I retired from teaching English lit in a California high school 3 years ago, just missing the major mess and malaise that is now affecting education (do we fire 50 more teachers or put 50 kids in a foreign language classroom?). I've been sewing for 44 years (had to stop and work that one out) -- have made lined sports coats, prom dresses, curtains and all those kinds of goodies. However, I never made a real quilt (just a "cheater" one) & I'm feeling very inadequate. My husband & I spent about 3 months on the road in our 5th wheel; last year we traveled the width of the nation. We have 4 peppy and joyful cocker spaniels in a myriad of colors who travel everywhere with us. And, we have 4 grown children who live here and across the nation. I have a Huskylock, a JemGold, & a Janome 12000.