What a travel ordeal I went through on Thursday traveling from Washington DC to Paducah, KY! Due to the severe storms in the Midwest, my flights were delayed, cancelled, and delayed some more. So my trip began at 8am and I finally landed in Paducah at almost 11pm at night. I spent the entire day (along with tens of thousands of other stranded passengers!) in Chicago’s O’Hare airport. Seating was premium real estate in the terminals, so I spent hours on the floor at a gate. When the plane landed at Paducah’s airport, it was absolutely pouring rain! And since I flew in on a regional plane, we disembarked outside — in the drenching rain — and had to run for the gate. I was a drowned rat by the time I made it to the terminal! I’m sure you can imagine how my luggage arrived. Completely soaked! When I finally made it to the hotel, I unpacked my suitcases and my clothes were damp. Really, really damp. Fortunately, my quilts (which I had packed inside of plastic bags) were dry and unharmed. But I had to hang all my clothes around the room to dry out. Basically, it was not a fun day.
I am, however, very glad I arrived in advance of my first full day of judging duties. I slept late and then treated myself to a fun day out of shopping and a delicious dinner. My first stop? Hancocks of Paducah — since it was just right down the road from my hotel. 
One of the benefits of coming to town early is being able to see this amazing fabric store with the
shelves fully stocked. And I missed the throngs of shoppers which will descend next week during QuiltWeek.
It was bliss being able to peruse the aisles, taking my time to see all the gorgeous new lines.
I even found one of my EZ Pineapple Ruler displayed by the registers.
Woo hoo! That’s always a “pinch me” moment.
I had a lovely morning in this legendary store. And I even met Mr. Hancock — the charming owner himself.
I had planned to just “window” shop. But these colorful lovelies just had to come home with me.
I’m already designing an amazing quilt using some of these together in my mind.
From there I shopped at one of my favorite department stores, Dillards.
Sadly, there are no Dillards where I live. I confess — I did a bit of damage.
After a fun and relaxing day and a delicious meal for dinner, I’m ready for a good night’s sleep
before the judging commences tomorrow. I’m thrilled and excited, and ready to see dozens and
dozens of gorgeous quilts to study, admire and appreciate. Check back here often over the next week.
I’ll try to post updates from Paducah as many times as I possibly can!
Sorry I will miss Paducsh this year. Enjoy judging. Hope your trip home is better.
Thanks so much, Robin! I’m sorry to hear you’ll miss Paducah, too. Maybe next year!
I’m green with envy! One of these years we’ll HAVE to take this trip together. And I LOVE the bright dots fabric you bought. Somehow, dots is what speaks to me these days…
I’m sorry for your lengthy trip but I’m glad that you arrived in one piece and that you had some time to recover. Have fun judging, teaching and soaking it all up. I’ll stay busy – enough for both of us!
Hugs, Birgit
Nothing can make you feel better after a long, arduous trip than shopping and dining! Good for you! I’m glad your plans included some time to relax and regroup. Retail therapy!
What an awesome quilt shop. I guess if you can’t find something there, it doesn’t exist.
Enjoy your judging and teaching experience.
Karen, I laughed out loud at your comment about Hancock’s. (If you can’t find it there, it doesn’t exist…) SO TRUE!!! They have everything!
Glad you made it safely albeit soggily! Sorry about all the delays, and I hope your week goes more smoothly for you than the start did. Thanks for leaving me some fabric at Hancocks of Paducah–I plan to make my own visit there next week! Sandy H
Hi Sandy H –
You WON’T be disappointed at seeing all the glorious things they have at Hancock’s! The shelves were just brimming with textile delights! 🙂
What a trip! I’m so glad you were able to recoup and recover for the next day. And visiting Hancocks! That has to make up for a lot of it. Really love the fabrics you chose to take home. Can’t wait to see what you design with them. Have fun this week! See you on Craftsy!
Thank you, Jean! It was all worth it just to be here in time to judge all the amazingly, gorgeous and creative quilts at the AQS Quilt Show 2013! My mind is now buzzing with creativity and I can hardly wait for the show to begin — tomorrow is the Awards Ceremony and the Preview Night. Can’t wait!!