Our house is on a point of a hill.  This means when the Santa Anna Winds blow, they are a force to be reckoned with.  Saturday I was reminded of this when taking a face full.  After a trip to urgent care and getting one eye washed out, I got to sport the "Pirate Look" for 2 whole days.Small pieces of leaves and your eye do not mix well.  

Back to topics on hand.  Next weekend starts the craziness of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows.  I can not wait to get there.  It truly is like being a kid in the candy shop!  Amazing how so much beautiful material can be located in one location.  I will try to learn from past mistakes.   

1.  Stick to a plan.  

2.  Stick to a BUDGET. 

3.  Write down where you saw that amazing rock.  

4.  Only one person haggles the price.  Alan keep quiet.

5.  Never buy just enough material to make only one sphere.

6.  Never spend all your money on the first day.

7.  Never think that one rock you just have to have will be there when you come back.

8.  Because it's for sale, doesn't mean you have to buy it all.

So many of these seem to be common sense issues, but, when it comes to rocks, common sense does take a walk.