Deck the Halls with Magic

Our home is bustling with holiday chaos but much of the bustle is in getting orders packed and shipped for other’s Christmases. We are thrilled to be so busy and in between the daily trips to the post office we are decking our own halls with Christmas cheer.

Last weekend we drove to Bonny Doon to cut down our Christmas tree at Crest Ranch. We always begin the day with great cheer and expectations. Choosing the perfect Christmas tree should be a joyful and bonding family experience, but seldom can we agree on which tree to cut. This year was no exception and we wandered the forest of trees indecisively. There were many wonderful trees, but one can not choose the first one that calls to you. There might be a tree over the horizon that is even prettier. Tension was growing by the time we found one that the three of us could agree on and Art and John quickly cut it down and carried it back to our car.

Our asymmetrical tree is finally decorated, the star tilting off to one side. Our fat cat, Godzilla, watched her foolish humans play with lights and bobbles

Tucson Gems and Okinawan Dreams

I returned last night from the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. John and I flew there in search of Mexican Fire Opals, Australian Boulder Opals and Fire Agates. We returned triumphant. The show is mind blowing. Every hotel room and parking lot is filled with vendors from around the world displaying their treasures. The convention center houses the main show which features high end gems and designer jewelry. The security at this main convention show is amazing. This show is only open to wholesale buyers and after producing all the required proof, we were issued badges with a bar code. Each time we entered a room, security guards scanned our codes. Every booth had a full sized safe for storing the merchandise after hours. It was exciting and stressful to cover all the shows and make our choices.

Today I am frantically packing for our departure for Okinawa Japan in the morning. There is no more time to write today but I will keep a regular journal of our adventures once we arrive in Okinawa.

Marty