tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9661842668158678472024-03-18T21:18:52.843-07:00Travels with Quilter's RuleI decided to write this blog to allow our customers to understand what we do. As a manufacturer we make things, as a marketing company we sell things and promote the industy with shows.Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-43288640450458746632016-10-03T11:44:00.000-07:002016-10-03T12:13:52.701-07:00A Leprchaun made me do it! <br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have not written for a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today I thought I would let you know I am
still alive and kicking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all I
feel great; a long hot summer seems to have finely ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have accomplished a lot this year, most
importantly making up to my wife for 19 years without a vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Settle back folks let me have a minutes of
your time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Last December Eloise and I celebrated our 50<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
Wedding Anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a proper husband
I did the husbandly thing and took her down to the jewelry store to pick out a
new diamond ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every wife wants a new
ring right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had even done some
research and knew there was a ring there she would love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I certainly wanted to buy one for her, we had
after all picked out her engagement ring together, and I thought it would be
nice to do this together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking in purely male terms I thought this
would be an easy way to make her happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How could I have a problem?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
would have thought I had learned a thing or two in fifty years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First off she was not real thrilled with the
idea of getting a new ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seemed
have an unreasonable attachment to the one she had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she did look if for no other reason than
to make me happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out I was
right, she did like the ring I thought she would like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But before I could stop her she asked, how
much? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">After a short silence that could be measured in
milliseconds, she announced loudly, “If I wanted to spend that much money I
would buy a new horse!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next silence
went on for a long time; to me it seemed like hours, I was crushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sulked for weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went home without a new diamond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But I never give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was going to do something special for my wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all she is special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has put up with me for 50 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I spent a lot of time thinking about
things my wife would love and I could afford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Afford is big part of this story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After I had settled on a few ideas, I had to figure out which one she
would accept without saying no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My ego
was already bruised enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I ever
tell you my wife has a bit of the Irish in her, red hair, temper and everything
that goes with it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, yes, one more
thing at 70 years old she is still riding a 16+ hand horse and jumping over low
fences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my mind the final touch is
she had always said she wanted to ride a horse in Ireland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I have a new plan, what could go wrong?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Back to the internet to find a horsey trip in Ireland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really did not take that long there are
lots of choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found a week long
ride across County Claire from Shannon to the Cliffs of Moher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was affordable, included lodging and
meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I found out if you want to
go to Ireland after the middle of June not only did the trip go up but so did
the airline tickets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My affordable trip was
getting very expensive very quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back
to the drawing board, I soon concluded it was go early or don’t go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So I was stuck, we were going to be gone when the calves
were due to be born and the first cutting of hay should be on the ground, but
that was the deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bite the bullet and
commit to the middle of May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I
printed off the trip and hid the cost on the first set of sheets I took
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The conversation started
something like this “We are going on vacation and you are not going to say no.”
The answer was pretty simple “Maybe”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
I hand her the sheets and Eloise studied them for a few minutes and says “OK”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did not ask how much? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So we start writing checks for deposits and CC charges for
airline tickets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we decide since we
would not spend a lot of time together the week she rode, we should add days to
travel around Ireland after her ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then we added days to visit relatives in England and to see
Scotland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out that a 6 day ride
in Ireland takes three weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Diamond would have been less expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we have time to stop at least a half
dozen thing on our combined bucket list. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">To answer a few obvious questions and to short this tale,
Ireland is as green as they say it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am not sure how they hide dead leaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is possible to drive safely on the wrong side of the road. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not forgetting is a different problem. Always
stay on the road under the green is a rock wall or a bog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always buy no deductible insurance on the
rental car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guinness is better in
Ireland, but not as good as an average IPA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Personal opinion you do not have to agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people are very friendly and helped every
time I got lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Irish and Americans
do not speak the same dialect of English. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you lose a hearing aid in a lake you will
never see it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to hold
costs down on your trip to Ireland do not visit the Waterford Crystal Factory,
the Belleek Pottery Factory or shops that sell wool clothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone ships to America without charging
tax on your purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip to
Blarney Castle is worth the trip to see people lay on their backs four stories
above the ground and kiss a stone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do
not like heights, I did not kiss it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now Eloise wants to go back because I got to see things she
did not see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer was pretty
simple no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next time we buy a diamond!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And I still have a least a year before she will get mad at
me again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-11981539922423371912016-02-13T10:09:00.000-08:002016-02-13T10:10:24.477-08:00Thoughts on Millennials and Corporate Memory<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Thoughts on Millennials and Corporate
Memory</span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I must be
getting really old and cranky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
remember way back in the 60’s, my mind has not failed yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in college and we were told as a caring
society we should stop cutting down trees and we should become a paperless
society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, once, during an
interview with a catalog company I told them we would have to start looking for
an alternative to paper catalogs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
stupid as that was, I still got the job, they obviously saw something I did not
know was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But here it is 2016, the
world for me is a strange and different place and I still like to pick up a
letter, the newspaper, or a book and read it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of the time I do use a Nook. There is
something so comfortable about paper with words that you hold in your hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Humans have been writing on things for a long
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cave men wrote on stone walls and
we can try to understand them today.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Tom Curry
was the best mentor I ever had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and I
used to go to lunch almost every day and he would talk casually about his
experiences in business and tell me how he had done things to solve
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned a lot of things
without ever knowing I was learning them. I learned about how people and things
worked, how customers reacted to various stimuli and what made them upset and
most importantly what not to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course I asked a lot of questions and discussed a lot of my plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tom almost never said no, but he would dig a
story up from his past and talk about it until I understood that my plans were
not the best new thing on the block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
all my plans were bad, some were dropped, some even worked, but they were all
made better because they were touched by Corporate Memory.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have made
mistakes in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The worst ones
were the ones I refused to admit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
cannot hide from a mistake. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost
always things can be made better by admitting an error in judgment, correcting
course and moving on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can actually
gain a certain degree of respect from the admission. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I guess what
I am trying to say is I am not a Millennial; I did not grow up with a phone,
tablet and computer appendages. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
book stores and libraries are wonderful places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would rather play cards with my
friends than my computer. There are more people like me in the quilting industry
than there are Millennials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I contact my
customers with catalogs and emails so I am changing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the time an email lasts for a few
seconds and a catalog lasts until it is destroyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may be a time when our society becomes
paperless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not today or tomorrow,
and I doubt seriously it will be in my lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was wrong back in the 60’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you are
new in our industry you should find your Corporate Memory and learn from it.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I never
consider it a mistake or moving backward to give my customers what they want,
because they always reward me for the consideration.</span></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-46762516294782457312015-11-24T13:45:00.000-08:002015-11-24T13:45:27.364-08:00Quilts of Valor article in On Track <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Last May Machine Quilting Showcase allowed us to present Quilts to veterans as the final part of the Quilter's Rule Tool Challenge. For those of you who do not receive ON TRACK as a part of you membership to International Machine Quilting Association; or were unable to be at the first MQS show in Cedar Rapids, this is you opportunity to see the action. You can read the article "Quilts of Valor at MQS" by Kathy Eubanks by following the link below:</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><a href="http://quiltersrule.com/toolChallenge/QOVArticleOnTrack2015(2).pdf">http://quiltersrule.com/toolChallenge/QOVArticleOnTrack2015(2).pdf</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">As many of you know we lost a home for the Quilter's Rule Tool Challenge when we shut down the Machine Quilting Today Show in favor of the Machine Quilting Showcase in Cedar Rapids, IA. Patricia, Devlin and I were so happy when Machine Quilters Showcase allowed Quilter's Rule to enter a partnership with them to provide a home for the Quilter's Rule Tool Challenge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Supporting veterans and for me especially the Vietnam War veterans is a special opportunity to see how men and women are affected when they are given a quilt and having someone thank them for their service. For so many of these service members this is the first time they have been thanked for their service after they risked everything in a very unpopular war.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I received mine I was stunned and was unable to speak for a while. It changed how I thought about my time spent in Vietnam. It is now 43 years since I came home from that war. This year for the very first time I put on a cap that say Vietnam Veteran. For me that was a huge hurdle. Well a baby step is better than no step at all. Now I own two caps!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So now is my time to ask for your help. If you are touched by the article please go to the following link:</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://quiltersrule.com/toolChallenge/Rules-and-Entry-Form-5.pdf">http://quiltersrule.com/toolChallenge/Rules-and-Entry-Form-5.pdf</a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Enter our tool challenge and make a quilt for a veteran. Say thanks to a veteran feel great about yourself. If you make a quilt and will be attending MQS the year it is given away and you so desire I will invite you to the stage to help with the presentation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Make your plans now to attend Machine Quilter's Showcase in Cedar Rapids, May 11 -14, 2016. Take some classes, shop the vendors, attend the QOV presentation, stay for the auction and support the education efforts of MQS. Have some fun.</span>Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-23208093758701675362015-09-03T09:36:00.000-07:002015-09-03T09:36:33.654-07:00Machine Quilting Today a New Begining
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As all of you know, last year we shut down Machine
Quilting Today LLC, a machine quilting show in Oconomowoc, WI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We never relinquished the Website name or the
Facebook page and we continued to maintain the mailing list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we are into the second year of inactivity
and folks continue to visit the Website and like the Facebook page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have hesitated long enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time to do something with both of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For a long time I thought seriously about just shutting
both down, after all they were done and I was through with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I really like the name!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And</span> I understood a lot of time, effort and
money had gone into building these audiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To dump them would mean I would have to start over building an audience
of essentially the same people with an idea I had thought about for Quilter's Rule
for a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, I will be changing the direction and mission of both
the Website and the Facebook page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The focus will continue to be machine quilting and education. </span>I
think that most people will be satisfied!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But surely some will object to the direction I have planned. If people
object they do not have to visit the website. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can ask to be removed from the mailing
list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can unlike the Facebook page.
