Friday, September 30, 2016

I Made it to Denver!

Apparently I don’t have to actually walk up 78 flights of stairs to get credit on my Fitbit. I only have to drive to Denver!

Yeah, surprised the heck out of me, too.

But I made it and the drive really wasn’t all that bad. Once we hit Kansas (which I realized I had never been through before), we drove between 80-90 mph (zoom-zoom— speed limit is 75). Traffic was light and there really is a bunch of nothing in that big state. One straight road and no trees! Same for Colorado. It wasn’t until we hit the Denver Airport area when traffic picked up.

Even though we’re at a mile high, I’m still waiting to see the mountains. Can’t tell if the clouds were covering them or if they can even be seen from here. Maybe I’ll see them today. That’s if I even go outside.

I gotta con to go to!

Now, I brought my camera, but we’ll see if I use it. Hahahaha!

So… We noticed that there were numerous places on I-70 in Kansas and Colorado that said if the lights were flashing, you were forced to get off the road. I can only imagine that’s during a snow storm (what else could it be?). With no trees, there’s nothing to stop the snow from blowing across the road. And man, it was windy yesterday. I could picture the snow falling sideways. Glad temps were in the 70s! No threat of snow.

Happy Friday!

Stacy

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Wednesday Reads

Today marks the 12th post of the month. Friday will be #13. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I remember to post then because I’ll be in a car alllllll day Thursday. I might want to pull my pad of paper out and write something while I’m not doing the driving. Maybe I’ll see something interesting. I can only hope. I wanna keep my goal of 13 posts per month, because it appears to be the only goal I can keep right now.

Here’s what I read the past week:

September 22: “Bite Somebody” by Sara Dobie Bauer, a paranormal romance at 253 pages. Blurb from book: “Do you want to be perfect?” That’s what Danny asked Celia the night he turned her into a vampire. Three months have passed since, and immortality didn’t transform her into the glamorous, sexy vamp she was expecting, but left her awkward, lonely, and working at a Florida gas station. On top of that, she’s a giant screw-up of an immortal, because the only blood she consumes is from illegally obtained hospital blood bags. What she needs to do—according to her moody vampire friend Imogene—is just…bite somebody. But Celia wants her first bite to be special and she has yet to meet Mr. Right Bite. Then, Ian moves in next door. His scent creeps through her kitchen wall and makes her nose tingle, but insecure Celia can’t bring herself to meet the guy face-to-face. When she finally gets a look at Ian’s cyclist physique, curly black hair, and sun-kissed skin, other parts of Celia tingle, as well. Could he be the first bite she’s been waiting for to complete her vampire transformation? His kisses certainly have a way of making her fangs throb. Just when Celia starts to believe Ian may be the fairy tale ending she always wanted, her jerk of a creator returns to town, which spells nothing but trouble for everyone involved. I met the author at Rust City Book Con and heard this was a hilarious book (plus I loved the cover), so I took a chance and bought a copy (the only book I bought there). Can’t say I laughed out loud, but I did enjoy the story. Just wish that when it reached the TITLE part, that it was a little more…involved. Book says it’s a romance, and it is written in third person, but it’s all Celia’s point of view. Too bad (I love finding out what the guy thinks—although Ian probably isn’t what you’d call “hero” material). The sex is skimmed over, if that makes a difference to you (again, I prefer more detail). Overall it was a fun read and I’d read more from this author.

September 26: “Hard Ever After” by Laura Kaye, book #4.6 in the Hark Ink series, a contemporary romance novella at 126 pages. Blurb from book: After a long battle to discover the truth, the men and women of Hard Ink have a lot to celebrate, especially the wedding of two of their own—Nick Rixey and Becca Merritt—whose hard-fought love deserves a happy ending. As Nick and the team shift from crisis mode to building their new security consulting firm, Becca heads back to work at the ER. But amid the everyday chaos of their demanding jobs and upcoming nuptials, an old menace they thought was long gone reemerges, threatening the peace they’ve only just found. Now, for one last time, Nick and Becca must fight for their always and forever, because they know that when true love overcomes all the odds, it lasts hard ever after. Basically, this is the last book of the series and a fun one at that. Loved getting back into this world.

