Watching electrons get excited

Clockwise from left: Geode, California, Willemite and Calcite Sphere, New Jersey, Fluorite Sphere, California. Top, exposed to short wave light. Bottom, normal lighting.

We love fluorescent minerals.  When exposed to various wave lengths of light the color we see changes.  It all has to do with electrons getting excited and jumping around.  Light and what it does is amazing.  Hope you enjoy these pics from our fluorescent minerals that we have collected and worked with.

What we found inside!

Sherry seated by a petrified log, Cactus Joe’s, Blue Diamond, NV

We were recently treated lunch with writer and friend, Thomas Farley, of Las Vegas.  Those of you in the rock hobby have read his articles in Rock and Gem magazine, just one of Thomas’ endeavors.  Thank you, Thomas!

The lunch conversation, of course, included rocks.  Thomas told us about Cactus Joe, a plant nursery, specializing in succulents and cacti.  Located west of Las Vegas, in the Blue Diamond area, we passed this before, coming and going to Pahrump, but never stopped. 

We visited on Super Bowl Sunday.  The outside of the building does not do it justice.  Inside can best be described as a botanical garden, rock show and yard art display, all in one.   The staffs were friendly.  We had fun browsing.

We are home and enjoying unseasonably warm winter weather, yard work, had a day of “junking” (thrift store shopping), and getting ready for our upcoming spring shows.  Take some time to check out what is inside.  You never know what you will find.

Life turned up-side-down?

Palm trees reflected in swimming pool

The picture may appear to be up-side-down, but it is not.  This scene caught my eye today at the pool/spa complex of the RV resort we are staying at, here in Las Vegas.  Mom had been in the hospital for almost one month a nd went home yesterday and is doing well.  We plan to return to California tomorrow and get ready for upcoming shows: Our upcoming show schedule.

Life, at times, seems to be turned up-side-down, but can bring unexpected blessings.  This week we met some interesting people.  A man who runs a retired K-9 dog sanctuary, he himself a retired SWAT officer of 24 years was in town teaching K-9 classes.  A Purple Heart recipient and his wife that rock climb as he begins work on an advanced college degree, a miracle of recovery after wounds received fighting for our freedom.  We thank you for your service.