Ok, this is a silly question, but ..... can't you go to visit your sister and Auntie? Do you have to spend 3 days at the quilt show? Sure, you want to go with them and see things, but if your budget won't handle it and you'll be tempted to spend more, then just go for 1 day and suggest to your sister and Auntie that you all do something else together for the rest of the time. Would it have to quilt related? Are there other interests between you that you could explore?
Just thoughts to think about. But the time spent with your sister and Auntie are priceless and limited.
It sounds to me like you are going not as just a quilter, but still as a shop owner, but don't have your shop anymore. Could it be that that is what is zapping/draining you? the wish of what could have been. If you aren't taking the classes, then I see no reason to have to spend 3 days there. you can surely get around to the vendors you want to say Hi to in one day. then free yourself to spend time with your relatives.
Last edited by BarbaraSue; 03-02-2012 at 09:12 AM.