They can unfriend me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of which have happened
in the past and I do not take it personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s just a part of life in the business world and Social Media.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In the next few weeks you will start seeing changes on both
starting with this announcement on my blog, Travels with Quilter’s Rule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what do we have planned?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer to that question is probably more
then we can ever accomplish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But like all
difficult things if you do not try you will accomplish nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>You will just have to wait and see.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The first thing we have accomplished is to change the
name of the Facebook page from Machine Quilting Today, LLC to Machine Quilting
Today. Not earth shattering news but it is a start. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>To be continued....</strong></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-13166222956790218222015-07-23T09:30:00.001-07:002015-07-23T09:30:37.143-07:00We need your help
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quilter’s Rule is negotiating with a contractor to build a
new website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that our current
site is hard for some people to use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
would like to make the site easy to use for the majority of folks who come to
the site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We further understand that we
will never satisfy everyone, so we are attempting to satisfy the majority of
users.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Under normal circumstances we only hear negative comments
about our website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When folks are
satisfied they enter the site, make a purchase and leave. You can help by
telling us what would make you positive experience even better.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We would like to know how you use our site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why do you use our site?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do you find items on our site?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What would make the site easier for you to use?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What do you look for when you go to a site?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What can we add to make the site better?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What should we remove from the site?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you so much for your help!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-71572075321459992322015-07-15T08:06:00.000-07:002015-07-15T08:06:31.433-07:00Scamp
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today is a very sad day in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This afternoon I will lose a friend and
companion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For 15 years Scamp has been an
important part of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I purchased
her for my wife, but she decided to choose me as her human; maybe because I get
up early and would feed her while the rest of the family slept, or because I took
her to the barn in the morning when I fed the rest of the critters, or because
we just liked to sit quietly in the morning with that first cup of coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When our previous collie had died we waited a long time
before we decided to get another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
still remember when she came to the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Scamp was born in Florida at a kennel Eloise tracked down that had
collies related to a line of collies that carried the Belhaven name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited for six months for a female tri
colored collie to be born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By then it
was the middle of the winter and very cold in the upper Midwest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to wait for the temperature to moderate
enough for the airline to allow her to fly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night she was coming in we drove to
Chicago and arrived at O’Hare before she left Orlando.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very long wait, but Eloise had been
without a collie for almost 2 years and it was time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she finally got to us we got her out of
the crate and have never been successful in getting her back into one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carried her up the escalator and the stairs
and she sat on my lap in the tram.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
sat in Eloise’s lap for the ride home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At any rate, since I worked close to home, it was my job to go
home at noon and walk Scamp and make sure she was okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well that lasted for about a week and I
decided that it would be easier to just take her to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all I owned the company and I could do
that if I wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So in the car she went
and off to work we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the last 15
years she has be coming to work with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By now you can tell she is not Eloise’s dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She choose me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was a town chairman, she went to meetings with
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would lay under the table until I
was done and then she went home with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Until I gave up being the chairman she was welcome at the town
hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I quit they immediately passed a
rule that only service dogs were allowed in the town hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just one of many reason I dislike twofaced politicians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that is a totally different discussion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the last several months, Scamp has steadily gone downhill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She now falls on floors without carpets, she
cannot negotiate steps without falling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
Her body functions are starting to shut down. </span>When she looks at me she just looks and seems sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think she knows her life is about over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do we put ourselves through this sort of traumatic
crisis?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dog simply do not live as long
as we do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last week I called Dr. Stewart and talked with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I made the decision it was time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night I prepared a grave for Scamp next
to the flagpole in our front yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This afternoon Scamp will go to sleep and
never wake up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the consideration
I wish I could have when I get old and unable to care for myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please don’t be too sad for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 15 months ago, I purchased another
collie from Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her name is Shawnee
and she is nothing like Scamp but she is related. I will miss my friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-38901041921347817152015-07-13T09:59:00.000-07:002015-07-13T09:59:33.572-07:00Another reason I hate the Washington crowd.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now that I am home two weeks after The Vermont Quilt Show
I have cooled off to the point I can at least talk about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have wasted most of that time learning
about and trying to comply with a regulation that was never intended for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Patricia and I were on our way home minding our own
business and we had just crossed out of New Your into Pennsylvania and we
stopped at the welcome center to go to the bathrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were flagged down by a guy with a PUC cap
and had to go through a DOT inspection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It seems that the GVW, that’s gross vehicle weight or more correctly the
GCW the gross combined weight of our Suburban and trailer is greater than 10,001
pounds and we are engaged in interstate commerce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I know that but if you carry your
products in your personal vehicle and not in someone s for hire vehicle there
is a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So I have spent the past two weeks getting square with
the violations we committed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1) No Log Book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2) No fire extinguisher<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3) No warning triangles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">4) No Medical Card<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">5) No DOT number on our vehicle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Today Quilter’s Rule is a Motor Freight Carrier in
addition to being a manufacturer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we
have lots of additional restrictions on our activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are restricted to driving no more than 11
hours a day between the two of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
have 14 hours each day to complete the 11 hours behind the wheel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must be off duty and resting for at least
10 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to keep a log book; we
must carry a medical card stating we can drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That physical for the medical card was a joke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Medicare annual physical is better, but
does not count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patricia has to renew
biannually but because I have high blood pressure I have to renew
annually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doctor spent less than 10
minutes with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So what does all this mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First and foremost some shows will not be as
economically feasible, as they were before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>California is now a 4 day trip instead of 2 ½ days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will have additional expenses for lodging
and food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some shows will be impossible
because we cannot drive as many hours and cannot make the trip in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot count nap time in the front seat to
extend our driving time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can work no
more than 70 hours in a week and drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>am a business owner, if I want to work
hard, it is my choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not need a
government to tell me to back off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I understand why these regulations are in place, but
Quilter’s Rule is not really a Motor Carrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have simply been caught in the cross hairs of a regulation to prevent
an owner from abusing his employees, and a Government trying to keep the public
safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I share the road with 18 wheelers,
I understand how dangerous the roads can be. I slow down for icy conditions,
rain, snow, high winds and at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
pull off and sleep when I am tired and get up and go when I am rested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Resting does not take 10 hours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I resent my government telling me how hard I can work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-26222539000741660212015-02-21T10:18:00.001-08:002015-02-21T10:18:40.791-08:00Welcome to My Week from Hell
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here
I sit in my hotel room in Richfield, OH watching a snowplow working in the
parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is Saturday morning and
this may be the best day of the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Patricia is downstairs teaching a Template Design class; Devlin is in
South Beloit, IL at a class on how to make Damascus steel.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let
me tell you about my week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First and
foremost, we are on the last half of winter and normally the weather is much
warmer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you who do not live
