The wind blows grains of sand across the desert and the pieces of china we find.   A soft rustling sound the blowing sand makes, if you  listen.  Perhaps the porcelain plate had a crack and was discarded into the trash a century ago.  Discovered and repurposed, we create jewelry out of what was discarded by a generation now long gone.

This week we will be in La Vegas, North Las Vegas, Craig Ranch Park for Pirate Fest 2018.  We enjoy renaissance events and this one will be a Jolly Roger good time.

P.S. This set is not for sale,  It was a birthday gift this week to my dear wife, Sherry.  Happy Birthday, my love!

Sheer cliffs rise 100’s of feet on either side.  As we near the end of our drive through Titus Canyon, we understand why it is the most popular 4×4 route in Death Valley National Park.  The mix of  geology, history and wildlife created a day adventure we will not soon forget.

Spring is upon us and we have taken some time to refresh our yard and plant a new garden of vegetables and flowers.  The second annual spring show at Joshua Tree was wonderful.  We look forward to the fall show.

This weekend we will be in Vista for the annual gem and mineral show hosted by the Vista Gem and Mineral Club.  The show is held at the Antique Steam Engine Museum, in Vista.  This is a great venue for all ages.  The gem and mineral show will have about 100 dealers and the museum covers many acres of really cool machines, being a step back in time.

Hope to see you there!

The Dutch were establishing  New Amsterdam (New York City), The Pilgrims were settling up North and Jamestown was established in Virginia.  It was the 1600’s and in what was to become California, Ubehebe  Crater had been created by a horrific explosion as magma rose near the surface of the earth and collided with groundwater.  A 150 foot deep layer of ash blanketed the area for miles and a crater 600 feet deep and one mile across was formed.  The exact age of this “maar” volcano can only be estimated.  It could be as young as 300 years, or much older.  Experts do not know.

Located in the northern part of Death Valley National Park, it once was held as private land by Albert Johnson, the builder and owner of what is now called Scotty’s Castle.  The sheer size is overwhelming as you walk near the edge and hike around the area.

The warning signs along the edge of the crater do not exaggerate the danger as the drop off is quite steep, an almost vertical drop.  We hiked carefully as we enjoyed this bit more remote part of the park recently.

Getting ready for Joshua Tree show (Our Show Schedule)  This is a great time to visit the park.  Our show is in the town of Joshua Tree at the Sportsmen’s Club, a community center near the entrance to the park. 

Hope your week is blessed.