DIAF CON, set-up

I approach the airport slowing to a speed that will let me read all of the signs of the various terminals. Delta, KLM, Arrivals, Departures. Amy and Steve have landed, but have not yet gotten to their luggage. It occurs to me they have Johanna too. I had cleared a spot for their daughter before leaving the house, but it is still strange to me to imagine their family of three. It is a little overcast and drizzling as I smile at the thought. I see the mark for USAirways and I drastically slow my approach. I'd prefer to pull-up just in time. I linger at a distance beside the sign which tells me no stopping right up until the airport police stop a few cars behind me. I pick up my pace, hoping my phone will buzz, Steve telling me which doorway to find them at. The buzz doesn't come. I pull up, stop and wall in to see where their baggage will arrive. Just a few doors down. I crawl to the spot, minutes to move a foot, until I am there. Not a moment later, Steve runs out of the door, letting me know I have made it and just a few minutes after that we are all loaded into the car.

We drive to my house, which is about halfway between the airport and RIW and visit with my wife for a while. It goes well and if we trade cars, I can leave all of Amy and Steve's stuff in the Flex, but load the Montana with my stuff for the con. Which, after a short visit, I do.

It is too early to drop them off at the hotel, so just Steve and I go to RIW. I'm a little concerned because the opening time of this shop is a little flexible. They say noon, but it could be a little longer. I see the open sign on the storefront just as I realize I am passing it. I always forget how close it it to Middlebelt. With only a light delay, turning around in the neighboring apartment drive, I am n the lot, near where I think the store is. Steve and I walk in and I see Pam, the gruff looking, lounge pants wearing, hardened shop owner who gave is this space for free. She walks us over to the green room, unceremoniously kicks out a few magic players she is not happy to see there and makes sure this will do. Of course it will do. It has six tables of various sizes, is big enough for twenty people to play in and has a huge game closet. As a last step, she gives her my key, letting me a know a murder will happen if it gets lost, I let her know I think my friend James, who is not only my co-host but responsible for getting us this room, would be really good at getting murdered.

It is not long after that James sends me a text letting me know he is home and it will be a little while before he will be there to join us. I have a slight pang of guilt, but not so much to let Pam know she shouldn't murder James.

Once the last magic player finally packs his stuff and leaves, the four of us are left to set-up the room. Steve and I jump into setting up the room. We move a table to the back wall for food. Adjust tables along the wall for demo games for free play. We move chairs and generally try to make the space as play ready as possible. I start bringing my stuff in from the car and Steve is gone when I get back in. He is in the game room, separating out every game he has the slightest interest to play. A dozen, then two dozen. I just carry them to the table as he makes stacks in the room.

I get a call from James and we make some last minute adjustments. He'll pick up Matt and Kevin from the airport, while we continue to set up and check out the store. That works out just fine.

In hour or so, with the room set up and Steve and I trying our first game, Dominion, James, Matt and Kevin arrive. I control myself, but it is electric. We are here, friends from around the country, face to face, to just enjoy. New games, old games, each others company. We are set to begin something special. Something, which still impacts my thoughts today.