Last weekend DH and I made a trip to Iowa to surprise a friend who was in desparate need of something to cheer her up. Her stepson and GF are expecting a baby next month so I made a couple of quilts for us to give them at the shower Saturday. So I call her DH a couple of weeks ago to make arrangements to pick us up at the airport and told him it had to be a total surprise for her.
Friday evening when we got there he called her to meet him for dinner when she got off work. Nearly everyday on her way home from work she calls me to let of steam for whatever problem she had that day or to share whatever happy news she has. So her DH, my DH and I went to the restaurant to meet her and sure enough she called me. We got off the phone as she pulled up to the restaurant. When she walked into the restaurant the expression on her face was a mixture of emotions ranging from anger to frustration to I don't know what all. She didn't recognize me at first glance and was not in the mood to socialize. The on second glance she realized who it was and almost screamed. So she and I were standing there hugging and laughing and almost crying. She was so surprised.
Well on Sunday we went on a S.E.X.pedition starting out at Hancocks. They were having a nice sale so I got several pieces of fabric and 9 stencil patterns for quilting. Spent way more than I had intended to but oh well, I had been saving for it. From there we decided to pay Joan a visit at The Country Sampler in Papillion, NE. What a wonderful shop. Unfortunately, Joan wasn't there and the funny thing was, she was on vacation in New Jersey so we probably crossed paths somewhere along the line. Deb and I spent over two hours in that store and I absolutely broke my fabric budget for the next couple of months. I got some beautiful fabric though. The ladies in there were just wonderful. Laura attended to us the most and she was a delight. I'm so sorry that we missed you Joan but next time I come that way I will email you beforehand. Oh yeah, I got to see some of Joan's work up close and personal. All I can say is "Absolutely Gorgeous!!!", all the quilts and projects they had on display were just beautiful. Deb and I oohed and aaahed over them until the probably thought we were crazy.
If anyone ever makes it to the Omaha area be sure to stop in for a visit and no I'm NAAY just a happy customer. I hope you had a wonderful vacation Joan.
Hugs, Mika Queen of PaperPiece Klutzdom