Greetings from the wet West

Howdy folks! It's lovely if damp here in Tempe. But never fear! I lived (and walked everywhere) through El Nino, therefore these lil ole thunderstorms are nothing.

In the midst of this morning's downpour I hauled myself over to the convention center with my books and suede purse protected by plastic shopping bags. I had to. My Terry signing appointment was this morning at 10.... rain or shine, so to speak. I also went to Esther Friesner's signing, a panel on Discworld cover art, and a reading by Terry assistant with commentary by The Knight himself. Finally I ended the day with the maskerade. It was a nice enough day. I would call it a lovely day, but I spent 3/4ths of it sitting in one room and one spell was 3 hours in the same chair. There's only so much sitting still a body can take.

Ok, since so far I haven't downloaded today's pics, let's catch up on yesterday's.... err and even the day before.

When Karen and I met up, she brought me my Ho Ho HO Exchange ornie --

Check it out -- over-1 no less!

and look at the cool fabric she picked for the back--

The finishing is by Karen -- and she's opened a little finishing business. I'd recommend her fine work any day!

Thanks, Karen! You made my weekend.

As for day one of the convention ....
Here's Sir Terry (apparently knights are entitled to a car with curtains-- he had to settle for a turtle and a Seamstress Guild escort:

And here's Terry and the S.G. members "at ease" (that's Esther Friesner whispering sweet nothings into the mic)--

On behalf of The Guild, Esther presented Terry with a small "ergonomically-correctly handled" sword.


Here's Esther later in the day getting ready to start her reading--


I missed the making of this Discworld balloon sculpture, but I still find it amazing!


Of course, you know I'm traveling with Missy (the polar bear). So I introduced her to Rincewind:

and the Luggage

(Yes, the Luggage has teeth and feet -- if you don't get it, go read The Color of Magic.)

From the Seamstress Guild Affair --
Here's what happens when you put fans near food:

(food courtesy of the Seamstresses Guild and Terry)
Me and 900 of my best friends at the Guild party:

Terry:

The Death of Rats:

Lady Sybil

Anoia--

Classy entertainment:

Missy met Death:

Terry:

a wizard (or wizzard) reunion:

Witches group shot:

Nanny and Greebo took costume awards--

as did Cheery Littlebottom and a splendid nac mac feegle

all the costume winners:

***********

Ok, now that I've gotten all that happiness out of the way.... In case you had a bet on my second tech service call appointment with Dell, no, they did not call. Two strikes Dell you *#)(@)#*%Y#&^#@#*(&%^^#&^@#)(*#(#)^%#^$#* losers!!!!!!!!!!!