So… Want to know where I’m going that I’ll be in a car all day? Rom Con! That will be a romance reader convention in Denver for you folks who don’t know what that is. Originally, Hubby and I were going to take a longer vacation driving out there and back, but then life intervened and he couldn’t get the time off he wanted. We’re still driving (because it’s way cheaper), but not doing any sight-seeing on this trip, which is sad. I was 13 the last time I travelled through Kansas & Colorado, and I don’t remember much.
 
Have you ever been to Denver?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Monday, September 26, 2016

Well… It’s Not the Refrigerator and What I Did Saturday

Would you believe it? We went through all the expense of bringing in a repairman only to discover on Saturday that it’s not the refrigerator vibrating/groaning…it’s the toilet!

Or more importantly, the pipe in the wall the toilet is against, which also happens to be the same wall the refrigerator is against.

The toilet in the half-bath has some draining problems. Or would that be running problems? I keep hearing it gurgle, but see no puddles. And when you sit on the toilet, the vibrating/groaning sometimes gets louder (Hubby equates the noise to the Jaws theme song).

So why didn’t I suspect the plumbing?

Because the noise didn’t start that way. It started when I was no where near the half-bath (and I was in the house alone). Plus, I had purposely USED that toilet before the refrigerator repairman came to see if it would make the noise… AND IT DIDN’T! Which is typical, right? Nothing makes the clunking noises when you want them to, do they? So please forgive me for not suspecting the plumbing straight away.

I’m glad it’s not the refrigerator. Not so glad we might have plumbing problems.

**Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious!**

Saturday was a beautiful (albeit foggy), no-rush kind of day. I was able to do what I wanted when I wanted. Didn’t have to BE anywhere at anytime. It was nice.

I actually got the edging done. I’ve got before and after pictures!

This is the BEFORE shot on the short side. Our yard ends at the green box.

See how nice and straight it is now?

I did the longer side first and didn't think about taking a before shot.
Wow! What a workout. Even took my time by edging a line, then cleaning it up (I think the cleaning-up part took more energy--I filled four bags!). But honestly, if I had tried edging before my exercise routine, I’m not so sure I would have finished. At least, not in one day.

I like seeing these physical results in that way, since I can’t seem to see them ON me.

FYI – I apparently inspired my neighbor to also edge his lawn. Bwahahahaha!

After edging (and the much-needed shower), I did a little shopping. Six years ago Hubby and I bought some posters from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (yes, the one in NYC), but never got them framed (they’ve been stored in the closet all this time). I took them to Michael’s as they were having a 70% off sale. When I get the framed posters back, I’ll take pictures so you can see which ones we bought.

I love framed posters. Have lots of them in the house. I have no idea where the new posters will go, but I’m sure we’ll find some place. And if I remember, I’ll take pictures of the other posters we have.

So… Have you ever had your pipes moan, groan, and vibrate? What was the cause?

Happy Monday!

Stacy

Friday, September 23, 2016

A Busy-Free Saturday?

I can’t believe my Saturday is FREEEEE!

No writers meetings.

No football (OSU is on a bye this weekend).

No dinner with friends.

No where to be.

Gosh, it’s just so… unusual.

Told Hubby we should take advantage of the free day and maybe work in the yard. The sidewalk is in dire need of edging (the guy who mows the lawn doesn’t do that) and the tree Hubby started to remove (back before his surgery) needs to be completely gone (right now there’s a stump and part of the tree is growing back). I don’t do trees, so I said I’d do the trimming. We’ll see how well my weight training has gone, huh? **flexes muscles**

We recorded three new shows this week: “Bull,” “The Good Place,” and “Designated Survivor.”

“Bull” is kind of interesting. I like Michael Weatherly, so that helps. Hubby’s not too fond of it, though. We’ll give it a few more episodes.

I don’t know about “The Good Place.” I loved Kristen Bell as Veronica Mars, but this ain’t no “Veronica Mars.” Hubby feels the same as me. Again, we’ll probably only give this a few more episodes.

As for “Designated Survivor,” we’re both impressed! I have a feeling we’ll be watching this one all season.

So… Do you get many free Saturdays? I swear, it seems like I always have something going on. Especially during football season! J

Happy Friday!

