Three Weeks on the Road

Just noticed that we've been on the road for three weeks: we left California on April 4th. Of course, the Tour proper did not begin until April 12th, or two weeks ago tomorrow, but physiologically speaking that's a footnote! We've driven just under 4000km so far. One certainly loses track of the passage of time; there are no "normal" days, and glancing at the schedule I see there are not likely to be any in the future! A few very stray notes:

• We continue to roll up rims, and to win nothing.
• Our schedule is nowhere near as intense as Blue Rodeo's, who played tonight in Saskatoon (just after I mentioned their great live show on this blog; we thought of going but had a lot to do; also, they're playing in Winnipeg later this week!)
• We are rather afraid of the upcoming drive from Winnipeg to Toronto. Not only is it three 10-hour days, with doubtful Internet-accessibility, but we will have to pass through Wawa, the Bermuda Triangle of the Trans-Canada.
• We are acquiring books at a reckless rate. Part of this is owing to my dropping off brochures in bookstores prior to the public shows. Since many of these are used book stores, a) a lot of time is wasted in wandering around the stacks, and b) I have to face the fact that I have a problem. (Just picked up three stray histories of New France, for instance: Thomas Costain, The White and the Gold; J. L. Rutledge, Century of Conflict; W. J. Eccles, Canada Under Louis XIV. The first is both jocose and appallingly racist; the second is rather romantic; the third is outstanding & much recommended. Dave also found two ancient Greek textbooks from way back when at a bookstore in rural Alberta; he's making amazing progress.)
• Today I bought a new pair of black pants, to be featured in future performances. "Pure polyester!" the salesman remarked with great satisfaction.