Storm stole our patio umbrella
—text from a friend
KeyCon in Winnipeg, Manitoba met in the real world for the first time since the pandemic. However, they maintained one room for online events. The panellists met by Zoom and appeared on a large screen. Of course, people could also attend those ones online, by invitation.
I had a reading (late morning) and one panel (early evening). I planned to read the first chapter of The Con, as I've done many times before, and a key section of "Space Comprimari" (included in Live Nude Aliens), which would be a first-time reading.
A storm hit locally, one of those roaring, windy rainstorms that hit the Great Lakes Basin and turn streets into rapid shallow rivers and knock down century-old trees. Sirens wailed on the wind. Our power went out. I called to indicate that I would likely be a no-show.
It took the better part of the day before our power returned. I cannot really…