Stacy

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Wednesday Reads, Exercise Woes, and My Refrigerator

This marks the 50th book I’ve read this year. Only 43 more to go, with a little more than three months left. I have a feeling I won’t reach my goal this year.

Here’s what I read the past week:

September 15: “Bound to Darkness” by Lara Adrian, 13th book in the Midnight Breed series, a paranormal romance at 298 pages. Blurb from book: Carys Chase is accustomed to making her own rules and letting her heart lead the way—no matter what anyone else has to say about it. A rare Breed female and a daywalker as well, headstrong, beautiful Carys is one of the most powerful of her kind. She lives passionately and loves without limits, especially when it comes to the lethal cage-fighting Breed warrior called Rune. Unbeatable in the ring, Rune exists in a brutal world of blood and bone and death. He’s made his share of enemies both in and out of the arena and his secrets run as deep and turbulent as his past. A dangerous loner who has survived by his fists and fangs, Rune has never allowed anyone to get too close to him…until Carys. But when the bodies buried in his past rise up to threaten his present, Rune must choose between betraying Carys’s trust or putting her in the crosshairs of a battle neither of them can hope to win on their own. I love how the author continues to surprise me and how none of the stories have felt like repeats. But now I must wait for the next book to come out because I’m caught up in this series! The e-book is already out, but I want paper!

Well, my walking routine has crashed this week (so far). Monday I discovered we had no milk, so I couldn’t eat breakfast (I like milk with my cereal), which meant I had to go to the store, therefore I drove to the fitness center (instead of walked) so I could stop at the store afterward. No biggie. I’d be able to walk there on Tuesday, right? Ummm… no. I woke up with such stomach pains there was no way I was going to exercise, no less walk to the fitness center. And eat? Yeah, I didn’t feel like doing that, either. I think I’ll blame those probiotics I took on Monday (and won’t take again). That’s what I get for trying to help my stomach.

Hmmm… Maybe I should just live on yogurt and salad. Oh, and the Kringles. Can’t forget the Kringles!

My refrigerator (which will be 5 in November) started vibrating last week. First it was just a smallish noise. By Sunday it relegated to loud and obnoxious. So I contacted a repair shop (via their website—cool!). They called me on Monday morning and said someone could be by on Tuesday afternoon.

Guess what the refrigerator decided to do on Tuesday? Be QUIET! Oh my God. I’m thinking it must hate me or something. Have I angered it by not stuffing it full of food? Or maybe it just hates all those Kringles in the freezer.

No, it can’t be that. Who doesn’t love Kringles?

Repairman looked at everything. Opened the back up. Moved the refrigeration line. Nothing. Quiet as a…refrigerator. He said to call the office if it starts up within the hour since he could probably stop by after his next client. So is it any surprise it started back up again nearly two hours after the guy left?

Arrrghhh!!

So… How’s your week going? Better than mine, I hope. J

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Monday, September 19, 2016

Funny Ad or Failure?

Have you seen that Geico commercial about the lemonade stand where everyone who comes up to it asks “Ice tea?” and they’re told, “Nope, lemonade.”? Well… I wasn’t getting it. Thought the people were idiots (and maybe the advertisers, too). It was clearly lemonade. Why would they ask if it was iced tea?

Then Hubby pointed out that the man on the commercial is IceT. D’oh! Now I get the ad. Now I laugh when I see it.

But is an ad that has to be explained an effective ad? I’m thinking no. I thought Geico had lost their mind, so how many others think the same thing?

I’m so glad I can zip through the commercials during the shows I record. Unfortunately, when you watch live sports, you’re stuck with seeing them.

Speaking (okay, writing) of sports… The Wayne High School football team easily won Friday night (after an hour lightning delay), Ohio State played awesome on Saturday, Steelers are playing the way we love to watch them play, and even the Rams won their welcome-back-home game. Yay! Wonderful winning weekend. Hope it continues.

On Friday I ate breakfast before walking to the fitness center. That worked so much better and I’ll continue doing that, as long as the weather allows it. I like to walk outside (and getting my 10K steps), but not in the rain or temps much below 50. I may be crazy, but I’m not that crazy!

So… Do you think an ad that has to be explained an effective ad or a flop?

Have a great Monday!