in the upper Midwest 30 degrees is much warmer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This week we have had lows in the negative single digits and wind chills
as low as negative 27.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My problem is I
am no longer thinking winter, I have moved on to spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week when it was 20 degrees, I was
winter sowing seeds for my garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you don’t know about winter sewing, it is starting seeds outside in the snow in
covered containers like milk jugs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
thinking about Foxglove, Columbine, Shasta Daisies, Lupine and other really
great flowers, it is not supposed to be so cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So
the stage is set for the week as we prepared to leave for a quilt retreat
sponsored by Memory Lane Quilting and then on to Virginia.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday
we started work on a custom mat order for a really great customer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had ordered new screens and frames, flood
bars and squeegees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What could go
wrong?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost everything!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Devlin set up the screen, put in a the new
flood bar and squeegee, poured in the ink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turned on the machine and two strokes later a $500 screen was ripped and
useless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was devastated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sure we had missed a burr on the new
flood bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So pull everything out, clean
up, find the burr buff it out and start on the next order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Problem, we never did find a burr.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we did determine is the rounded end of
the flood bar was not the same as all the rest of our flood bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get out a grinder and made it the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put in the next new screen and everything
worked fine. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Things
are back to normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to put new
silk on the frame and have the image put on it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of the size of the screen we have it
done outside our facility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First we have
to clean all the glue and silk off the frame, transport it 89 miles and come
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More on this subject later in the
week…</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On
Tuesday, my wife is using our Suburban to do some shopping because I have my
pickup taking the frame to be fixed. It is 4:45 in the evening, she is driving
home and tries to stop and the brake pedal gets all soft and sinks to the
floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you starting to get the
sinking picture of how the week is going?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So she calls the shop where we have all our mechanical work done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They close in 15 minutes, but they will stay
open until she gets there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now tomorrow
is Wednesday and we had planned to load the Suburban and trailer so we could
leave early on Thursday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plans are just
that and subject to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you
getting the picture of how confused our week is becoming?</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday
is spent trying to determine if the truck can be fixed by the time we need it,
notifying Memory Lane Quilting we are experiencing a few difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out that we have several ruptured
brake lines that have to be replaced; which is not surprising since the truck
has 411,000 miles on the odometer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having this happen at home is better than on
the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But everything is corroded and
salt covered and there are a few problems bleeding the new lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To shorten this up a bit, we normally load
out about 2 in the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 2pm we
don’t even know if we will get the Suburban back today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we clear out part of the warehouse and push
the trailer in to load it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now hope for
the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 6:30pm we finally get the
word the truck is ready to pick up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are so lucky Wednesday is the one day of the week the shop works until
8pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So back to the plant, load the suburban,
hook up the trailer, pull it home, and we are back on track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I should mention that my wife knows I
was having a really bad day so she has fixed one of my favorite winter comfort meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to eat dinner 2 ½ hours after it was
ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eloise is really special because
she did not say a thing!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday
morning 4am I am up waiting for Patricia, who hates morning before 9am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shows up on time at 5am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had enough coffee and we load the
suitcases and clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hats are
already in the trailer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of you may
not understand the hat reference, but you don’t know Patricia and for you it is
not important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We start off and start
naming all the things we need and have packed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Forgot the safe, so we head for Patricia’s to pick it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time we get there we have gotten to
coats and mine is still in my pickup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember it is below zero so back to my house to get my coat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we are now an hour behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok we will change our route through Chicago
because we need to avoid rush hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
will add 30 minutes to the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will
arrive in Richfield, OH about 4pm instead of 2:30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still a happy camper.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
got to the south side of Chicago, and turned east on Interstate 80.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thinking maybe if we don’t stop for
lunch we can make up an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember
it is really cold out and did I mention the wind is blowing out of the
Northwest?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just about the time we get on
the turnpike and go through the first toll we are in a really bad Lake Effect
snow storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the next 70 miles we
average a little over 25 miles an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sit for an hour on the world longest parking lot, pass through several
multiple truck car accidents and continue to fall further and further behind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back home, Eloise is headed to pick up the
screen that is ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She calls me
because she is having trouble with her truck, it will not develop enough power
to shift into drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is going back
to the house to get my truck and drop her truck at the shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out her truck will need a couple of
new injectors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only good news we will
get today is that we have the screen back that we ruined on Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did arrive late for the dinner but we were
there for the teacher meet and greet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Got the trailer unloaded about 9pm and finished helping set up a couple
of long arms about 10:30pm.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday
morning came, Patricia will be teaching and Devlin will set up to screen the
mat order from Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is
back to normal until the phone rings and I am told that the image on the screen
is the wrong image!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It
is still snowing you can’t tell that a snowplow was in the parking lot a couple
of hours ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to load the trailer
this afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really love my job!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow
is Sunday, a new week starts we plan to drive part way to the Mid-Atlantic
Quilt Festival in Hampton, VA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will see….</span></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-61332404355194002112015-02-04T15:52:00.003-08:002015-02-04T15:52:24.796-08:00Some thoughts about Road to California
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On our last road trip we were at Road to California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Road was celebrating its twentieth year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like all shows it is affected by the increase
in the number of shows that exist around the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, Road comes early in the year and
many have not attended a show for several months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caroline does an outstanding job of
advertising the show and the result is Road is well attended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather in Southern California in late
January is mild.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were high winds one
day that caused a bit of concern in the Pavilion (tent in any other language)
But the Santa Anna winds blow every year in the winter time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is after all sunny Southern California. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Like every business Road is seeking ways to grow their
business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have chosen several
avenues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last two years they added the
Pavilion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This allowed them to give some
vendors more space; Quilter’s Rule picked up 5 feet which has aided us in our
presentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Road was able to add some
vendors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their business grew.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This year Road added the Marketplace!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what is the Marketplace? Most importantly
to the other vendors, it was comprised of vendors one would normally only see
if you attended Quilt Market in Houston and they were not selling product out
of their booth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revenue grew for Road but
not competition between vendors for dollars. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So I stopped in and talked with a few Marketplace vendors
to find out what they were thinking about when they decided to come to Road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also observed what was happening in the
interaction between customers and Marketplace vendors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have thought about a lot of
possibilities for the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that
is for the future after more careful thought.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our industry is supposed to work by many manufacturers
selling to a few distributors and those distributors selling to many stores and
stores selling to the consumers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
simplicity I will not address the myriad of variations on that obsolete theme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Product education is supposed to happen at
all levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we have all played the
game where you whisper a comment to the person next to you and it goes around a
circle and comes back to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Education for
the consumer at the store level is after a lot of whispers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I saw was manufacturers educating the
consumer directly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The consumer was
seeing and hearing things they might not otherwise see or hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is great because for manufacturers,
sometimes the information gets lost in the whispers between manufactures and consumers.
