Back from Houma, Louisiana, and the Big Easy,and being there is such a wonderful experience that I'm still barely noticing the suitcases around the house that are half full, the absolute mess . . . . Ah, well, what is new?

Heading into the next, RT! I finished the script for the vampire ball, and it's out, and the players are now able to send me their thoughts and their bits, and we're trying very hard, of course, to produce an evening that runs as smoothly as last year's event. But, hm, life is to be lived! If we fail, it won't be for lack of effort.

It's seriously fun, though, buying costumes, thinking about the set–and then remembering that we have to get raffle tickets and baskets together. Helen and I pay for the event, and we're not trying to make any money back–we are trying to raise funds for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Fund. Thanks to a lot of good friends, I definitely have the prizes to give away to make a raffle ticket well worth the cost!

I believe it will be my first trip to Columbus, Ohio. And there's much more going on than just my party, though it does have to be my major focus! But before that, others are handling the hard part for the Mad Hatter Tea Party. And as for the other parties, great! I just attend. I'm taking off on Monday, so next week, I'll have the first of the pictures up!

If you're anywhere near Columbus on Saturday, May 1st, Kathryn Falk runs one of the most amazing autographing events in the world. Five dollars to enter for non-registered guests. Buy new books, or bring your old!