Stacy

Friday, September 16, 2016

Construction Woes

My city is currently widening the street I need to drive on to get to my street. It was due to be widened. Lots of housing tracts have opened up on this two-lane road to the AFB and traffic gets bogged down when someone wants to turn left.

When the first ROAD CLOSED sign appeared, it said it was OPEN TO LOCAL TRAFFIC. That would be me. My street is within the ROAD CLOSED signs.

At first I was able to drive to either side of the closure. A few days into their work, I drove up and had to stop. A cop car blocked the road while men were in the process of changing the sign by crossing off the LOCAL TRAFFIC part. I sat there and waited until they were finished. Cop got out of his car and pointed to the ROAD CLOSED sign. I stuck my head out the window and yelled that I lived on such & such street. He told me to go around. And he didn’t say this very nice. In fact, he was rather rude. Like it was my fault I lived on that road!

Of course, I almost expected a cop on the other end telling me to do the same, but there wasn’t one.

Now, the road isn’t torn up in the middle. They are working on one side. We couldn’t see any reason why we couldn’t use it to get to our street, but I wasn’t about to argue with the cop.

Found out later that the school busses were also told to go around (by a cop) AFTER they were told (by the city) that they could drive through. My friend, who is in charge of these busses, was not a happy camper about that (messed up his whole pickup schedule). Wanted to know when the police overrode the city department. He also wanted to know whose bright idea it was to START this construction after school started. They had ALL SUMMER to do this work!

I’d kind of like to know the answer to that one, too.

The detour signs crack me up, though. The city sends the driver a mile north when it’s less than half a mile south to the next street. You can bet which one I take!

Yesterday at the fitness center I came up with a brilliant idea. Remember me whining about the sun rising late and how I wouldn’t walk to the fitness center in the dark? Well, I decided that I could eat breakfast FIRST, then walk to the fitness center. That way when I walk back, it won’t be too late to eat breakfast. I’ll just have to quit the outside walks when it gets too cold.

I amaze myself sometimes. Or I’m just slow. You pick.

So… Got any construction woes in your area? Feel free to rant here!

Happy Friday!

Stacy

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Wednesday Reads and Working on a Butt-Kicker

Dark mornings mean no more walking to the fitness center in the morning (boo). Which means I’m back on the treadmill (boo hoo). Which means I can read more (okay…yay!). Sure, I could leave the house later, but then it’ll feel like I’ve wasted the morning! I am so a morning person when it comes to exercise.

Here’s what I read the past week:

September 8: “The Siren’s Dance” by Amber Belldene, Book 2 in the Siren Romance series, a paranormal romance at 208 pages. Blurb from book: Death has transformed former ballerina Anya Truss into a vila—an alluring wind nymph—but her need for revenge has kept her trapped on the riverbank where she was drowned. Now, after fifty years of waiting, she finally has a chance to break free by getting even with her cruel dance instructor, the man who betrayed her and broke her heart. But for her plan to work, she must place her trust in a handsome but unlikely ally. Straight-laced police investigator Sergey Yuchenko has spent years searching for the father he never knew, and he finally has a solid lead. Problem is, that lead comes in the form of a ghost—a gorgeous but stubborn vila with destructive powers she can’t control. Anya’s graceful beauty awakens a desire in Sergey like he’s never felt before. But when past secrets are brought to light, the lovers will have to face an evil that could tear them apart forever. If you enjoy Russian folklore, here’s your book! An unusual setting (Ukraine) and unusual ghost (vila) made for one enjoyable read. Oh, and there's some sexy parts, too!

Ghostly Interlude is coming along—finally! I’ve got fewer than 100 pages left to revise. Of course, that number could change when I get to the new scene I have to write. I have no idea how long this scene will be; I just know it has to happen (since it’s important for book 3).

I really never thought it would take me so long to get through this revision. And I thought Ghostly Liaison was a butt-kicker. Nope. This one is worse. I can only hope that means this book is SUPER awesome. Well, it is for me. Hopefully it will be for others.

So… What time is best for you to exercise? I like getting it done early, then it’s over with and I don’t have to think about it again!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Monday, September 12, 2016

Fall TV Season and Some Wonderful News!

Fall television season is almost upon us. Any new shows pique your interest?