At Road this year some of the whispers were first hand facts.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When I talked with the Marketplace vendors, each of them
said the same thing; they were there to educate the public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes they were sending the consumer to stores
that were selling the product they were demonstrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly they were showing people
things they had not previously seen.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Do I see problems?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You bet your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not one of
them is a problem that will hurt the industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I see the possibility of improvement for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope the Marketplace vendors will return
next year and that there will be more of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Great job Caroline.</span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-21782614335715810042014-12-10T11:26:00.004-08:002014-12-10T11:26:45.117-08:00Answer to December 7th comment
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A few days ago I received a comment on my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, at first it really pissed me off,
then I thought about it and now I just think it deserves an answer even if
people do not agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s called conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anonymous
has left a new comment on your post "<a href="http://blog.quiltersrule.com/2014/09/a-few-thoughts-to-end-summer.html"><span style="color: blue;">A
Few Thoughts to End the Summer</span></a>"… <br />
So a failed show gives you the authority to tout one over the other. Who died and
left you in charge? </span><span style="color: grey; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Posted by Anonymous to <a href="http://blog.quiltersrule.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Travels with
Quilter's Rule</span></a> at December 7, 2014 at 11:28 AM <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Here are my
thoughts:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">First and
foremost, no one died, unless you count the many vendors who have given up
because it is no longer viable for them to continue with falling attendance,
decreased revenues, and increased costs brought on by a changing world in which
there are too many shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe you
could count the shows that won’t happen next year because show managers created
too many too close together in time and location and have called it quits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It least a few of them have recognized the
situation they are in and have made a difficult decision.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Absolutely no
one left me in charge. I enjoy the position I have due to hard work, a
willingness to invest personal fortune in my dream, and a stubborn refusal to
quit when things get tough. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one has
to do a thing I suggest, I hold no great power to force people to do what I
want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">On the other
hand, I have an absolute right to say what I think is good and bad in our
industry, as does everyone who works in our industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one has to listen, that is your absolute
right. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand, I think I
bring a different perspective to the conversation because I own a company, I am
a vendor, I am an attendee at certain shows, and I have been a show manager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are others just like me, but not everyone
is willing to have the conservations I have and be willing to put up with the criticism
in a public forum or take the financial hit to make a point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yes, I
started a show because I wanted a machine show in the Upper Midwest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got more than I wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are now two shows left, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>instead of three.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being optimistic I guess you could say my
glass is over full; because I don’t have to do all that work next year and I
will be home in bed the evening Machine Quilter’s Showcase ends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I still want
just one really great machine show in the Upper Midwest. I will always work
towards that goal. That is how I maximize my company profits with the least
expenditure of money and effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
sure some would call me greedy, selfish or some other unsavory term.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will not be the first time or the last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will continue to work hard, earn as much as
possible and enjoy what I do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Finally, I
will continue to advise my readers and customers of which shows I think are the
best for them to attend to get the most value for their hard earned money. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coincidently, you should suspect they will be
the shows which show management has not refused to allow my company to attend. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-58983681933711458902014-09-03T14:01:00.000-07:002014-09-03T14:01:01.506-07:00A Few Thoughts to End the Summer
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My how time flies, my last post was in March and here it is
September.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a lot of miles down
the road. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I really have not had a
lot to say, that I could say without getting angry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much has happened, the quilting landscape is still
changing again, but some things remain the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So let’s talk about what I see coming down the
pike as Quilter’s Rule gets ready to do its final run of shows for 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our next stop is the third weekend in October
at the Pacific International Quilt Show in Santa Clara, CA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new San Francisco 49er’s Stadium across
the street from the convention center is complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Construction blocking parking lots is
over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, San Francisco is
playing at Denver the last day of the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So parking will be much improved this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We look forward to a great show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Quilter’s Rule Third Tool Challenge to benefit the
Military will start its tour at the new Mancuso Show in Palm Springs, CA, the
first weekend in October.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it will
travel to PIQF where we will pick it up and bring it home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The challenge tool for this exhibit was
Gaylee Quilting’s Thirtysomething Tool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you would like more information on the fourth Tool Challenge using
the Wonder Cut Triangle ruler visit the Quilter’s Rule website at </span><a href="http://quiltersrule.com/toolChallenge/tool-challenge.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://quiltersrule.com/toolChallenge/tool-challenge.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ask you to support our Military members
by supporting this tool challenge, make a quilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a Viet Nam veteran; we were treated
horribly when we came home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not since
WWII have service members been treated as well as they are today. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In part because Viet Nam vets and vets from
all conflicts since are making sure our country never treats veterans poorly
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help us continue to make our
service members welcome as they return home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have a special place in my heart for Viet Nam vets, so I always look
to find them first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please help me to
let them know how much they are appreciated. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have carried my quilt with me for five years;
it was the first thing anyone did to let me know what I did was
appreciated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It actually means more to
me than the Bronze Star I was awarded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As many of you probably already know I have managed the
Machine Quilting Today’s Upper Midwest Show for the past five years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we have been modestly successful it has
never been a roaring success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This month
MQX will open a new machine show in Springfield, Il and MQS the show that MQX
broke off from, has decided to move their show to Cedar Rapids, IA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they are hoping lighting will strike
twice because of the success MQS had there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Three machine quilting shows sharing teachers, vendors and patrons
within 300 miles of one another. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
that does not include the six other major quilting shows within 300 miles of
each of these shows. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good news is I
wanted a machine show in the Upper Midwest, and I have had one for five years
and will have one for the foreseeable future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The bad news is three machine shows are two too many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something has to give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided, because we were the smallest of
the shows, our show should vacate the field. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it becomes a tug of war between MQS and
MQX.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No one can pick winners or losers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in my opinion, in order to have a high quality
machine quilting show, there should only be one in the Midwest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
show announced it was shutting down and threw its support to MQS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would ask that you do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me tell you why I think this is
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MQX has its flagship show in
New Hampshire, in the past it has been a very successful show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MQS started the trend of machine quilting
shows and has always been located somewhere in the Midwest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First in Springfield, IL, then Overland Park,
KS,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then Wichita, KS, and now Cedar Rapids,
IA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have always geographically
stayed in the Midwest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HMQS, a wildly
successful show started and remains in Salt Lake City, UT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is three shows spaced out across the
United States, with only the West Coast without a machine show since MQX
withdrew from Portland, OR and there is no indication on their website they
intend to return. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are a vendor, as I am you need to pick fewer shows in
a geographic area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you decide to do
every show in an area, you will increase your expenses, and reduce your revenue
per dollar spent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are a teacher,
and pay your way to shows, you will also increase your expenses and reduce your
revenue per dollar spent and give the students a reason to not make a decision
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, if you are an attendee
or student, and unless you have an unlimited budget, you will have to reduce
the amount of money you can spend on merchandise and classes, because it will
cost you more to attend all the shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Only the show promoters win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-15079897620382150832014-03-06T10:05:00.001-08:002014-03-06T10:05:06.635-08:00Home after Hampton
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have returned home from the Mid-Atlantic Quilt
Festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not write anything while
we were on the road for several reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First of all I caught a bug, or perhaps better said a bug caught
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food did not taste good for several
days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, I am not ready to write
what I would like to say it will just make people mad because they will have to
stop, think and make a decision.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But the show went well we were up slightly from last
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For many of us that is the new
normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy that sales were not down,
flat is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am just not ready to
accept that as the new normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
the fabric dealers did very well as every one of them around us said they did
very well and at least one did not have much left after the show was over and
was going home to restock for the New Jersey Quilt Fest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course we had to have snow, ice or rain somewhere during
this show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time it was scheduled to
start about midnight on load out night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Almost everyone who was going north or west hurried to get out of town
ahead of the storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited because we
were going south to Rock Hill, SC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Typically the storm had not hit Hampton by the time we got up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we took off and drove into the storm by
midmorning just before we crossed into North Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By Wisconsin standards it was not a terrible
storm, not even a bad storm, but people need to slow down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw three accidents in about 30 miles
before people caught on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By late afternoon we were in Rock Hill, SC and visited with
Jim Miller at YLI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very
interesting visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing all the
winders and braiders; equipment that is really old and probably not replaceable
at a reasonable price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of you know
I was in the military and I got to see the equipment that in all likelihood
made the gold stripes for my dress uniforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was really cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
slow process, now I know why it was so expensive even 44 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had dinner with Jim, Kay and son James
