OMG!! that is the best store!! glad you got to go...even tho i live in texas, whenever i visit my parents in so.cal. there is always a trip to m & l on the agenda........and i totally understand about the 4 hours and extra luggage!! my trip usually ends with one or two boxes of fabric being mailed to texas via ups!! the prices and quality are just too good to pass up whenever i am there.... it is a great store!!!