Yay - Good news!

Bouchercon will be invading New Orleans for its annual world mystery convention this September where every year readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers and other lovers of crime fiction gather for a weekend of education, entertainment, and fun! It is the world's premiere event bringing together all parts of the mystery and crime fiction community.

In conjunction with this year's event, Down & Out Books will be publishing BLOOD ON THE BAYOU: Bouchercon Anthology 2016 edited by Greg Herren.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to edit this outstanding collection of stories," said Herren, an award-winning author of mystery and suspense novels. "It demonstrates the deep appreciation each of the contributing authors has to their craft."

"This is the third year that we have had the privilege of publishing Bouchercon's official anthology," added Eric Campbell, publisher of Down & Out Books, "and I share in Greg's enthusiasm for these stories."

Nearly 100 authors blindly submitted a story for consideration by three industry professionals, who had the incredibly difficult task of narrowing the list down to just 22 stories. 

Kaye Wilkinson Barley (wheeeeee!!!), Eric Beetner, G. J. Brown, Sheila Connolly, O'Neil DeNoux, Barbara Ferrer, John Floyd, Alison Gaylin, Greg Herren, BV Lawson, R. T. Lawton, Deborah Lacy, Edith Maxwell, Liz Milliron, Terrie Moran, David Morrell, Dino Parenti, Mike Penn, Gary Phillips, Thomas Pluck, Paula Smith and Elaine Viets were chosen to have their stories included in the anthology. New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham will write the introduction.

Each of the selected authors contributed their stories to the anthology and the Bouchercon Committee and Down & Out Books have agreed that all proceeds from the sale of BLOOD ON THE BAYOU will go to support the New Orleans Public Library system and by extension readers and writers everywhere.

Cambridge High School Class of '66 - 50th Reunion

Yesterday I posted pictures from Friday night at Portside.  You can see them here - http://www.meanderingsandmuses.com/2016/06/cambridge-high-class-of-66-pre-reunion.html

Today we'll revisit Saturday night at The Hyatt where a grand time was had by all.

This is the high school we all remember

This is where we partied on Saturday, June 11, 2016.  

But this is what it looked like before it was The Hyatt.

Back when it was The Eastern Shore State Hospital for the Insane, opened May, 1915.

http://www.asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Eastern_Shore_State_Hospital

The Hyatt was built in 2002 - http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/06/realestate/a-resort-replaces-a-mental-hospital-in-maryland.html

This sad reminder of the hospital remains

photos taken by Charles Tinley

The Potters Graves from the Eastern Shore State Hospital.

The original granite marker was placed in this spot in 1986 by the ESHC Auxiliary stating - -

"In remembrance of the residents laid to rest here from 1935 to 1962."

"All God's Children"

An additional plaque was added in a 1999 rededication  by

The Harold M. English Foundation.

It states - -

"198 rest here"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Class of '66 

50th Reunion

This first group of pictures tells a story. Those in the picture and in that room know the story. Those who don't won't see everything it represents, but the production and the laughs that goes into getting this group shot taken at every reunion - every 5 years - is priceless. 

It takes longer to get classmates together for this event than it does to herd cats. 

Then the impossible task of getting everyone to hush, and to smile - well, its just not possible. 

We used to have a professional photographer come and take this shot. I think at this stage all the Eastern Shore professional photographers now say, "No. No. I did this once - never again. Don't call here again." 

So it's up to spouses and partners to capture the moment. There's a strong connection running through this group. A connection that gets stronger as we each get a little older. And, sadly, as we look around and realize how many are no longer with us - and we remember each of them. And lastly, it now takes those of us sitting on the floor much longer than it once did to get back up.

Entertained by The Fabulous Hubcaps

Classmates from East Cambridge Elementary School

Classmates from Academy Elementary

Classmates from Peach Blossom Elementary

pictures from previous reunions can be seen here  -  http://www1.appstate.edu/~barleykw/MarylandBuddies.htm