before we checked into our hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next
morning we caught a flight home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know this is sort of a ho hum blog this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Winter has the best of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am tired of going to a show and coming home
to below zero temperatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning
it was -4 degrees when I went out to feed the animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have over 24 inches of snow in the back
yard and the normal day time temperature is supposed to be 39 degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week end time springs forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I will spring with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-16112352167647263382014-02-03T05:28:00.002-08:002014-02-03T05:28:31.394-08:00Continuing Thoughts on Shows
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I hate it when I make a mistake and know I am making it
when I do it. I violated my own 300 mile rule and I did it twice. Just call me
stupid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 4 weekends there were 5 shows
in Southern California and Arizona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First in the line was Yuma and Tucson on the same weekend and then
Ontario’s Road to California and then two shows in Phoenix on successive
weekends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All these shows are too close
together in time and distance. Knowing better Quilter’s Rule attended the Tucson
Guild Show, Road to California, and the Rusty Barn show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we saw different customers at each show
and yes we saw the same customers at each show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Phoenix Metro area is home to 2/3 of the State of
Arizona’s population. At 4.2 million it is about half the size of the Chicago
Metro area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all remember Chicago last
year with too many shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Road to California added a tent of new vendors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a bit of grumbling and some vendors
I am sure did not do well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quilter’s
Rule was able to hold its own this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many of the new vendors were related to the long arm segment of our
industry and attracted many customers interested in the segment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can serve that segment very well and had
no competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus we were able to
preserve our sales.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We had no knowledge of what to expect at Tucson, but it
is a small community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quilter’s Rule did
not do particularly well and we will probably not try to return until something
changes. The guild does a nice job, just not enough people spending money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Rusty Barn in Phoenix is a quandary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year we had a record year in
Phoenix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year traffic was good but
the sales were not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is only one
way I would explain the sales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The local
people want to attend both shows and they demonstrated that they will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They split their purchases saving some money
for this week.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The rapid expansion of shows is a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only the vendors are harmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The promoters for the time being have the
vendors and the gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The attendees have
more choices of shows to attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
vendors are spending more money and seeing smaller sales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some that will quickly end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vendors will drop out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are already hearing rumors of shows with a
waiting list have exhausted those waiting lists.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tucson, Yuma, Ontario and Phoenix have always had their
shows in January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what changed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ontario moved to later in the month and this
year added more vendors and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AQS
announced its intention to come to Phoenix at the same time as the Rusty Barn
show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In my opinion AQS in Phoenix is a renegade show with a
couple of differences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are a huge
for profit promoter and they are acting like the 800# gorilla.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They see what appears to be a lucrative
market and they want to own it by crushing the competition. That is American
business at its worst behavior and why many people dislike businesses.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The questions becomes, are the actions some promoters
taking what you want? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are a vendor
is doing all the shows in your best interest?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As an attendee or guild member is going to all the shows in your area in
your best interest?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is what you
want than continue your present actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If not it is time to choose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
shows and vendors will definitely not survive.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Quilter’s Rule will not continue to make the same
choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will not do multiple shows
in overlapping markets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are a vendor
and we intend to survive by maximizing sales at the lowest possible cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will leave some money on the table as the
cost to acquire it is just too high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
will encourage and make suggestions to the promoters we choose to support and
have supported our company.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And today daughter Patricia and I are on our way home
after a very long time on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think there is a little snow in store for our drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will see some of you at the Mid Atlantic
Show in Hampton Roads, VA.</span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-46628635430866065282014-01-19T20:12:00.000-08:002014-01-19T20:12:32.004-08:00Happenings in Tucson
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It seems
like months since I last wrote in this blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christmas as passed, the year ended,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>a New Year has come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patricia and
I am on the road again and my wife is home in the cold with animals to
feed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before you feel sorry for her
remember she is retired and she gets to ride any time she wants to brave the
cold temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to think about it
this is a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left wind chills
of -47⁰ for daytime temperatures in the 70’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have a bunch to be happy about even if Patricia is upset about the
heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure why but she gets upset when it
is over 70⁰.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I wonder where
she comes from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yea, I married her
mother. Great lady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good choice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is 68 ½ years young, rides Hunter Jumper
several times a week.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
Patricia and I leave we are always very careful about checking things so as
little as possible can go wrong on a trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So it was my responsibility to check over the truck and trailer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which I did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything was working we had trailer lights, a full gas tank and
everything was loaded except for a new product that we were supposed to pick up
the first morning on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And of
course the new product coming in from France that was supposed to arrive on
Thursday and is stuck in Customs and we have spent two days in correspondence
with France and Customs first of all is the glue stick toxic and what kind of
wood is the box made of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would have
thought we had cut down every exotic species of tree in the whole rain
forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to top it off they have our
FEIN wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now how could that be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never imported anything before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have the FEIN of another company I
registered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does not import
either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you just love our
government and their computers? </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everything
is going fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We meet Robert and Paula
of Built By Briick and get our new exclusive product.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have designed a wood ruler rack and wall
unit that exactly fit our gridded rulers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You will be able to buy them at Road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So our plan is working until we are about 200 miles from home and I
realize my computer case is still sitting on a chair at home. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok so about now I receive a text message that
the French shipment has arrived and it is being broken down to be shipped to
Tucson and it will arrive on the first day of the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok, so I call my wife and tell her to take my
computer to the office and they will ship it with the Bohin France shipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a person who hated technology (computers
and telephones included) I have become addicted, and find life without my
connections difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Addiction is now
complete!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Technology properly used can
make up for stupid mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My computer
is on the way, we have all our product on its way and life is good.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First day on
the road is always long, but we finally get to Kansas City and are headed west
on the turnpike towards Topeka.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
we can make Wichita before we quit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is starting to get darker and I turned on the lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the trailer lights are still dark. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pull over as soon as possible to check the
plug because they were working when I checked them this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough I have a broken wire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only have tape to secure the wires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So here goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I strip the two wires and twist them together and break 4 more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see a disaster in the making.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I can handle one broken wire but 4 at the
same time is beyond me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the good
thing is my flashers are still working and the Oasis is just a couple of miles
up the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So off we go, flash
flash….flash, oh please keep the highway patrol busy miles away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now you
would think that an Oasis with diesel fuel would at least have a couple of
bulletin boards with names of people who would come and help for an outrageous
amount of money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just handed me a telephone book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is now decision time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flash, flash…flash Lawrence, Kansas is only
10 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, I owe you one already, now
please keep that highway patrol officer busy somewhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to Lawrence and find a hotel and
settle in for the night, Wichita a passing figment of my imagination.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next morning
I get up call the local Firestone dealer and get told, they can’t help but he
did tell me where to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I call, no
answer, so I decide to just go and be on their doorstep when they arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am an optimist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to make a long story short three hours
later and only $45 lighter we are on our way and just 400 miles from where I want
to be at this time of day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that is
why I had planned an extra day into the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now the shortest way to Tucson is Hwy 54.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had planned to take it from Wichita to I40
at Tucumcari, NM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up driving
all the way to Alamogordo, NM on 54..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The kindest way to say this is never again unless you want an expensive
way to make butter or goat cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take
the long way and drive an extra 50 miles.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally, the
hotel in Tucson, first night, about 4:30am and the smoke detector start
chipping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know that annoying noise
it makes to tell you the battery is about to go dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, am I going to make a fuss, after all, I
have had a good night’s sleep and this will keep me from being the bad guy and
telling Patricia it is time to get up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
did not fuss, besides they can fix it while we are setting up the booth. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last night
we come back to the hotel after dinner and our key won’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only this time the light flashes green like
we should be able to open the door, only it won’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So try the other key same thing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stupidity is trying the same thing over and
over and expecting a different result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I will not tell you how many times I attempted the same stupid thing.
