[LadyX]

"reading about your rock hunts in the West, can't believe I never got out there to scour the earth for treasures...at least not yet. :)"

You of course have a gazillion rocks right there in the Eastern mountains, Aqua..:))
Why, when we were in Franklin, NC in 1978 and panned for gems at a tourist mining place, it was *amazing* how many of the little ones had 'gravitated' up from South America right into our pans!
LOLOL

As for "That was so practical of you not to pick out a ring or pendant at the jewelry store. -
the bracelet was a total surprise, my sons conspiring with their Dad to spend their little savings to get a Mother's Day present for me.

[Billie]

Happy Birthday
to the United States Marine Corps!

[Aquamarine]

Why, when we were in Franklin, NC in 1978 and panned for gems at a tourist mining place, it was *amazing* how many of the little ones had 'gravitated' up from South America right into our pans! LOLOL

That's only an hour away, they have an annual Gem and Mineral show that I try to attend every year.
The local paper has a picture of a farmer every now and then holding a rough ruby that he dug up in the garden, it's funny I never dig any up...and I'm looking. :)

the bracelet was a total surprise, my sons conspiring with their Dad to spend their little savings to get a Mother's Day present for me.

I KNEW IT! Their mama didn't raise no fool. ;)