I was first thinking NO. I watch enough TV as it is. Then I saw the commercial for “Bull” and remembered I want to check that one out. It stars Michael Weatherly, who I like. But other than that, none of the other new shows seem all that interesting.

Not that I’m looking, because I’m really not. The only thing I’m paying attention to is when my current favorites start up again. I have to make sure a DVR is programmed and I won’t have any conflicts (like recording more than two shows in one time slot—which is happening once).

Seventeen shows. That’s how many we record. So far. Midseason replacements can add three more.

Told you. I watch too many. But… Ahhh… guilty pleasures. It could be worse, huh?

I meant to tell you all last week, but rushed in my Friday post and forgot. How that was even possible, I don’t know. This is wonderful news! My baby’s getting married! That would be my first-born, my son.

I’m so happy!!

They’re hoping to get married next September (provided they find a place that meets their needs), but know NOT to pick Labor Day weekend. I’ve already paid for the hotel—all six days—for Dragon Con (the price to make sure we have a room).

My good friend (who lives in Columbus) is also getting married next year (not the same time). Lots of weddings to go to! Wonder if I can wear the same dress to both? Hmmm… Probably not, huh?

But do I NEED to wear a dress? How about a nice pant suit? I’ll have to think about this.

Sad thing is, it’s not the dress I’m opposed to wearing. It’s the shoes that have to go with it. I hate fancy shoes! Or more accurately, my feet hate fancy shoes and I’d like my feet to be happy.

So… Any suggestions how I can have happy feet with a fancy dress?

Have a great Monday!!

Stacy

Friday, September 9, 2016

More Dragon Con Pictures and iPhone Issues

Not much more to show, picture-wise. On Monday I got pics of Brett Dalton (Grant Ward on "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.") and William Shatner.




Both panels were great (and I was in the 2nd row for Brett's panel!). Besides being very pretty, Brett is quite funny (who knew?). I realized the other day that he could be my character Rob from Ghostly Liaison. That smile… so swoon worthy! My pictures just don’t do him justice (or maybe I'll just blame the camera!).


 
 
William Shatner was asked about “Better Late Than Never.” Have you seen that show yet? I haven’t, but I am curious now. He stars in that series with Terry Bradshaw, George Foreman, and Henry Winkler. Said he made a bucket list during filming:

#1. Catch a pass from Terry Bradshaw.

#2. Box in the ring with George Foreman.

#3. Get Henry Winkler to make him laugh.

He managed to scratch off all three items! It took several tries and lots of dropped balls, but he managed to catch a pass. He said while in the boxing ring, he took several jabs at George without any kind of reaction. George bopped him one in the chest and he went flying on his ass! Yes, this made him happy! And Henry told him a joke, which made him laugh and he shared it with us (which I'm not re-telling exactly here, but as close as I can remember):

There was this old woman, with wrinkly, sagging skin. She asked God if she had time to get a face lift. God told her she had plenty of time and to go for it. So she spent months in the hospital getting her face lifted. When it was all done, she looked years younger. Happy with the results, she left the hospital and promptly got hit by a bus. When she met up with God later, she complained. “You said I had time. Why did I die?”

He exclaimed, “Oh my God! I didn’t recognize you!”

So, did that make you laugh, too?

While at Dragon Con, the battery status on my iPhone became stuck at 100%. I had updated the software just prior to going to Atlanta. My daughter said she’d been having problems with the status saying she had 50% battery and then it died. I had that happen to me at 40%. It was when I charged it after that that it stayed at 100%.

I don’t know about you, but to me it’s like driving with a stuck gas gauge, except you don’t have the odometer to estimate how much juice you have left.

So every chance I got I kept the phone plugged in, because there were plenty of times where I wouldn’t have access to electricity (although I carried a battery charger with me). I could just imagine losing my phone while I was trying to tell Hubby or Daughter where they might find me in line (because I was in LOTS of lines).

Turned out, it must have been the magic of Dragon Con. By the time we left Atlanta on Tuesday, my status started decreasing. It works again! How accurate it is, I have no idea. But at least it hasn’t turned off at 41%. Yet.

So… What do you think about the iPhone 7 having no speaker jack? I’m thinking I won’t ever be getting another iPhone if that’s the way it’ll be. I’m not fond of blue tooth. It never works the way it should.

