar Blues
If I could feel how I do after Karate all the time...I'd be one happy guy. I'd also be one sweaty, achy-breaky guy. But it is coming along. I am beginning to NOT think about Aikido when I do Karate. There are still a lot of old habits that I must break, though.
and speaking of BROKEN...
My wonderful semi-acoustic RJ guitar cracked on Saturday as I pulled it out for my lesson. It would seem that the extreme humidity and tempature changes it endured throughout the journey from my place to the lesson caused a fault in its manufacture to expand or contract... the result? Well, its under repair. In the meantime I am forced to use the junky slammer I bought for 40 bucks when I arrived here in February. Practicing the many difficult chords my lesson requires on that is like trying to learn karate kicks with wooden planks nailed to the bottoms of your feet. Both painful and awkward. (and pointless)
and speaking of Sunni...
I have been having MANY weird dreams lately. Including one of a scene from Grease with Tom Waits singing this demented song....However...during a rather bad case of homesickness I had a dream in which Sunniva from Grapefruit Moon came to me and gave me the most wonderful hug. I woke feeling as if it had been real. Thanks Sunni.
My good friends Apple & Superdry have left for the UK for a 3 week trip "home". I miss them greatly.
August 1, 2000 - Anniversaries And Earthquakes
Today is the one year anniversary of my meeting Michelle at the Cameron house during a Sunday night Kevin Quain gig. It occurred to me that the day was upon me as I stumbled out from a brutal Karate class. Brutal in a good way. It was a great class. As I aproached what we refer to as "the intersection you're most likely to get run over at" I called Michelle on my handphone. Unfortunately I ran out of pisos mid-call.
I walked up to Universe Cafe and found a wonderful email from her in my inbox...
I experienced an earthquake today. I've only felt that once before. I was a child in Vancouver and I remember running into my parents room as things shook and watching their mirror shake and rattle. Today's quake was lacking in the shaking and rattling factor. It was like being on a ship and going over a huge wave. It was strange.
I had my photo taken by the friendly staff of the Starbucks I frequent today. I stood there like a freak as they stood around me. I will post the photo as soon as they give me a copy.
Well, its time to wander home. On my walkman tonight... "Sounds Of Science" by the Beastie Boys. (got to love the Fatboy Slim remix of Body Movin)
Good night folks!
July 29, 2000
It is absolutely beautiful out today. There is strong wind which seems to bother the locals but I welcome. The air is fresh, the humidity is low, the smog is gone, and I can breathe! I woke up today at about 8:30am, and spent the morning playing Command & Conquer "Red Alert" on my Playstation, while listening to a mix cd on Tarzan Mike's giant stereo/karaoke/vcd/contraption. Selections included FM's 1978 classic "Black Noise", Jethro Tull's classic "Benefit" (which I finally found on CD here after years of searching Canada), the Beautiful South cd that Sandy would always play at Grapefruit Moon, the last Jamiroquai (spelling?) CD (love the synth bass on Supersonic), and the soundtrack to Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas.
I practiced guitar for an hour, then worked on some new ideas, which may or may not end up as SNOWMELTER songs.
Then, with my guitar case slung over my shoulder and a piece of cold KFC chicken (?) breast in my greasy hands, I headed out to the shopping zone. I was surprised to find the 5 friendly staff of the Starbucks that I frequent during the week, working a weekend shift at the Starbucks by the Makati Shangri La HoteL. I was greeted with a chorus of "Hello Dave" which made the security guard decide NOT to search me.
July 27, 2000
Our place is now full of plants and flowers. It certainly makes it more home like. I am beginning to make the arrangements for my next visit to Canada, for Justin & Kim's wedding. Michelle will be returning with me!! I can hardly wait!
July 21, 2000
When I awoke this morning, I thought I was in Toronto. My room was freezing, and I was all wrapped up in my blankets. The first thought that came into my head was "mmmm...Grapefruit Moon"... When opened my eyes I was horrified to find that it's too far to walk to The Grapefruit Moon for breakfast.
I had breakfast at Dome Cafe, which is nice. Security is higher than usual again. Each time the MILF (Islamic Seperatists) makes a threat on Metro Manila more security guards seem to appear. The weapons also seem to become bigger or nastier. When I arrived in February it was just pistols, and sometimes shotguns. Now I see a lot of variations on the M16; full versions, smaller versions, chopped versions. Today I saw an Uzi. The surrealness of it all removes any fear I might have. I find I worry more about earthquakes.
The rain has stopped. Apparently we went through TWO typhoons. I had no idea, since I rarely watch any news shows.
Friday night my flat-mate Geri and I took her friend Lucy who'd been visiting from the UK to the airport. I hired my usual driver from the Penisula Hotel, a good natured fellow named Rene. The ride back from the airport was a sad one for Geri, as she and Lucy have been best friends since childhood. I felt odd since as much as I'm really looking forward to Michelle visiting me here , I 'm dreading that ride with Rene when she leaves.
