I had the privilege of meeting and visiting with her in Houston last Fall at the International Quilt Festival. She is indeed such a gracious and lovely lady and makes one feel so comfortable and at ease, making you feel like you're talking with an old friend. She autographed her book, Eleanor's Kitchen, for me and I highly recommend it.
Her assistant, Sue (of the infamous "Demise of Sunbonnet Sue" blocks) was there as well and is just as friendly and personable as Eleanor.
We also met and visited with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims. If you can possibly make the trip to Houston in October/November, I strongly encourage you to attend the Quilt Show and Market!