SUMMER CAMP

I remember as a child I always wanted to go to summer camp like I

saw on television or in the movies. It just looked like so much fun for

an entire week with no responsibilities. It wasn’t until about twelve

years ago that I finally saw that dream come true and I went to camp.

Well, it wasn’t exactly camp like in the movies or on television. But it

was about as close to what camp for adults should be.

QUILTING RETREATS

Picture a group of retired women who all share a love of quilting and

are also good friends spending four days together doing exactly what

they want to do which is quilt all day and have their meals prepared by

someone else. It sounds like heaven to me and to those of us who

attend. At this retreat center we have basic lodging, a large classroom

with tables and chairs, bathrooms, and a small kitchen with just a sink

and refrigerator to chill our white wine and soft drinks. Next to the

classroom is another kitchen with an automatic coffee machine. But

the very best part of this retreat center is the dining room with a chef

who cooks our three meals a day! 

When we first started going to our summer quilt retreats we knew

once a year was just not enough so we made this outing a bi-annual

event with a summer and spring retreat. It is so interesting to walk around 

the room and see what each of my friends are making. Quilts of all 

different sizes, colors, and designs are being made for charities, 

friends, gifts, and for no other reason than trying out a new pattern with 

gorgeous fabrics. It’s therapy at it’s best! We even play some fun 

games and have prizes for winning.

SUMMER RETREAT

I’ve been busy the past week packing for my annual summer retreat.

It’s a bit like moving out of my sewing room as I gather all my rulers,

rotary cutters, scissors, cutting mats, and NUMEROUS supplies. Not to 

mention my sewing machine and extension table. It’s a long list I’ve

printed out so I can check each item off and make sure I don’t forget

something critical. (Not really critical except to me that is). I have all

my assorted projects organized and in tote bags. I always want to

make sure I have enough to do. Of course I have never gotten

anywhere close to finishing what I have brought because of all the

talking and laughing and walking to and from the meals three times a

day, plus playing games and taking breaks by walking around the

beautiful grounds outside.

Going to summer camp when I was a child would have been

wonderful but going to summer camp (I mean retreat) as an adult is

more fun and more rewarding than I could ever have imagined.