Updates

1. Knee. Got better, started to get worse, but worse in a different way. Saw PT today. Poked around new ouchies (on lateral as opposed to now-healed medial side). Still optimistic, going on the assumption we are gradually untangling a network of biomechanical problems. Currently focusing on, of all things, tight/inflamed Iliotibial band and not-wanting-to-move ouchy head of fibula. My own hypothesis is that I'm seeing a long-term effect from the knee injury 10 years ago, when 250 lbs of kung fu sparring partner landed on the outside edge of my knee. I was very, very lucky not to end up with ruptured ligaments, torn cartilage, the like. Who knows, we'll keep on digging through the dedritus.

2. DVD burner. After umpteen email exchanges, the manufacturer seems to have agreed the drive is at fault. (And not my computer or my DVD player.) Currently negotiating our way through the situation that, although I bought it early this year, the vendor bought it over a year ago, and it's got only a year warranty. Should be solvable. More delays in the project. I should be using this time to learn editing. Instead, I'm goofing off and writing.

Baycon

Off to Baycon, day only, for Saturday and Sunday. Dave, alas, is "off" conventions. He's never been one for crowds, and as he isn't writing (fiction, at any rate) sees no reason to go. It's all an excuse. He'd much rather play in his garden.

I begin tomorrow by being one of the Pros in the Baycon writers workshop. For anyone attending, psst! It's the best-kept secret in the con -- two people, as many pro writers, a bargain. Most years, the stories have a lot of promise and the discussions are enthusiastic and productive.

Then a themed reading, "Best Death." I'll read a section or two from "Transfusion," REALMS OF FANTASY, 1995. Will probably break down and cry at the end, since I was crying when I wrote it.

Then, autographs, then tracking down a cadre of kindred spirits for dinner or whatever. Home early.

Sunday begins with SFWA meeting, then 2 panels: The Pros and Cons of Writers Groups (or workshops, since I will still be enthusing, I'm sure) and The Symbolism of Animals in Fantasy Literature. Kaffee Klatch at 7 -- wonder if they mean that to be before or after dinner?

A nice schedule -- thank you, Baycon programming! -- with lots of time to schmooze and not get killed by an hour commute on either end of the day.

I may go back for fun on Monday, or write, or mosey into Boulder Creek for their annual Wine'n'Art Festival. Booths all over the main street. Since the main street also happens to be California State Highway 9, CalTrans has Opinions over the serving of wine. Despite much public pressure, they have nixed it. So the town will have its wine booths (local wineries) on side streets or in designated areas, not likely to be as successful. Interesting stuff in the booths, but I'd rather patronize the con's dealer's room. Then again, I may sleep in.