I Survived Another Field Trip

We're back from Silverwood, and I'm still alive, barely. Why is it that I forget how much walking and work that really is? And why, tell me why, did I agree to that 3 days before I get to walk through Quilt Market??? I'm such a wimp, and not very good at being physically uncomfortable. It was cool yesterday, I was cold, my legs were tired, and since getting sick on the plane, I don't like motion rides. Perhaps this isn't the field trip for me? If I start talking next year about going, someone please comment and remind me about this post!
On the up side, the weather here is supposed to be beautiful this weekend. High 80's and full sun. Of course, I'm out of town, which seems to happen every time we get some decent weather. My kids are ecstatic, practically jumping up and down with joy at the thought of wearing shorts. Will did a double take when I picked out shorts and a t-shirt this morning for him. "Kylee! I get to wear shorts......and short sleeves!" he shouted. It was a far cry from yesterday, when he came stomping down the hall with pants in hand, saying, "Mom - I didn't choose these stupid pants!"
I'll be busy today, tying up loose ends before Market. There are plenty of them, too! My car needs an oil change, I need to pack, there's a mountain of laundry the size of Everest, and I have to finish at least 1 more quilt before I go. There's also bills to pay, phone calls to make, food to pre-prepare, and organization that needs to happen. Yes, you're right, I don't have a prayer!

Behold, Birchwood!

The new Birchwood fabrics are up on the website. Check them out!

The Countdown Begins

OK, so I'm a little late starting my Quilt Market Countdown. After all, there's only 4 days left, really, so what's the point of starting it now? Well, remember how I'm always late? Consider this part of my "late" personality! It only takes a quick blog search to find out that most Quilt Marketer's have been counting down since the beginning of the year!
After reading all about it on everyone's blogs, I'm getting even more excited to go. It should be a fun road trip, since it's in Portland and we are driving. Funny how that flying sickness gives you a new perspective on flying, not to mention that there's no way I can fit everything into 2 suitcases. A prerequisite of Market is to bring at least 1 empty suitcase to fill with great stuff to bring home!
That DVD player I bought for the infamous trip to Salt Lake City will sure come in handy. Combined with the GPS system my friend offered to bring, we should be set! Portland Starbucks beware!
I also made reservations for Houston last night. Yes, believe it or not, you need to make reservations for Fall Quilt Market before Spring Market even happens! This year, I am trying a new tactic. Instead of spending $150/night on a hotel room downtown near the convention, plus paying $50/each way to and from the airport, I am staying 10 miles away, and renting a car. Only time will tell if this is a good strategy, but I had to try. Between the taxi and hotel savings, I saved over $200. That may not seem like a lot, but I hate wasting money, and that's $200 more I can spend on fabric and other merchandise!
Well, time to take the girls to school. And then it's on to my to-do list for the rest of the day. Hopefully I can squeeze some quilting in there somewhere!