CCLQ @ The Bluff {The Back-story and Monday}

This retreat has been in the works for most of the year.  We miss Ruth S. when she summers in New York and she misses us.  Somehow, we wrangled an invitation to The Bluff and the wheels were set in motion for our Retreat at The Bluff.

As the snow and ice of winter was making it difficult to schedule our weekly meetings, Candy researched transportation and lodging.  The group set a favorable date.  People "signed-up" to attend. An itinerary was set (to include a stop in the Amish country of Pennsylvania along the way.)

Winter melted to Spring...

People dropped out for one reason or another.  :o((

The departure date was changed so that one more member (who had a prior commitment) could go with us.  One DAY wouldn't hurt the rest of us to wait to leave!!

Spring turned into Summer...

"The Wedding" was over and Ruth S. was ready to concentrate on retreat.  Retreat.  Retreat!!  :o))

We took another head count of those would would be going at Joy's in July and she passed out the fabric requirements for the Mystery Quilt we will be doing.

It's open to ALL members of CCLQ who would like to participate.

And then Joy hatched a "hair-brained scheme" that she roped Jean into (since she's the one with an Art Studio.)  The plan included some Mono Prints from the NT Dye Frenzy and a variety of stamps and paints:

As Summer transitioned into Autumn...

Joy was busy working on bringing her plan into reality.

NOT!!!  (A commission quilt and 7 custom tote bags stood in the way.)

As time drew near, CCLQ members who will attend the Retreat packed for a fun-filled week of fabric shopping and quilt stitching.  YOU could probably sense the excitement from your house!!  :o))

(9/21/15) MONDAY morning, 6 sleepy quilters gathered at Ruth B's house.  We loaded cars and embarked on our journey to points north:

INSERT LUGGAGE STACK HERE!!!!  OOPS!!  PHOTO UNAVAILABLE!!!

Ella sent us off with the following email:

The big day is finally here and I am not going.

I wish all of you the best trip, the excitement of shopping, and a week of beautiful

sunsets.

Candy, may you spend your $100.00 wisely.

Ruth, please go through all the quilt shop, not just one spot.

Joanna I wish you a boat load of Stonehenge.

Joy, please pass up the scrap bags.

Britt, get your creative juices going and remember you only have so much space in the car.

Deborah, your wisdom and gentleness will surely be needed to keep this group under control. And

good luck with that.

Will be praying for your safe journey and a week of sweet memories.

Ella

Thanks, Ella!  We'll miss you!!!


After a few hours, our "cruise director", Deborah, found a quaint little place for us to refuel:

 There was even a quilt store in the row of shops:

LOOK, Dee Dee!!  They do Missouri Star:

Too bad that Rachel closes her shop on Mondays!!  Otherwise, we may have each had bags bearing her name:

We arrived in Denver, PA, around 7:30 PM and checked into our hotel.  After lugging in the items we needed, we dragged ourselves off to the Park Place Diner (for a late dinner.)  If you are ever in the area, make sure to add it to your list of places to visit!!

Until next time...
RETREAT!!!