Amazement

Visiting the folks is always a great source of it. Becky bought this violin from her grandmother, who gave a short demonstration.

This instrument has tone and volume like you would never imagine. a note sounded from its strings made you feel as if you were in a concert hall.... I tried it at home and alas could only squeak.

Herkimer diamonds

Daguerreotypes.

And books, always books. We looked at several really cool ones........and that is not to mention all the wonderful love they hand out so freely. Sure was good to see them.

Rumors

About the demise of the snow here.....are a bit premature....alas


My favorite rose quartz, which now adorns Mike's final resting place


And my former favorite Herkimer diamond specimen, which a certain someone broke with the lawn mower.



But we do have pretty rocks....er.....mineral specimens.

For Dad

Sorry this one is kind of blurry....
but you can get an idea of the size of this chunk of Brazilian Amethyst
Dad brought back from their southern gold mining travels.
It is sitting on their Fisher fireplace insert!

My mom is strong and bright and optimistic, and someone I admire more than you could imagine. She could use some serious prayers right now and we are doing our best to supply them...

However, this certainly gives one pause for thought. Maybe we should get a permit or something.


****Update! You should go see my Sis-in-law's blog today! She has pics of my handsome little brother working on a giant statue at the UN. So cool! (Click on 'em for a good look.)

Rose quartz

As you may have guessed...Becky has no classes today so I get to play on the computer instead of driving all day. Here are some photos of one of my larger pieces of rose quartz. Dad and I collected these perhaps thirty years ago on a mountain up near the Sacandaga Reservoir. They are amazing! This one is roughly 11"x 3 1/2" x 6 1/2 ". (Do click if you have time...)