Okay this is getting distressing because I have had a couple of beers and need
to be inside my room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Down to the front
desk to get the shift manager and she confidently reaches for her master card
key sure that we are just slightly dumb country bumpkins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her key will not work, so she runs downstairs
and gets the real master key, pops the plastic cover and it won’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of our clothes and toilet articles are on
the other side of a locked door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We end
up waiting almost an hour for a maintenance worker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will replace the lock today and we had a
free room last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still not
fussing.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We did
arrive on time, my computer and my Nook are back with me, and we are fully
stocked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The show in Tucson is not as
good as we were told, nor as good as we expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More on that later! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Tucson Guild is composed of a delightful
group of ladies and they put on a good show.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, we are
on the Road to California.</span></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-84987482004241743812013-11-11T07:20:00.005-08:002013-11-11T07:20:56.705-08:00Last post in 2014
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We are home after three weeks on the road! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More importantly we are unloaded and the truck
and trailer are empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have our 4
hour warehouse sale on the 23<sup>rd</sup> of November and then we are through
with shows for the year. I am certainly glad to be home after this last
run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Suburban is home for the first
time in three months and needs an oil change and it has accumulated 381,700
miles on the odometer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vehicle is
running fine, but is going to the shop this afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Came through the Missouri Ozark Mountains
just fine, we stopped in Ava, MO to teach a class on the way home from
Festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we are home until
mid-January 2014, reflecting on how we will approach 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This has been a year for change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The country is in turmoil over health care, this
week the stock market has reached new highs, but in my opinion most Americans
are worried about their future. Closer to home in the Quilting Industry, there
has been an explosion in the number of shows in many markets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It appears that the explosion will continue
at least into next year and the following year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many markets that have not had a major show in the past will have
several in the future for at least as long as the investment money holds
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be interesting to see which
of the show promoters survives this expansion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think it is reasonably certain that not all the new and old shows can
survive in their present configuration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Let me talk for a few moments about just one market,
Chicago!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you define a market as a
circle with a radius of 300 miles, the maximum distance most people will drive
to attend a good show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then consider all
the shows that fall within that circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Quilts Inc. will have a show at Rosemont, Original Craft and Quilt will
hold a show in Schaumburg and Tinley Park, AQS will hold shows in Grand Rapids,
MI and Des Moines, IA, additionally Paducah, KY falls just outside that
radius.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nancy’s Notions has a show in
Madison. WI, MQT has a show in Oconomowoc, WI. MQX is putting a new show in the
original home of MQS, Springfield, IL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Plus within this circle of influence are numerous local guild
shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I ask the question is it
possible to have too many shows?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In the current economic times, the pie is no larger than
it originally was before the proliferation, most people will not or cannot go
to all of these shows and spend like they would if they only attended one show
in a market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think many quilters will
go to several of the shows, view the quilts and spend less money with the
vendors at each the various shows they attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So if the shows can keep attendance up, the biggest loser becomes the
vendors because their costs will not decrease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To accumulate the same amount of revenue in a market their cost will
increase as they will have to attend more shows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I see three losers in the next several years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vendors will lose because their costs
will increase without an increase in revenue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many of the veteran vendors I know are considering discontinuing
shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many will be forced to choose
which show they will do in a market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
my opinion that is the prudent choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The next loser will be the shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The weaker shows will close quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just this week I received notes that shows in Tacoma, WA and Portland,
OR will not be having a show next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The final loser will be the folks that attend the shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consolidation of the industry could mean that
the biggest, best financed survive and shows will be done, by the folks that are
least friendly to vendors and the industry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I would rather this not sound like sour grapes and I hope
it does not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quilter’s Rule has made the
decision to do one show in a market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will determine which show to do based on several factors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First and foremost, will the promoter allow
my company to attend the show?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a few
feel we have nothing to offer the industry and are more trouble than we are
worth, and perhaps we are a bit of a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the obvious and based on historical numbers, which show is apt to
give Quilter’s Rule the best return on the dollars spent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And sometimes the best is not always the most
expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lastly, I think as a vendor
in this for the long term I owe a bit of loyalty to the promoters who have
helped us along the way and have listened when I had a problem or a concern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is an industry best served by cooperation among all
members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said Quilter’s Rule will
start the year at Road to California, Carolyn puts on a great show, one of the
best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we will move to Phoenix and
do the Rusty Barn show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eric and Chris
have done a great job of building this market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Beyond that you will just have to wait while I finish my plans, because
they will be different than last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Since we are not doing anymore shows away from home this
is my last blog of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you
a Happy Holiday Season. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let all start
with a great Thanksgiving and then a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy your Holiday Season and keep safe until
I next see you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Can’t believe I have written this for two years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-67787907114400924022013-10-28T04:37:00.002-07:002013-10-28T04:37:25.770-07:00Last Day of Market
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Wow, today is the last day of Quilt Market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been several years since we were last
here with a booth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year at least
the name tags identified attendees with buying power for their companies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is still amazing how many people think
they should be able to purchase one piece at wholesale pricing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my thanks to the staff of Quilt Market
for helping us identity buyers from the lookers and retail customers. It made
for directing the conversations in a right manner easier. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We came to Quilt Market to sell a new store program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially very expensive, but has the potential
to save the individual store hundreds of dollars each year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look for a full scale roll out of this
program in the coming weeks with subtle changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also came prepared to sell to the
consuming public. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been able to
pick up several new stores and a new overseas distributor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That makes the Quilt Market part of the trip
a success. The retail business we have done in two days has paid for the booth
and most of our other expenses so that makes the whole endeavor a success. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course that means I will probably be back
sooner rather than later and will be looking at Spring Market. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have been able to find several new products that should
be complementary to our current product line up and I have had time to review
some older products we have not carried in several years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of those will be added back into our lineup
of products.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tonight is tear down for many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to dinner and worry about setup
for Quilt Festival on Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tear down
is still a week away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-36574813152340965652013-10-15T21:06:00.001-07:002013-10-15T21:06:41.014-07:00Milwaukee to Santa Clara
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here I sit in Santa Clara wondering why my recent trips
to the west coast have been a little more difficult than normal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t understand review my blog about
the trip to Tacoma and the flight to Seattle to go to Portland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enough said on those two trips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Today is Tuesday and I left Sunday morning from Milwaukee
5:50 early morning flight on a United flight to Houston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To do that I need to be up at 2 o’clock to
leave at 3 o’clock to check in and go through the TSA check in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which in itself is not too bad but I did not
get to sleep until midnight and then overslept and woke at 3 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So now I am tired and late and if I hurry I
can still make it because I built in a little extra time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Check in at General Mitchell Airport went well I was even
Pre checked in by TSA even though I have never applied for it. I guess they
mixed me up with another Jim Simons (the really rich one).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much for government efficiency, it’s a good