Have a great Friday!!

Stacy

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Wednesday Reads and RT Booklovers Convention

I have more pictures of Dragon Con, but I think I’ll save those for Friday. J

When you’re traveling, or standing in line for hours, you can get some reading done. Here’s what I read the past week:

August 31: “Charming the Professor” by Donna MacMeans, Book 1 in the Charm Gates Time-Travel series, a time-travel romance at 196 pages. Blurb from book: The Charm Gates have stood at The Court of Two Sisters for more than a century with no one guessing the secret they hold. A jealous vindictive queen and a blackmailed alchemist have encased French “charm teacher” Madeline Charlebois’s essence inside, until a grieving professor touches the gates during a storm and Madeline tumbles out, not in her own 19th century Spain, but in 21st century New Orleans. Quantum physics professor Grant Stewart has mourned his wife’s death for the last three years. He must move on for his young daughter’s sake, the child who delights in terrorizing babysitters. Grant needs adequate childcare to pursue tenure at Tulane. What he doesn’t need is a French beauty believing nonsense like time-travel and voodoo, and whose very being is melting his heart. Maddie may be without resources but she’s good at making new friends, even if they are on the quirky side. She believes Professor Stewart can return her to her own time, but first she must earn his trust to win his cooperation. Babysitting his daughter gives her both proximity and love for the child. Will Grant be the key to returning her home? Or will she, in turn, unlock his frozen heart? All they need is time and maybe a little voodoo… This was such a fun read. It had been awhile since I was able to read non-stop for hours (I can do that as a passenger in a car) and so glad I didn’t have to put the book down. But if my eyesight never recovers, I’ll blame it on the book. Haha!

September 3: “An Accidental Gentleman” by M.Q. Barber, Book 2 in the Gentleman series, an erotica at 166 pages. Blurb from book: Kit Runyon isn’t looking for a man to keep—she’s happy with the occasional one-night stand and no strings. Making sure her family’s electronics repair shop is profitable enough to support three generations is her main focus. But when Brian Hendricks walks into the store, one look, one word, and she knows he’s not wired like any man she’s ever met before… Brian’s attracted to Kit’s strength and no-nonsense attitude, but he’s tired of the one-and-done dating scene. He’s ready to settle down with the right woman, even if that means he’ll have to play things slow and stay out of her bed to show her there’s more to love than just mind-blowing sex. But at this rate he’s liable to short all the circuits… There could be some that would call this a contemporary romance, but it really is more about their relationship and how sex is treated that I think it makes it more of an erotica. Which is kind of funny because there aren’t all that many sex scenes. But whoo! The stuff that’s there is quite steamy. I really enjoyed reading about Brian and Kit (Katherine), and even seeing Rob and Nora (from book 1) again.

I might have had a third book to report, but the Tennessee hills started getting to my stomach. Lots of twisting and turning and construction. Let’s not forget the construction.

While driving back from Atlanta (and Dragon Con) I remembered registration opened for the RT Booklovers Convention (it will be in Atlanta, May 2-7). Thank goodness for my hot spot! Got registered and got a room, but there was a wait list for the indie book signing, so I signed up for e-book only. I figured I don’t sell many books there anyway, so I’ll just have some postcards made up of each book (cover on front, blurb and QR code on back) and sign those. Plus I’ll probably still have plenty of magnets & buttons left to hand out. Unless they all go during RomCon. Heck, you never know!

So… Whatcha been up to? Read any good books?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Monday, September 5, 2016

Some Crappy Pictures from DragonCon

I have not been a very good picture-taker at Dragon Con this time around. Most likely because I haven't been in prime picture-taking areas. I'm actually avoiding those this year (they are a hassle to get around in).

But I did get some pictures. Most of them are blurry (zooming in a darkened room doesn't create sharp images for some reason), so please forgive me. I don't carry around a high-speed camera.

Here you go. Click on them to enlarge (and make MORE blurry -- haha!).

At the Firefly panel, this guy was sitting across from my husband. It took me a while to figure out who he was supposed to be. If you've ever seen Serenity, you might know (Wash). If you haven't, then it won't matter. Still, it had to have been difficult to sit with that thing "through" him.

