- Cleared Customs

Safety Harbor, FL USA

Great news on the last day of 2008 - my shipment of rough opal and Australian hardwood has cleared US Customs and is waiting to be delivered!  I might have it on Friday.  In a few days the real work will begin - Tucson is only a month away.

I hope you have an entertaining and safe New Year's Eve and a wonderful New Year.  Dawn and I will be going out tonight.  I'll try to take and post a few photos.

Be well . . .

Update on the evening of 12/31/08 - 

Although Dawn was very smartly attired and I can say accurately and objectively she was the most beautiful lady in the ballroom where we spent the last few hours of 2008 and the first few moments of 2009, she declined to have her photo taken.  Perhaps she thought it would steal some of her soul.

.

- Happy New Year & New Rocks

Safety Harbor, FL USA

It's been a while since I've said hello . . . 

As 2008 draws to a close, please accept my thanks for your kindness & support through another year of this wacky and amazing life.  I hope you had a Merry HoHoHo Holiday and wish you a very happy New Year.

I've just received news that the eight 55-gallon drums of rough opal I shipped from Australia have arrived in Tampa. However, US Customs is waiting to inspect them.  It appears that the four 55-gallon drums full of pieces Australian hardwood have piqued more than the usual interest of Customs - they are consulting with the USDA - etc etc, bla bla bla . . . . so my goodies are here, just a few miles away, but they are in that US Customs never-never-land . . . maybe I'll see them tomorrow, maybe I'll see them next week . . . patience is a virtue, but I'm not feeling so virtuous.

As some of you know my girlfriend Dawn has been helping me with my rock business.  I'm very grateful - she's been very helpful & she's very pleasant company. . . yes, she's certainly cute etc etc, but she's also exceptionally bright & creative & has been quite a positive addition to my business.

Dawn also happens to be a gifted writer.  A few of her poems can be found on her new blog: julietsquill.blogspot.com.

We'll be going to Tucson for about 2 weeks . . . hmmm, maybe I'll find some treasure for her there.  

We'll be showing in Tucson at:

The Gem & Jewelry Exchange (GJX) booth 105, February 4-9.

Please keep your fingers crossed that US Customs is happy with everything & quickly clears my shipment - I'll keep you informed.

Happy New Year !

.