- More Pretty Rocks

Safety Harbor, FL - USA

In addition to opals, we'll also have some beautiful Ocean Jasper & other curious stones at the booth in Tucson.

A very big thanks to Dawn & her son James for pricing close to 2,000 stones.

Here are some of the Ocean Jasper cabs:

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- Cutting Opals

Safety Harbor, FL - USA

A week from now we'll be in Tucson showing & selling. Here are a few opals I've just cut & will soon be on the way to Tucson . . . .

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- Cutting Rocks

Safety Harbor, FL - USA

 . . . just a quick and simple update - 

I'm cutting opals getting ready for Tucson.  Here are photos of a handfull of today's opals on dop sticks before I cut them.

More soon . . . .

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- Arrival

Safety Harbor, FL - USA

The shipment of rocks and hardwood from Australia arrived at about noon today.

Although I have established a stronger sense of faith in many areas of my life, I still breathe at least a small sigh of relief when I see those drums full of treasure I last saw about 2 months ago on the other side of the planet, being unloaded from the back of the truck here at home.

Here are a few photos:

(I've updated the post from 12/31/08.)

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- 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.

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- 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 !

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- Emails, Comments, Questions

Safety Harbor, FL - USA

Thank you for your emails, comments, questions & etc.

Please be aware that when you post a comment here on my blog, I only see the text you wrote. I have no idea what your email address is. The only way for me to reply would be to post your comment and leave my response which would be visible publicly.

A few of you have sent emails and asked questions containing some personal information that I would like to reply to, but don't think it would be best to just post them out in the open.

You are welcome to post comments, however please either include your email address or email me directly: koroit@gmail.com

Thanks

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