thing I am not a bad guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took off
for Bush International on time, arrived on time and called to tell everyone on
the west coast we were leaving on time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The calls were probably the big mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We did grab a breakfast sandwich and eat it while we were waiting to
taxi out for takeoff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is
going just great, but…… 500 feet out from the terminal we stop and the Captain
announces a medical emergency and we have to go back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">By the time they got the gentleman off and restocked the
medical supplies used we had used up an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ok I had still built in a little extra time and we would still arrive in
Sacramento in time for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The flight went great, I got to watch two movies I have
been waiting to see and they only cost a $110 each, but that made the flight
free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived in San Francisco and
the plane is late and they have been telling nervous passengers that some
flights had been held but they would have to hurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plane pulls up to the jet way but they
can’t find anyone to move the jet way against the plane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That simple task takes almost 15 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We are finally off the plane in the International
Terminal and we have to walk over to Terminal 3 to get our checked bags then
walk back to the International Terminal to catch the BART Train to
Richmond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going to miss the last
train I had hoped to catch to Sacramento.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh well there is another train about anhour later but I need to call and
tell everyone I will be late.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We get to Richmond and we have to wait for the next
train.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About half way through the wait
they announce the train is delayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OK
this is getting serious. We have not eaten since 8:30 in the morning, there is
nothing to eat at the station and the train is late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five minutes before the delayed train is
supposed to arrive it is cancelled and we are told to wait for the next train.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another hour and 45 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going to be seriously late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More calls. I am really hungry since it is now
4pm in a time zone 2 hours later than the one I started in. I have slept only 3
hours in the last 36. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I am looking
down every street I can see from the train depot and I spot a deli.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am out of there and get a sandwich, chips
and cookies to split with Patricia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Four hours after I had planned to arrive in Sacramento we
arrived, and my brother and his granddaughter were waiting for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally things are coming together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner is waiting, but one of my nephews had
to leave to be at his job early Monday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The good news is we finally caught up with him today and he was able to
have lunch with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And here we are in Santa Clara ready to set up early
tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe things will get better. I
would say they can’t get worse but they might if I do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be a good show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-57439494889118658062013-09-23T08:08:00.002-07:002013-09-23T08:08:52.962-07:00Portland to Sacramento
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another show has come and gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one was a little different from other shows
because we changed our method of travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You will remember a few weeks ago we drove to the show in Tacoma, WA,
now that was an adventure with the truck breaking down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we finished the show we left the truck and trailer behind. We went to the
Seattle airport and flew home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have
to think about leaving your truck and trailer 2200 miles away with people you
really don’t know and hope everything will work out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well a week ago we flew back to Seattle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found an airline I will never fly on again.
My few words of advice are Frontier is terrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
hotel picked us up and we retrieved the truck and trailer, spent the night, got
up early and drove to Portland and did the show there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also picked up our supplies from the last West
Coast Independent Contractor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the
trailer is full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We already had a lot in the
trailer because it will not go home for another month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is really full now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you live on the West Coast and think you
would like to do shows for Quilter's Rule contact me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While in Portland we were asked if we would come back in a few
weeks to do the machine show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But alas
this was our one show in Portland this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So if you missed us in Portland, the internet is still available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many shows in the same locations
next year we have decided to only do one show in a Metro area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The market can only be sliced and diced so
many ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday we got going about 8 am and drove south to station
the truck and trailer for PIQF in October.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We went by the land my In-Laws owned, it has all changed. Everything is gone and a Walnut Orchard is in its place. All things change. </span>Today we will visit with my brother and then take the train to San
Francisco to take an early morning flight to Milwaukee by way of Houston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except for baggage charges I am not sure I
understand how airlines work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-32166072061827674472013-08-24T06:35:00.000-07:002013-08-24T06:35:23.313-07:00Tacoma, WA
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have not written for quite a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess you would say I have been in a
funk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At any rate, there has been
nothing to say for a while that I thought would cheer anyone up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t know that there is a lot to
say to anyone right now that would cheer anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what I have to say is not designed to do
anything other than tell you what I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please read the rest of this blog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quilter’s Rule is in Tacoma, WA at a show and we are readyl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting here was a trial at best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First there was the just over 2000 mile trip
to get here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Originally I had thought to
just follow Interstate 94 to Interstate 90.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a bit further than just taking I90 but there was the bucket list
reason, I could knock of 2 more states in my quest to drive through all 50
states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well now I have seen North
Dakota and Montana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both are very long
drives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While in Montana I decided to
take HWY 12 across from I 94 to I90.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could make up the extra miles it cost to see North Dakota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything went fine until the Suburban lost
an idler pulley on the serpentine belt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lost the fan, power steering, power brakes and air conditioning and of
course the engine over heated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not
in the middle of nowhere, but I am certain I can see it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not to worry, just call AAA and get towed to a garage to fix
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew exactly where I was since I was standing
next to the 102 mile marker on the Highway. Should be easy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, it turns out that maps really only have
useful mile markers on Interstate Highways and AAA doesn’t know where the mile
marker is either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s still OK
because I know where I am and tell them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trouble is AAA can’t find a garage closer than Billings that can fix the
car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and even though I have towing
service for a trailer, AAA won’t tow the trailer unless it has living quarters,
because I purchased the service for my wife and her horse trailer if she broke
down on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her trailer has living
quarters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Plan 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call the
office and have Karis do a search for auto parts stores near where we are
stranded. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Patricia is burning her
way through her cell phone battery at an alarming rate searching the web and I
want to keep my cell which is half full for other possible calls we need to
make to get out of this situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well,
Karis found a Napa Store with the part I need about 30 miles away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how does one get to a store 30 miles away
with a broke down car? I am nearly positive there is no taxi service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">About now a rancher in a pickup pulls over and asks if we
need help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explain what we need and
where the part is located.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asks, can
I drive you to town and get it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strange
why would anyone drive 60 miles to get a part for someone he has never met? But
I say sure!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end we decide Patricia
should go and I should stay with the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The situation does not seem good no matter who stays or who goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway Patricia pulls off and I settle in to wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 5 minutes later and I am regretting my
decision Patricia is calling me and asking if I need antifreeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out the town I was looking for
was not 30 miles away it is 2 miles away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could have walked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The long and short of all this is with Jim’s (the rancher)
help we put the car back together. We met a wonderful person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out Jim owns 12,000 acres, raises
cattle and would not take anything for helping us. I realize I have lived too
long in a place where I think of the bad first and the good too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also realized I do not always know where I
am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time to rethink what is
important. I have learned a lot on this trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-28902852871963847882013-05-07T06:48:00.000-07:002013-05-07T06:48:51.852-07:00Tell me what you think!
