Kage Baker was not a partier at cons. Not for her the glittering rounds between parties in crowded hotel rooms; she preferred bar tenders to bottles in a tub of ice. And she hated noise.

Besides, no matter how nice the Con folks were – and usually, they are as kind as can be to the folks on the Programs – Kage would get seriously worn out. A day spent walking back and forth between panel rooms, plus having to be “on” and under observation all the time – well, she didn’t thrive under the spotlight. She did what she promised to do, and she liked her fans, but she was never too upset if the turn out at a reading was low.

I enjoy the panels. I’m not in the spotlight as much as Kage was, usually, so maybe that’s why I have more fun. Or maybe it’s because it’s an easier performance that doing living history. And I frankly love to pontificate. (Surprise!)

However … I am majorly energy depleted these days. My stamina is right up there with a new-born kitten’s. And today I have had a very lively day, perusing the Dealer Room and meeting friends who tracked me down, as well as turning in three panels – which do take a bit out of you, if you’re doing them right. You know, actually talking out loud and answering questions and stuff.

And then I went to Regency Dancing! No, I wasn’t crazy enough to try to dance – I sit on the sidelines, in the traditional position of old ladies, and watch. I knit, and I guard shawls and purses, and I applaud. I do tap my feet pretty vigourously, though.

Anyway, I’m beat, Dear Readers. It was a grand day at BayCon, and I think I pontificated well. I got some laughs, I won and lost some amiable arguments, and I annoyed a World War II fanatic who didn’t think the Jews would have made much of a mark on the world stage except for giving rise to Christians. And I didn’t hit anyone with my stick. So I guess I’m in the black on something like virtue.

And now I’m going to bed, where I fully expect to sleep! Science fiction conventions are  magical places, you know …