NOTES FROM THE LODGE Sunday, June 7, 2009

Well here we are just a week of closing. It hardly seems possible, but the time really is drawing near. But first, let me update you on a few things. I just got back from Chantilly and the 38th QU Show. A wonderful group of quilts--Chieko had two entries. One was the Album quilt she made in a class at Nutmeg Lodge. It really makes me proud when I see the wonderful work of quilt artists like Chieko and the mention of Nutmeg Lodge. Thank you Chieko for mentioning the shop! A nice group of vendors too at the show and so many really good friends. I had to say good bye to a number of special people that I have known for a long time. It really is like a family with so many of us that do many shows together. And then all of the wonderful people that come to shop and put Nutmeg Lodge the first stop for their time at the show. To all of you I say thank you for the loyal shopping times and the value of your friendship. As I told so many of you, I will be coming to the shows in the future as an attendee and will have to shop, eat and laugh with you at leisure.

So many people have stopped by the store to pick up their fixtures. Judy told me on Saturday that she and Debi had rearranged so I don't know what to expect this week myself. I will see it tomorrow. If you have bought fixtures and have a question about picking them up, call the store on Tuesday to find out more.

Wednesday night is our Club Party. I had a question about this--this is a party for anyone who belongs to Willing Hands, Thimbleberries, Crazy, Red Work or Primitive Clubs. 5:00 at the shop for food, silent auction, fun and surprises. Then Saturday will be the final Saturday Sampler sessions at 9:00 and 2:00. You too will be treated to surprises. Saturday is also the quilt show at Tuscarora Meeting Hall. Call the shop for more details and directions. We will have hanging about 70 quilts so come from 9-3 for a really nice event.

As I have mentioned before--the store will be closing for regular business on Saturday, June 13. I have the space until the end of the month so will have appointment hours for those who will still need to pick up pieces.

When I finally hand in the keys for the space it will be exactly 8 years since I opened Nutmeg Lodge. So many things have happened to me in those years. My mother passed away, my husband passed away, my grandchildren grew taller than me, one got married. I built a new house and sold the old one. I have grown wiser and older but have tried to retain my sense of wonder about the world. My faith that the world is a good and kind place is still intact and my eagerness for adventure is still keen. My wish for each of you a long and happy life is sincere and my thanks for all that each of you have given me is forever given. Barbara

PS The Nutmeg Lodge web site will continue with the weekly blog for a time and then I will let you know that the Robyn Pandolph and Nutmeg Lodge websites have merged. In the meantime, you can contact me by emailing me from the web page.