So I did not have enough money to go to Midfur 11 this year in Australia. Not a great catastrophe, since they already have 2 the Ranting Gryphon who is more than capable of keeping them laughing on his own. With the help of some very generous (and arguably pound-foolish) Aussiefurs, the con managed to get funding for me late in the game. They brought me in as a "Surprise Guest of Honor," which is really quite nice of them. "Honor" and "Sam Conway" still seems a strange combination to me. Honestly, I'm just an old bloke who drinks too much and never shuts up.

Guenther arrived by car on Friday afternoon. It was a mysterious masked figure who made his first appearance on Friday night. The reception from the Aussie furry community was warm and really very touching. Plus I get to see Jenner (of Doc Rat fame) and Paul Kidd again, two positively delightful fellows whose company I adore.

Midfur is a wonderful and fun-filled con, although I'm having a bit of sticker-shock. Last year an Aussie dollar was worth less than 70 cents US so I did not mind so much paying AUD29 for a breakfast buffet. The US dollar, though, has crashed down below the level of the roo-buck, so that AUD29 buffet is now more than $30 in greenbacks. I found that cheap tandoori chicken from the little Indian place around the corner makes for a fine breakfast anyway.

I wish I could stay longer (and write longer, since the cost of internet here is higher than my monthly car payments), but I'm due back at the airport in 24 hours for the marathon flight back to the States. Just wanted to pop in, though, and explain to people first off why I suddenly vanished from sight at the end of last week, and why I was so cagey about telling folks where I was off to. Furry Fandom is a remarkable group of people but not on the whole so good at keeping secrets!

Time is short, but I wanted to post and mention how awesome this year's Midwest Furfest was! Hey, they've been a class act for a decade now, you have to expect a great event from them.

This year was MFF's 10th anniversary. At opening ceremonies they had everyone stand up and then thinned them out by how many years they'd attended. At the end, the only people left standing were those who had attended all ten years. I'm proud to say I was one of them! And then they gave us all a bunch of goodies. :)

Also, I'm pretty sure they set a record for the number of Guests Of Honor this year. They actually invited back every guest of honor they've ever had! Ten guests of honor made this year a celebrity fest in the dealer room.

I usually like having a comment or two on the hotel but this year, I can't! Because I stayed in the overflow hotel... the Hampton Inn & Suites at Lincolnshire. I have to say, my entire stay at this hotel kicked ass. The rooms were big and decked out with all kinds of amenities. And, as an added bonus, of all people who just happened to be in the room next to us with an adjoining door, it was Agent Elrond! We threw those doors open and spent a lot of time chilling out. She truly is a wonderful person.

But I digress... In all my time going to conventions, I truly don't think I have ever met a more friendly and dedicated hotel staff than at this Hampton. These guys just rocked. And they really did seem to enjoy what was going on with the convention. One receptionist even brought her daughter to the convention on her day off. And the shuttle service between the Hampton and the Westin was always on time, quick and friendly.

Shout outs to the fursuiters at MFF this year. There were a lot of great looking suits and wonderful performers. Everyone really seemed to enjoy their time. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to go through the dealer's room. There were a lot of people in there I wanted to say hello to.

It was a great pleasure performing for everyone on Friday and then again on Saturday night with Uncle Kage for our impromptu charity performance. In the end, we raised $750!

In any case, I had a lot of fun at MFF this year performing and giving panels and I hope that you guys enjoyed them too.

I do have to apologize to Uncle Kage, however. I didn't mean to upset you, man. I honestly thought you'd appreciate the pie in the face or I seriously wouldn't have done it. Hey, it did get a big laugh anyway. I knew you were going to talk about Soupy Sales and I thought it would fit the mood. Either way, it was very good performing with you once again!

I would love to take a few days and just chill out after a party like that, but I can't. Because coming this next weekend, I will be in Australia to perform for Midfur II in Melbourne! I can't wait to see all you furries down under again. Catch you guys next weekend!