Guitar lessons have been going very well, and Karate keeps me confused. Still... I have been homesick recently. I thought it was the rain, but it seems to be more than that.
Got an email from Justin Morrison today...the Snowmelter songs we recorded at Signal To Noise in June are now up at WWW.MP3.COM/SNOWMELTER.
July 8 , 2000
Started back at Karate this week. A hard class, in which I was totally baffled and physically exausted. Afterwards, 20 minutes in the sauna....a nice shower...and I felt better than I have in a while. I also began guitar lessons this weekend. My Pinoy teacher's name is Michael Terry , and he is an unbelievable guitarist. I struggled away with a blues scale and some chords that baffled my fingers... I am looking forward to next week's lesson. I will have lots of time to practice this week, because it isn't supposed to stop raining until February.
July 5 , 2000
Rain. Rain. Rain. Floods. Rain. Rain. Rain. More Rain.
July 2, 2000
I am now all moved into my new home. I live in a two story penthouse suite with two friends. There are 3 large bedrooms, each with a washroom; a dining room, a large kitchen, washing facilities, maid's quarters, living room and a washroom on the main floor. My room is the master bedroom and it is as large as my apt in Toronto. I haven't much in the way of furniture yet, but its still quite livable.
My roommates are Geri and Mike. Geri is from Leeds, England, and Mike is an old coworker from Toronto. Our maid is named Suzy and someday I'll get used to having someone always trying to do things for me...like make tea, or fold stuff.
June 25, 2000
Back in Makati. My flight back to the Philippines was at best a complete nightmare. It all began when I arrived in Pearson Intl in Toronto. With the merger of Canadian Airlines and Air Canada some genius decided that if you are flying within Canada you get to use terminal 1, and if its an international flight it's terminal 2. I arrived in termial one, had to walk endlessly to an area that looked like it went out onto the runway, where I waited an eternity for a "shuttle bus" that took me to a secret back door to the other terminal. Once at my gate, I was refused a boarding pass because I had not "gone through security". Of course, I had never left a secure area, but... after a lot of discussion with various levels of management I got my boarding pass....10 minutes before the flight left.
I arrived in Hong Kong to find out I was not to be issued a boarding pass because Pinoy law demands I have a return ticket out... something my travel agent failed to mention. This meant I had to buy a one way return from Manila... and because the worlds most modern airport only has ONE bank machine, which of course was located in a secure area at the opposite end of the airport... well, let's just say 45 minutes later, and after 3 security checks, I had my ticket. I made the plane with 10 minutes to spare.
With the many troubles I had gone through, I expected the worst in Manila. However, to my amazement, I was waved through customs as if they'd missed me, and were in a hurry to get me outside to spend my hard earned pisos. I was met by a driver from the wonderful Peninsula Hotel named Rene and was whisked back there in style and comfort. I lived there until Thursday, and as my new apt. is not yet ready for occupancy, I have moved on to a hotel closer to my new place. I hope to move in tonight.
June 15, 2000
Back in Ottawa. The whirlwind tour almost complete. Went to Kingston by train with Michelle and spent a night there with Drew, Carean & Era in their new (old — one hundred years old to be exact) house...
From there it was back on the rails to Toronto. Upon arriving at the Grapefruit Moon we saw a red 1964 Chevy Impala convertable parked outside! Cousin Rob in the low-hopper cruiser mobile was there waiting!!! Sunniva & Sandy, the guardian angels of GFM, took a moment from their restaurantly chores and gave us a big welcome... after many reunions and some fine food, it was off in the low hopper to see Kevin Quain and the Mad Bastards.
Monday we headed to Oakville to visit with cousin Jayne, her hubby Paul and their kids Wil and Alexandra. There was fun, food and a swim in the rain.
Friday (the 9th) was of course the Marathon of hops at GFM. I was there from 1:30pm until 1:30am. Many of my friends managed to swing by and there were even a few surprise guests.
Saturday Snowmelter (Justin Morrison & myself) went into Signal To Noise and over the course of 3 days recorded and mixed FIVE SONGS! Including a new one I'd written while in Manila. Look for them as MP3s soon.
June 2, 2000
Back in Canada. Saw the funeral for the Unknown Soldier on Sunday with Michelle. Quite moving, especially with the MIA status of my Mom's brother Wilbert, who was killed in Caen, France. This week has consisted of getting over jet lag and spending quality time with M. Bought M a camera for her b-day. Arrangements have been made for Snowmelter to start recording at Signal To Noise studios June 10-12th. We hope to record 4 songs which will be posted on our new website and at Mp3.com. Tomorrow we head down to Kingston to visit Drew & Carean, then on to Toronto for some Grapefruit Moon, and Sunday evening at the Cameron House to hear the musical stylings of Kevin Quain and The Mad Bastards. It is strange to be back.
