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Why is it when we go on vacation we pack so much stuff?
When preparing to leave on vacation to the AQS quilt show in Paducah KY, I have started to wonder…
Why is it when we go on vacation we pack so much stuff???
I means seriously I have a list of things I need to take with me that is a mile long. Okay so its only like 38 things but I swear every time I walk past it I think of something else to add to the darn list! Why do I think I need to bring all this stuff? ok most of it yes I am positive I need. the clothing list might be a bit extreme but if you know me you know I am a mess when I eat so the extra shirts are totally necessary! And not knowing exactly what the weather is going to be I think I should really bring both jeans, Capri’s, and some shorts just in case. I total need my makeup, shampoo, and all that bathroom stuff. My camera and lap top are a must and there chargers must be included or bringing them along to begin with will be worthless! A extra pair of shoes, especially after last years blister debacle, and sock of course. And a jacket, hey you never know!
Oh and that reminds me I need to add some band-aids to the list!
I must bring along something to do, so I have a kit put together to do some crochet, its easy to pack and doesn’t take up that much room. Snacks, Tea bags, coffee, popcorn and some milk. Yes Milk. We have a refrigerator in the room so why not! OK so that one really belongs to my aunt but if I don’t add it to the list I will never remember it! She drinks milk every night and last year we bought it in Paducah, not to anyone who is wondering.. milk cost way more there tan it does in little old Effingham!
Travel fan… did I put that on the list yet?? Yes my fan must be brought along! I love my fan, and I can’t sleep without the noise that it makes. Now were did I put that thing??
Some Polar fleece, about two yards. No I’m not making a blanket, I am use to sleeping in a room that has no light what so ever, so the polar fleece makes a nice black out shade for the window in the bed room.
My cell phone charger, well I would think this one would be obvious! That and my work schedule. why this you ask? well it never fails, I always, always get a couple of call asking… now when did you say my quilt going to be ready to pick up? Hello… vacation! It’s just easier to tell them when it should be ready than try to explain that I am on vacation, I don’t really have a clue (nor do I care at this moment) when the quilt(s) will be ready. I just smile and think… happy customers mean returning customers! 
And shall we talk about this list of things I have to do tomorrow before I leave Tuesday??? Trust me, you don’t want to know!
Paducah Kentucky… Here I Come!
Well another day down, seven more to go before I leave on vacation! It may seem like a odd time for a vacation but it works great for me! Every year my aunt and I leave the guys ( my uncle and cousin ) at home and head to Paducah Kentucky for the big AQS Quilt Show & Contest. During the show the town becomes a quilters heaven. All the stores are smart to cater to the large mass of quilters that arrive to see the show. Quilts are hanging in most storefronts, lots of special quilt week sale and events, and every restaurant tends to have a quit week menu! And lets not forget that during quilt week the local cable company has a special quilt channel showing quilt related show all day and into the night! People come from across the sea to see the hundreds of quilts competing for over $125,00.00 in cash awards and to visit all the hundreds of vendors. Last year I meet some ladies from Scotland as well as from China and Japan.
The Museum of the American Quilter’s Society is also located in town, just a few blocks away from the show. If you have never been you should go at least once. Like most museums they have strict rules concerning no photography and absolutely no touching but the quilts on display are always the best of the best. This year they are having special exhibits on Sawtooth Star Quilts, Miniature quilts, and of course Art Quilts. And lets not forget to mention there great gift shop!
Eleanor Burns has a permanent retail shop in Paducah but during quilt week she always has a location at Carson Park. She is normally on hand at all times, for signing her new book, that conveniently comes out around the time of the show. She also gives free shows throughout the day and trust me it worth taking a rest and having a laugh why’ll Eleanor and her friends entertain the crowd! She always brings in a special tent to see fabric off all brands and types for only $4.00 a yard and she has a “barn” to use as a extra storefront during the show.
the town of Paducah is nice enough to provide free bus travel around town during the quilt show making it easier to get to and from. However the bus schedule is far from perfect. The first year I was at the show I waited nearly two hours before the bus to my hotel retuned to the show for a pickup. The visitors burrow could not find the bus during this time, sounded a bit fishy sounding to me to me but I figure if this is the only complaint I have I shouldn’t complain at all! The Visitors Bureau also has the Trolleys’ running during this time. The busses look just like old trolley cars both inside and out. They are under the guidance of a Visitors Bureau Guides so you get a great history and get to see the town. I take the trolley to most places instead of the bus!
The first few years we stayed right in town. The location was great, the rooms always clean, and the price totally out of this world. The price of the hotel room was a big part of our budget for the trip but as nice as it was it was not worth the price we were paying. Last year we were lucky enough to be recommended to a good old mom and pop motel located on down the road, about 25 miles from Paducah. The Bel Air motel is a old motel, but is very, very clean and the locals that run the place are super sweet. Each room has a kitchenette so you can cook your own meals if you wish, and they have free internet as well. I recommend try to get into one of the “cabins” they are actually a small modular home but talk about nice! They are like having a small suite. Bathroom, Kitchen/Dinning room area and the bed room with two queen beds. The cabins were new last year and I like to think we were lucky to get into one of them. We are going back to the Bel Air again this year! If you check out the web iste, just to let you know, the photos do not show the cabins, just the motel rooms. Like i said it is a old motel but as long as its clean and comfortable I don’t care about the 1970′s décor!
If you would like more info check out the following sites!
Well enought about vacation… back to work!
p.s. guess what my guilty pleasure is this week??? Getting ready for vaction!
