There is a good thread about Tucson shows and tips about getting around in the sister forum at http://cs.artjewelrymag.com/artcs/themes/artjewelry2007/forums/grouplist.aspx.

 wish i was, Russ, but we're in Tx for the winter.  hear you are deep in snow up there this winter.

 crystal

 Russ I was one of the many people who said hello to you as you were browsing the sales last Feb in Tucson. I will be there this Feb again but have to recover from a car accident first. All that walking and carrying bags of beads will be harder this time as I have back injuries. But I hope nothing will stop me from having a great time there and finding some amazing unique beads there. Plus the two swarovski classes I am signed up for.

My Aunt in Spokane has been shopping for me in your store picking out great beads for me to design with and sending them to me in Canada. Now I need the Canadian dollar to smarten up and get back to par so I can spend more with your bead store. Your selection is the best and you have things that others don't which is nice.

So I will say hello if I bump into you again. There is a few from jewelrymaking@about.com forum going as well. It should be great as now it is my second time going and I know a lot more. Thanks for the link, Sheila from Saskatchewan.

 A little snow here in Spokane, Crystal? Yes! About 40 inches on the ground & still coming down this Christmas eve. I just went out and shoveled the last 2 or 3 inches so there won't be to much to shovel in the morning. My snow blower lives at the R&T warehouse because we need it more there so I have to shovel at  home. Good exercise, eh!

What's it like up in Saskatchewan this winter, Sheila?

 I'm really looking forward to Tucson this year. Not sure if our big bead truck will need chains to get out of Spokane.  With the continuing snow I'm wondering if anyone in the Spokane area will make it to our "Red Tag" clearance sale Monday and Tuesday. We've packed the showroom with good deals we'd like to move out. I don't know if  you want to send your aunt out in our snow covered streets?

Be sure to say "HI" to me if you run into me in Tucson. Please remind me why you know me, I really do loose track of names and faces, particularly in the hustle and bustle of the Tucson shows.

 Russ my Aunt will be down in Phoenix for the winter now or maybe visiting her daughter in Dallas. Avoiding the snow like a smart person! We have just gotten over a cold snap here with lots of snow but not as much as you had. I missed most of the -35 F weather by having to stay indoors to recover from a bad car accident on my way home from my last show on Dec 7th. Some dumb person ran a red light and crashed into my drivers door and me.

So I am glad my show went well as I had to buy a new car and take (not done yet) approximately 1 1/2 months off work to recover. I am self employed (esthetician) so it is tough to take a lot of time away. Insurance will help cover things but who knows when the checks will arrive. So I am trying to rest so I can start power shopping in Tucson February 3rd to 8th. I think I will take a wheeled cart to hold my beads as the backpack I had last time will be too hard on my left arm this year. I will make sure I am well enough for Tucson!!!

First I am going to rest on a nice warm bead in Cuba this Friday with my husband, siblings and mom. They can do tours and I will stay put like the doctor wants. Resting on a island holiday is better than resting in winter here. That should help me be in top form for Tucson. So if I see you I will add to who I am. I need people to tell how they know me as well as I meet many people in my salon business. Thanks for replying, Sheila Colborn, Designs by Sheila.

 Have a wonderful time in Cuba, Sheila!!!!
Take care of  yourself.

I don't think my US passport allows visits there but  yours does.I'll look forward to seeing  you in Tucson this year.

By the way, we got another 10 inches of snow today in Spokane. We are extending the sale for a week. <g>

 Thank you Russ. We just received a plie of snow yesterday in Saskatoon as well. So my kids can be out earning money in our neighborhood shovelling today. They like earning $$$. I will bring some photos of the snow with us to show the Cubans at the hotel what home was like when we left. Have a nice New Years and sell all your sale stock! Sheila.

 The snow in Spokane is melting. <finally!!!> Flooding in low places. (West side of the state is really having flooding problems.) Spokane is cut off from the coast today with all passes closed and parts of I5 and I90 closed due to weather or avalanches. Watch for pictures of the huge piles of snow in the next R&T newsletter and on our website.

On the other hand, we just had a call from Holiday Inn Palo Verde in Tucson saying that they had a few sleeping rooms left.

too far away from here :((