sandpat, aren't you a genius! I LOVE that idea! I really am emotionally attached to the tree (although sometimes the emotion is not GOOD emotion! :x ) - MN winters are harsh and I love spring, and I miss the southern springs I grew up in, there is nothing prettier than a southern spring! I figured that I could bring this quilt out in March each year when Alabama is bursting in color and MN is digging out of a record snow storm...and I would feel so much better! :D
Thanks for all your input and encouragement everyone - y'all are the reason I am at this site!