The Firefly panel consisted of Alan Tudyk and Adam Baldwin (the other guy was the moderator). Later on, my daughter got her picture taken with Alan Tudyk at one of the parties. Hmmm... Maybe I should be hanging with her more often!

Here are James Leary, James Marsters, and Eliza Dushku from the Buffy/Angel panel. Leary was only in a few episodes. He played Clem, the sagging skin demon--totally unrecognizable without the makeup! Marsters was, of course, Spike and Eliza was Faith. Did you ever watch the shows?

A better shot of James Marsters and Eliza.

This is Summer Glau from the Flash/Arrow panel. I can't remember the name of the character she played on Arrow, but I remember she was River Tam on Firefly (gee... it would have been nice if she were on the Firefly panel, too!).

Teddy Sears (Zoom--Flash) and Summer from the Flash/Arrow panel. Would have been nice if he took off his hat. Never really did get a good look at his face!

Carlos Valdes (Cisco--Flash), Violet Beane (Jessie Quick--Flash), Teddy, and Summer. I think we were all really there to see Carlos. He's so great on the show! Pretty good in person, too.
 
The room for the Deep Space 9 panel was not lit very well, so these pictures are even worse than the others! That's Aron Eisenberg (Nog) on the left and Alexander Siddig (Dr. Bashir) on the right. Garrett Wang (Harry Kim from Voyager) was the moderator and he's in the middle.

Was able to get in line early for some good seats on the Gotham Panel. That's David Mazouz (Bruce Wayne), Robin Lord Taylor (Penguin), Sean Pertwee (Alfred), and Drew Powell (Butch).

Chris Chalk (Lucius Fox), David, Robin, Sean, and Drew.

Another panel I got in line early for: Q&A with Torchwood Guests. This is Naoko Mori (Tosh) and it was her first Dragon Con. I think she was just as excited as we were!

Best shot I could get of Gareth David Lloyd (Ianto).

Moderator, Naoko, James Marsters (Captain John Hart), and Gareth.

Hubby and I went to the Star Trek Miss Universe Pageant. This young lady ended up being the winner. It was very hard for me to get any good shots of the contestants. They moved around too much.

Great shot of the woman playing Deanna Troi (she stood still). At first I thought it was really her!

Janice Rand doubles. I did like that character on the original series, even though she was only in 6 episodes.

The Star Trek Miss Universe Pageant was really funny, though (especially the talent portion). Unfortunately it ran long, so they had to cut the interview portion. Maybe next year they'll book the room for more than an hour. But they had real judges: Gil Gerard, Aron Eisenberg, Miss Georgia, and last year's Miss Star Trek Universe.

Well, that's my pictures for now. Today I hope to get good seats to see William Shatner and then after that, Brett Dalton from S.H.I.E.L.D. I'm not crazy about his character, Ward, but heard he's a hoot, so now I'm curious.

Kind of sad it's the last day, but kind of glad, too. I miss my bed. And the quiet.

Have a great holiday. You do have the day off today, don't you?

Stacy

Friday, September 2, 2016

I'm at Dragon Con

Hey! I remembered to post something (almost forgot, though—whew!).

I was surprised when I checked into the hotel this time. We got free wifi! Whoo hoo!

Then I got surprised even more when we got to our room. It’s a big one! Whoo hoo #2!

Unofficial con started last night with some parties. Hubby wanted to check out the Bunny Hutch (lots of people dressed up as some kind of Playboy Bunny). It was supposed to be a contest, but by the time we left (about an hour later), they still were checking in the contestants. Sometimes I think I’m too old for that stuff anyway.

I would have liked for the Lip Sync Battle to be a little longer than it was. Scheduled for 4 hours, only two acts performed and it was over in 30 minutes!

Today is a full day. Some of the stuff I plan on seeing are Firefly guests (Alan Baldwin & Alan Tudyk), Buffy & Angel guests (Eliza Dushku, James Leary, & James Marsters), and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. We watched the little film in the room yesterday (Hubby had never seen it), and tonight a cast acts it out while the film plays. Should be fun (more fun than that Bunny Hutch anyways!).

Hopefully I’ll start taking pictures today.

Hopefully.

Happy Friday!
 
Stacy