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I have just spent two day
driving from Wisconsin to Utah for the Home Machine Quilting Show. When you are
in a car for over 25 hours there is not a lot to do except read, think or
drive. Oh, yes there is the inevitable snacking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I did see more snow on the ground than
usual for this time of year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The farmers
are way behind this year.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Since you are not interested
in what I snacked on or what I was reading, let me tell you what I have been
thinking about!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There are a lot of new shows
being announced and will be in the marketplace in the next two years. AQS and
OCS have both announced multiple new shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Quilts, Inc. has reopened Chicago and MQX has announced Springfield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other shows like Quilting with Machines are
closing citing too much competition.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 85.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -49.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">From
the consumer’s point of view this is probably a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More shows offer more choice some will be in
new locations and closer to their homes and they can get to the shows with less
expense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will they spend those savings
or pocket it? Will they attend more shows?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will spending increase? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 85.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -49.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">From
the vendor’s point of view there will be increased expenses to attend all these
shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them will be in locations
that have been overlooked and that will be a good thing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will revenues increase sufficiently to justify
the increased cost of attending more shows?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will vendors attend more shows?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 85.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -49.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
show promoters where locations double up might see dilution of attendance or vendors
who cannot handle multiple locations or who do not want to return to the same
area relatively soon after they were there previously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there are more shows with contests, will
sponsors step forward with more money?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The logistics of moving quilts will get more difficult.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 85.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -49.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
baby boomer generation will start to retire in earnest over the next 10 years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stock market is booming right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there is a sense of uncertainty that has
depressed consumer confidence and spending for years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 85.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -49.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
work force participation is lower than it has been in many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is all that money coming from to
support these people? Taxes? Savings? Charity? Family?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 85.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -49.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Our
industry is not based on need, it is based on want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I have formulated several scenarios
of how this will play out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I
share them, I would like to know what your think?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you can respond directly to this post or
if you would rather have your identity preserved respond to my email at <a href="mailto:jim@quiltersrule.com"><span style="color: blue;">jim@quiltersrule.com</span></a> Let's start a conversation.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I would like to know if you
are a consumer, vendor or show promoter. Personally I work on two sides of the problem as a vendor and a show promotor.</span><br />
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-49199477098344716972013-03-13T03:14:00.001-07:002013-03-13T03:14:28.617-07:00Lancaster, PA
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where does time go?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today
is Wednesday and the show opens in a couple of hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me catch you up on the last couple of
days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday we traveled to Lancaster, with a stop in Chicago so
they could pick up an 18 wheeler laying across all the east bound lanes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Picking up the wreck turned the whole road in
to a parking lot for several hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally got to an exit and we detoured around the wreck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Downtown Gary, IN is not my favorite
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was off to Richmond IN to
visit with a vendor who supplies us with mat material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left home at 4:30 Am and it was now noon and it has not
stopped raining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact the entire
drive was in the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should be
thankful that the weather was in the 50’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It could have all been snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We accept
our blessings for the little things in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We finally arrive at midnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Checked
in, and got a short 6 hours of sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Set up went very smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But as most of you already know, the Host Hotel is not available for us
for the next three years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact for
the next several year many of the hotels in Lancaster are tied up with events
not associated with quilting at the same time we will be here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we are seeking a new home in
Lancaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We believe we have found a
new location but we have not signed a contract, so it is not in the bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Met with some local leaders we will be working with next
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be making an announcement
about that shortly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today the show
opens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quilts are great, the vendors
are ready and don’t forget Friday evening for our Gallery Tour with the
Curators. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-8669409269800764262013-02-28T10:35:00.000-08:002013-02-28T10:35:38.192-08:00Home from the MId-Atlantic
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well we arrived home yesterday after 16 days on the
road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was the trip a success?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This trip out we did a retreat and the Mid-Atlantic Quilt
Festival at Hampton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hampton was an
interesting show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There seemed to be a
lot of people there, the number of sales were not down, but the total sales
were off the mark a bit from last year’s average.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the folks who live there are in one
way or another connected to a pay check dependent on the Federal
Government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sequestration has scared many
of them to the point they were willing to come to the show and look around but
not really ready to spend a lot of money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh well, next year is another year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And sequestration starts tomorrow and the news cycle will start
reporting the world did not end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left Hampton and went to Lancaster to check on a few
details for our show there this year and of course of the next several years
now that AQS has signed on for three more years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dates they choose happen to coincide with
the week that many Pennsylvania school children are in Lancaster and soak up a
huge number of rooms in the hotels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should make finding lodging an interesting problem,
for example the Host is full for next year already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leaving Lancaster, we started to hit rain in western
Pennsylvania and the wet snow started in earnest in Mid-Ohio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
just inside the Indiana line when we pulled in to a rest stop and realized just
how much ice had fallen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We slipped back
onto the Toll Way and then exited at the next exit to sit the rest of the storm
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well it was still snowing the next
morning but the salt was working and the roads were in much better shape, plus
everyone has slowed down a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we
were home by 1:30 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday it is off to Iowa for a wedding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-17363310640773053562013-02-20T13:09:00.003-08:002013-02-20T13:09:40.803-08:00Hampton, VA
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just put the finishing touches on the booth in Hampton,
VA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For many of our friends this is
their first show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure what it make
me feel like since this is our fourth since the New Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a little cool this morning, but now it
is sunny, windy and about 50 degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
about three hours we will need to be back over for the preview.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are looking forward to a good show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was TV advertising on this
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So maybe!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our Quilts of Valor Challenge is hanging at the front of the
400 row so go by and take a look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will
try to post some pictures later on this evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stand by!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t miss out check out www.quiltersrule.com for the rules for this
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-11073354293640350672013-02-18T06:55:00.005-08:002013-02-18T06:55:31.271-08:00Raliegh, NC
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday Patricia and I </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">finished
a Quilt Retreat with Memory Lane Quilting at Greenbo Lake State Park, KY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not expecting too much and was pleasantly
surprised by the response to our products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just 16 participants and three teachers, but everyone got personalized attention
and they had all their questions answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That made everyone happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sunday we
drove over the West Virginia mountains and down and east to Raleigh, NC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had it all, rain, snow and wind, then
sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 100 miles from
finishing we found a Girl Scout Troop selling cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add milk and we had a late lunch. Really
healthy and all that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it did bring
out the sunshine even if it was a bit cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not cold by our standards, but cool enough to need a jacket, which I
forgot to bring on this trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
brought two on the last trip and never put them on so go figure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Today we are
in downtown Raleigh sitting in Starbucks hoping it will warm up enough for a
stroll around the city center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since
there are trees blooming this cold snap has to be unusual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least there is no snow on the ground, just
some ice in the shady side of buildings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This
afternoon we will head for Hampton, VA for the MidAtlantic Quilt Festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then home for a week before the Lancaster
Spring Quilt Show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966184266815867847.post-44658199142710373102013-02-18T06:55:00.003-08:002013-02-18T06:55:19.947-08:00Raliegh, NC
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday Patricia and I </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">finished
a Quilt Retreat with Memory Lane Quilting at Greenbo Lake State Park, KY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not expecting too much and was pleasantly
surprised by the response to our products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just 16 participants and three teachers, but everyone got personalized attention
and they had all their questions answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That made everyone happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sunday we
drove over the West Virginia mountains and down and east to Raleigh, NC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had it all, rain, snow and wind, then
sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 100 miles from
finishing we found a Girl Scout Troop selling cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add milk and we had a late lunch. Really
healthy and all that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it did bring
out the sunshine even if it was a bit cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not cold by our standards, but cool enough to need a jacket, which I
forgot to bring on this trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
brought two on the last trip and never put them on so go figure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Today we are
in downtown Raleigh sitting in Starbucks hoping it will warm up enough for a
stroll around the city center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since
there are trees blooming this cold snap has to be unusual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least there is no snow on the ground, just
some ice in the shady side of buildings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This
afternoon we will head for Hampton, VA for the MidAtlantic Quilt Festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then home for a week before the Lancaster
Spring Quilt Show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jim C. Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13147658030085576228noreply@blogger.com0