Derby show is tonite. The buzz is back. The head cold is near extinction. The new songs are itching for their debut. Strangers, old friends and new, approaching me in public places. "You're playing on Wednesday, right?" Wow. My personal Google stats are expanding. It's one method by which I measure growth. Life is good and still no g-love in sight. Not to worry. Juli just put on an Elliot Smith record. It's been almost a year since he checked out and I still miss him. One of his very last shows was at the Derby. I'll remember that while I'm up there.