FOLSOM QUILT AND FIBER GUILD

 Jobs to teach around the country are often two years in the planning stage, from the first contact, to  contract signing, to the actual event. My recent trip to Folsom, CA was no exception.

Airline travel was set last summer. It didn't occur to me then that this is what might happen in Huntsville AL the day before my 5:30 am flight to sunny California:

Having to be at the airport by 4:30 am when roads were likely to be treacherous meant getting a hotel room close to the airport the night before. Up at 3:15, my husband had me at the airport on time, where it was packed for this early flight. Once my big purple suitcase was checked in and I got through TSA, I was all set. 

Alas, the crew didn't arrive until 6:30 am, so we left an hour and a half late. My layover in Atlanta evaporated. We made up a little time, and I was off the plane with 10 minutes to get from gate A6 to B24. 

I RAN, dragging my small carryon and traveling backpack. Not sure how but I made it! The gate agent saw me running as she was set to close the door--I was on the flight to Sacramento. They closed the boarding door as soon as I walked on the plane. Phew!

We sat on the runway for 3 hours. Weather meant each plane had to be de-iced--this takes time. Then Ground Radar went DOWN--nothing moves when air control can't see where each plane is on the ground. That was fixed after a while, we moved a bit, it went down again. Long story short--we took off 3 hours late but got to Sacramento at 2 pm local time.

I had built in an extra travel day to visit my friend Jenny K Lyon, spending the first night at her home. She has recently done a big beautiful kitchen remodel--check out her blog for photos Quiltskipper:

                                   

Her backyard, lovely landscape, 38 degrees, no swimming this trip

The front of Jenny's home

The view across the street

Being able to text while onboard was a big help. I let Jenny know about the delay. She kept her eye on the flight's progress so was able to see when we would land. 

Do you know? It is so easy to find flight information in real time. Google the airline/flight number, mine was DL904. I also sent this code to Jenny and my husband in texts--they simply had to click on PREVIEW FLIGHT to see the full information--when we took off, how far into the flight we were, what gate we should be landing at, etc. 

About halfway through the flight I realized my big suitcase was almost certainly NOT ONBOARD--I ran to catch the flight but the baggage handlers didn't. Using the Delta App I was able to "TRACK MY BAG"--sure enough, my bag was scheduled to be on the next flight to Sacramento, landing at 11 pm.

When I landed I went to the Delta Baggage office, where a very helpful agent named Margie explained my big suitcase would  be delivered the next day, Monday. As it had most everything I needed to teach on Wednesday I wasn't too worried. It did arrive about 1 pm to Jenny's house, sure was glad to see this:

At least my carryon had my toothbrush and a change of clothes. And my masters for teaching should the worst happen--at least I could make 20 more copies. Once I had my stuff I was all set. 

Jenny and I spent time discussing a quilting plan for a small quilt I am working on--it was in the big suitcase but we worked from a photo. When we were able to look at the actual quilt, the plan was approved--she had great ideas that helped me a lot:

                                      

Jenny and I took a long walk in her very hilly neighborhood. We kept up with each other and I was so happy to be moving again. Then it was time to get me to the hotel in Folsom. 

I found a nearby Chinese place for dinner: Andy's Kitchen. My fortune was so appropriate: "The Journey Forward is the One that Matters".  

The next day I was thrilled to get my power walk done on an amazing walking/biking trail that goes all the way to downtown Sacramento. I did more than 7 miles in 1.75 hours, and saw only a few other people. Those who commute by bike on this trail were already at work, while those who exercise there waited until the day warmed up. It was 38 degrees when I started and 49 when I finished:

 At lunch time my guild contact, the wonderful Eileen, picked me up for lunch and a tour:

Salmon Salad from Karen's Cafe and Bakery

Eileen, a civil engineer, showed me the sights, including Folsom Dam and Folsom prison--as a Johnny Cash fan, that was fun. Eileen is a delightful person and I enjoyed our time together. After an afternoon break that allowed me time to make phone calls back east, Eileen picked me up for dinner. Dos Coyotes was good too:

Finally, on to the guild meeting. The FIRST THING that happens is we get the technical side all set--connecting my IPad to their projection system. Easy and we were ready. 

The guild is preparing for their annual quilt show, January 31-February 2, 2025. Here is their Facebook Page with the details. It is sure to be great, don't miss it if you are anywhere in the area. 

After a brief break for refreshments it was time to give my lecture "Time Management for Quilters". Probably my most informative lecture, it is always well received. There was a very large crowd, quite a few guests, and I enjoyed meeting everyone. Some know me from The Quilt Show, many follow this Blog, and it is always good to see real people in person. 

Wednesday morning I did an hour on the hotel treadmill, not nearly as enjoyable as walking the trail but it was too dark and too cold at 6 am. After breakfast, Eileen picked me up for the Workshop Western Sun. I  love teaching this because I love this  quilt and it offers lots of "teachable moments". The students did well and it was a good day:

Student work beside one of my class samples

110" square, too big to travel but students get to see photos

Wild Western Sun, 45" square, class size in bold fabrics

Too soon the day was over. I had a little hotel break, again for phone calls back east. Then Eileen and her husband picked me up for dinner at Crawdad's by the Lake. No photos because we all  loved our meals and just enjoyed eating them. I highly recommend this place. My grilled salmon sandwich was so good and the Calamari appetizer we shared was the best I've ever had.

Thursday morning Eileen picked me up for the 45 minute trip to the Sacramento airport. I was checked in and at the gate in 15 minutes, two hours before my flight. This is a beautiful airport so I decided to "power walk" for an hour instead of just sitting. Four miles later, I had "gotten my steps in" and I was able to relax and wait to board:

Lots of comfortable waiting areas, with power 

A River Runs Through It--follow the blue tiles all around the Terminal

We left on time for the 5 hour flight to Atlanta, landing at 8 pm local time. Here is my one guilty pleasure:

No travel issues with my last flight, we left Atlanta at 10:45 pm and arrived in Huntsville at 10:45 pm. This time my baggage was onboard and we were home about 11:30 pm.

It was a great trip and reminds me why I do this. Getting to meet great people, see places I've not been to before, and hear from  quilters that they learned a lot. The enjoyable meals don't hurt either. 

My next trip is the middle of March when I fly to Austin TX for time with the Georgetown/Sun City quilters.

Let's quilt.

Barbara