The May SSE Conference in Charlottesville, VA was, as I’d expected, interesting, informative, and often entertaining.  Charlie Tolbert did a superb job of handling the local arrangements; the conference venue was delightful (and Charlie contributed periodic juicy nuggets of information about the campus’s rich history); the program was varied and nicely balanced; and there were many opportunities for stimulating conversation, exchange of ideas, and of course reconnecting with old friends, making new acquaintances, and meeting people I’ve known only through correspondence.