In February of 2008, my darlin' hubby Jeremy was working in New Mexico when he received word that he was second runner-up in nationwide writing contest. The Dell Award of Asimov's Science Fiction magazine, was to be awarded just a few days later at a conference in Florida. Try as he might, Jeremy couldn't get there in time. His biggest disappointment was not being able to meet the esteemed author Joe Haldeman.Flash forward to June of 2008, when Jer and I were catching up with dear cousins, Stephanie and Eric, at a family reunion. We told them the story of the award and the missed opportunity. Turned out they attend Joe's New Year's party every year! Next thing we knew, we were planning a trip to Florida!
Joe and his wife Gay were gracious hosts to a houseful of eclectic guests. Some played guitar or piano or sang. Others sat in circles knitting socks and wrist warmers. The kitchen and dining room were standing-room-only (and well worth it, for the food and drinks!). The biggest surprise of the evening came when one of the guests, who refers to himself as "Juggle Geek", invited us outside to watch him juggle fire!
The whole event was a blast, and I have to believe it bodes well for 2009...
