Dale fastens his astral body buckles in preparation for another trip around our life-giving sun. It’s a bold New Year in the Deep Night, and it might end up like a White Elephant exchange with no one getting what they wanted, or things could really work out for once. Dale tries to remain optimistic as he reflects on his recent holiday travels to Ohio and Pennsylvania. It’s always a thrill for him to visit with old friends; enjoy the sites of local shopping establishments; and sneak in a few performances at rest stops and flea market food courts for surprised but appreciative audiences. A lot has been said about death and awfulness that came with 2016, but it hasn’t been said by Dale. Until now. From his walks among nature trails that run parallel to ancient burial grounds to his time spent listening to quality religious music while getting money out at the ATM , Dale offers some lightness and encouragement to those who feel adrift in this new year. After what has been an enormous pile of sad, Dale tries to find tiny, infinitesimal, almost invisible glimmers of hope in the persistence of life. Dale also discusses the sudden loss of his betta fish and shares his thoughts about trying not to laugh in an extremely uncomfortable situation. Plus info about his return to SF Sketchfest!