I was supposed to leave for the 5th International Science Fiction Conference in Chengdu early last week, but I canceled the trip at the last minute due to concerns about my father-in-law’s health.

Sadly, he passed away early last Wednesday morning. (It’s something I’m just not able to write about at the moment.)

Throughout the week and into the weekend, I kept hearing from friends and acquaintances who wanted to wish us well and send their condolences. Thank you.

I was also treated to notes and pictures from friends I would have seen while in China. It was nice to be a fly on the wall in my down hours. From what I could see the convention was a big success and enjoyed by many. Congratulations to the organizers and I wish everyone luck in their bid to bring Worldcon to Chengdu. I have fond memories of my trip there two years ago and hope to return someday. This time, however, I needed to be home. I was there in 2D spirit though.