My two sisters and our mom have gone to two retreats a year for the past 10 years. One sister doesn't quilt but she loves counted cross stitch and is always happy to remind us how little she has to pack!!! It is a wonderful way to spend time with our Mom. I don't know what I would have talked about the past 30 years without quilting in my life!! Now I know how important hunting and fishing seasons are for my husband and his buddies!!