I drive out of Calgary past stretches of beautiful snow covered trees. Although I know we’re south of Calgary, it feels like I’m heading into some northern logging town.

I don’t get to see a lot of some of the towns that I stop in out here – I usually arrive around dark and leave in the morning– so often I have to ask things like “What’s Cochrane known for?”

Apparently it’s known for hangliding. Who knew?

Unfortunately it’s too cold to hanglide (I totally would), but instead I get to hang out with Brian and Carolyn, who are totally sweet. Brian and I share a love of comics and after dinner, he shows me his excellent collection of Marvel Masterworks, and Calvin & Hobbes books. I space out a bit to early Captain America stories, but snap back in time to set up.

It’s a Wednesday and I’ve heard from some of the house concert hosts that school nights are harder to get people out, so when only 10 people show up, I’m not surprised. But I’m also not disappointed, because the crowd is great. Everyone is totally nice and they include a couple incredibly talented painters, who have been involved with an amazing mural project in town – basically the town creates a huge mural, but each painter creates their own little 2’ x 2’ painting. Pretty neat – check it out and click on some of the individual squares.

Plus, for a 10 person show, everyone is loud, singing and laughing along with the best of them. And afterwards, they’re very nice – one nice art therapist, says that my song, High School Geography and Another Time or Year make for great musical therapy.

It’s a beautiful night, but I’m tired and head to bed… and then read Calvin & Hobbes for several hours…