I am right now at Mile Hi Con, in Denver.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. Bubonicon is wonderful.

Among the many things I love about these cons, are the names. I often have to explain to non s-f people, but you clearly get it.

A lot of the same people, artists, writers, and fans attend both Mile Hi and Bubonicon, because they are not that far apart. For me, one of the appeals is that Connie Willis is almost always at both of them, as well as at the Jack Williamson Lectureship.

If you don't know who Connie Willis is, please Google her, and then come back.


Okay now. I happen to really love her writing. I often recommend The Doomsday Book to people who think they don't like science fiction, and I get converts. Her husband, Courtney, recently retired from teaching physics, and makes quilts and collects sewing machines. Back in May, at ConQuest in Kansas City, there was an old Singer sewing machine in the charity auction, and as soon as I saw it I knew I needed to buy it to give to Courtney. I won the auction, hooray! and today gave it to Courtney. He was suitably impressed. From the serial number on the machine, it was made in 1862. It's just gorgeous, with mother of pearl inlay that is in perfect condition. I also sat in on his lecture on the history of sewing machines, which was absolutely fascinating.

These are the kinds of things I love about the world of science fiction.