Beginnings

We began our ventures out of Cincinnati (and into the September tour) with a stop at our local Chrysler dealership for a service they forgot when our van was in the shop last week.
As we drove up 71-North just a few miles later, the hood began smoking...
I was reminding Justin about deep yogic breaths as we exited the highway and found a good parking lot where we could pull in and assess. :)

We were rescued by a good friend, who drove Justin to a nearby gas station for antifreeze (thanks Andrea!) while I ran into Starbucks for water (for the van) and coffee (for self-medicating).
We called the dealership and determined that apparently the water pump's leak was worse than they thought, and so on our way to Canton we kept our eyes on the coolant levels and refilled a few times...

So began the Fall Tour.

But we were granted great kindness by the folks at Random Acts of Music, where we were scheduled to tape for their show at 2pm today. With the Great 'Van's-On-Fire?' Delay of 2008, they graciously moved our slot to tomorrow morning. (And we'll let you know when the show with Ellery airs in NE Ohio!)

Our arrival at Malone was peaceful and without incident... (Except for how the "D" key is sticking on my keyboard. Oh the mystery.)
And it was beautiful to visit with some family while at the show. Justin and I both grew up in Akron OH, so NE Ohio is always a bit like a homecoming.)
The show began last night with a set from Avodah (thanks for your songs and spirit, friends!) -- And then it was an hour set: new songs, old songs, random stories from Justin (one never knows with him), and a broken string, sticky keyboard, all of it wonderful in such a welcoming place.

Thanks so much to our kind audience for laughing with us and allowing us to connect with you; it was an honor.

So tomorrow it's off to a repair shop with us and our van...