As promised, a couple of candids of me and “Raylan” in the ring in Orlando, this one taken en route to winning the Central Florida Mini Schnauzer Specialty (his eighth breed specialty win of 2017).

At left, placing fourth in the group at the Space Coast Kennel Club Of Palm Bay (defeating 340 terriers). I was digging in my pocket for a dog treat as we waited for ribbons. Beginning in early January, we made 14 road trips and two flights from Saskatchewan to points across the breadth of the US — including Florida, California, Oklahoma and Texas, Arizona, Wisconsin, Kansas, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania, clocking nearly 37,000 miles by road in the process. He’s the first dog of his breed to have achieved #1 status in both Canada (2015) and the USA during his career, and one of only two in breed history to win Best in Shows in both countries. It’s been a record year.

“It’s best to leave when you’re on top” they say, and so Raylan has been officially retired from the ring.
As for me, I’m home for a few months to rest and catch up on a few postponed projects around here. My sincerest thanks to my readers for your patience with this adventure, and to Lance and the guest bloggers who kept the place humming during my absences. I hope all of you will stick around to add flavour and variety to the content here.
Merry Christmas to each and every one of you, and may you enjoy as much fun, success and adventure in the year to come as “Team Raylan” experienced in 2017.

Your tips thread is hereby open.

For tonight’s musical entertainment we hear the debut of Have yourself a merry little Christmas by Judy Garland in the film, Meet Me in St. Louis. Some of the lyrics have a double meaning, given that the movie was released in November 1944. while millions of American soldiers were fighting a two-front war overseas.
Your insightful tips are much desired, as always.

I left Orlando about 5pm on Sunday, and after overnighting with a friend near Augusta, GA, rolled into Regina last night. I covered 1,030 miles on Monday and another 992 miles Tuesday — driving solo.
Though we didn’t win them all, the show overall was a success and we finished the year with “Raylan” ranked #1 Miniature Schnauzers, all systems. I’ll find some photos later to post.
But first I need sleep. Blogging will ramp up tomorrow, though don’t expect too much excitement over the Christmas holidays.
Sweet — Ballroom Blitz. Thread open.

Insert here.

The TPP nations are telling Shiny to get bent with “progressive trade”.
To be fair, it’s a statement to him after he embarrassed them and after China and the US said the same thing.
“Progressive trade” for the win! We’re governed by the idiot we all took him for. Just not ready, indeed.

Fill em up.

Jingle bells
For the racists among us.

Add your tips, vent your rants, declare your manifesto.

Fill em up.

Airplane crash up north.
I hope there are no fatalities, but…
I’m completely guessing here on incomplete data, but if it’s the flight I think it is, West Wind and their clients just had a bad day.
Photos of the ATR42-300.
Update: CBC has more data.

Now qualifying as sexual assault, Roy Orbison – Pretty Woman

By-elections in NL, Ont. SK and BC.

I am sure most of our readers are well aware of this, but if you don’t know how to tie a double-windsor, now you do.
Personally, I use a bit more of the skinny end at the beginning than this guy does, the tie must end just on top of the belt buckle, Not above, not below.

Have at it.

B-52 Emergency Landing: Flight Without A Tail Fin (1964)
Tips thread open.

Hootie And The Blowfish – Let Her Cry
Thread open.

Thread is open.

Jefferson Airplane – White Rabbit and Somebody To Love, American Bandstand, 1967. Tips thread open.