by the wonderful folks who enjoy reading my stories. Clever, witty, generous…you’re all those things and more.

We had a great sampling  of those wonderful people at Shejicon this weekend, including one of the best behaved little junior-fen it’s ever been my pleasure to be around. I got no pictures—I was too busy having fun—but I’d be happy to post a few if some of you who were snapping away want to send them to me.

This isn’t really a convention, for all the name sounds like one. It’s a gathering of internet friends, people who have gotten to know one another through Carolyn’s work and had their friendships go well beyond fandom, who get together and do things like the canoe trip, wine tasting and figure skating. My only regret this year was that the wine tasting was scheduled right before the skating and the World’s Greatest Coach made me promise not to do both. So…I went on the wine-tasting trip on account of because it was a lot better opportunity to get to know the folks from out of town. 

The canoe trip was great…it helped a lot actually getting the instruction spiel before setting out! I think Carolyn and I will be fine doing it together next time. Due to road construction, it was shorter than before, but also hotter. Fortunately, the river itself is pleasantly icy and keeps it cooler while you’re on the water. We got off the river before it got tooooo toasty outside. And we’ve decided the backyard party oasis is much more suited to evening dining…at least in July. Friday’s pizza party was great, being after 7:00. Sunday’s midday BBQ was also great fun, but hot. Fortunately, we did get a bit of a breeze to cool us down…not to mention the water pistols.

Ah, yes. Water pistols, bubble sabers…and space shuttles. What more can you ask?

How ’bout a statue and posters of Captain Jack Sparrow? Oh…yeah!

Thanks again to everyone involved, those who came and those who could only make it in spirit (or on a cell phone). You made it a weekend I’ll never forget.