ALL OUR THREAD AND FABRIC DREAMS COME TRUE

So this morning I had the great idea that it would much more interesting to read a blog based on themes or topics rather than a day by day account. DISCLAIMER: these are my thoughts and words; I can only write about what I saw and heard and I apologize in advance if I miscommunicate or misrepresent any information.
So here goes.....we might as well start with the # one topic everyone is talking about the THE ECONOMY!!! I am here to report that we quilters on this trip did our part to strengthen our economy. We, or our subsidiaries, purchased food, gas, fabric, quilting gifts and gadgets, food, gas, fabric, baskets and pottery, food, gas, gift certificates, prizes and treasures, more fabric and plenty of gifts from several gift shops and street vendors for 2000 miles roundtrip. Whether we used cold hard cash, checks, credit cards, piggy banks, or debit cards, in 5 days we contributed a hefty boost to this struggling economy. The exact amount is for us to know, we are too genteel to brag about money, but trust me when I say....it was monumental. We truly lived Thomas Jeffersons' s words inscribed above one of the treasury entrances: "Cultivate peace and commerce with all."
Speaking of Jefferson, a word or two or several about PATRIOTISM. From the moment we got on the bus until the very end, it was all about the red, white and blue: flags, buttons, stickers,
patriotic clothing, songs, games, ribbons, and packages...everyone of them decorated for us. I swear these trip planners would have served us red, white and blue food if they could have! The cool thing about quilters is lots of their red, white and blue was quilted, embroidered, and embellished. Some were putting the final touches on their outfits on the trip out. Several quilters were working on patriotic projects...one project in particular was the 40 x 40 inch wallhanging made in 72 hours (as the legend goes); the gals finished the binding and the label in time to have their picture and the quilt taken with the capitol building as the backdrop. It was all very exciting!!!! We are all hoping that the wallhanging makes to the president!!!!
While the visit to the White House was much anticipated and surrounded by much drama (no purses, no cameras, no phones) and security checks...I got the wand?, and secret service... who did disclose a great place to eat called the Ebbitt Grill. I think that was the only unrushed meal I ate the entire trip! The CAPITOL was less imposing in its rules and regulations...until it was time to go in. We had been photographed on the steps and I think we looked great in our red, white and blue, though sweaty no doubt, we were lined up and ready to roll, when the word came down that the capitol was shut down because a suspicious package was found. We hung around for an hour; I did get to see a street protestor bull horning about Ron Paul for President. The docents from the capitol were all hanging around outside waiting to go back in. When the call came, we lined up with our purses and bags in tow.
Now think about this: what do you have in your purse? We couldn't bring in liquids, food, aerosoles, and I cannot remember what else. We go through the checkpoint and innocent quilters suddenly become dangerous threats to the capitol. The contraband we tried to sneak in: an apple, an orange, some fiber in the form of white powder, a coffee thermos and I don't know what else!!! Good thing my peace earrings were not a problem. We eventually got through and then rushed to our assigned area. I can only speak for my guide, we seemed to get stragglers in our group and she was very distracted by the throngs, frequently had to adjust/correct headphones, and seemed to be following too close to other guides...she did know her artwork, statuary and history about the capitol building. Like Deb said, "I wouldn't want to miss this." I really wish we could have seen the House of Representatives and Senate areas...off limits, tho we did get to go to the crypt. It was originally built for George and Martha Washington to be buried but they flat out refused....postthumously. So now it is used as a library of displays about the capitol building...NO GIFTSHOP...we were truly bummed about that...tho we quickly recovered when we found out we were going to a quilt shop on the way back to the hotel.