Congrats

Allow me a quick note to offer up an early Congratulations to Kate for winning the run-off for the Best Blog contest during the Nunies. Yes, it's not yet 5 p.m., which is when it ends, but at last count I'm down by 25 votes and there are only a few hours left. The only way I was able to close the gap so dramatically last time was by begging, borrowing and cajoling every vote I possibly could for that last minute surge.

That's not happening this time. Besides, I only have limited karma to burn and I can't use it all up on the Nunies. I have a curling bonspiel this weekend that I would like to win. Or if not win, then at least win the door prize, which is a return ticket to Ottawa on Canadian North. Townie needs a trip to the Caribbean this Easter, especially given the recent week of near -50 temperatures. I need a beach, with warm water and drinks with fruit in them. One free plane ticket to Ottawa helps off-set the costs quite nicely.

And I have to lose to somebody, I can think of no one better than Kate. She's a friend (even when she was calling me at work and making my life difficult), I always enjoy running into her in town and I love the writing, photography and music she puts up on her blog. The only criticism I would have of it is that I get grumbly when she dares to go and have a life for several days at a time and not update it.

So congrats to Kate, thanks to everyone who voted or swung by the blog to check me out over the past few weeks. I hope you stick around, not just on my particularly small piece of internet turf, but in the Arctic blogosphere. We're a pretty cool bunch once you get to know us.

(Yes, if you see me in person, you're allowed to smack me for that pun.)

Last Five
1. Hold on - KT Tunstall
2. Gleaming auction - Snow Patrol
3. Four seasons in one day (live) - Crowded House
4. Please call me, baby - Tom Waits
5. Come pick me up - Ryan Adams*