27 July, 2020 - Talking to You & The Beauty of Rocks and Minerals

Dear, Mom -

It was so great to talk to you today (yesterday). It made me very happy! It made me do the 'Happy Dance' like Snoopy.

I am glad to see you doing well, Mom. I really miss you and wish that I could come give you a great, big hug and smooch. I also miss just sitting and talking with all of your friends that live there, too. We always have such a nice time eating a meal together and visiting. I know that I am not the only child of a loved one that feels this way. We will all stay hopeful and know that we will be able to sit, share, laugh, and love once more in the near future. 

You know how I have been a rock hound since I was a little kid, right? Billy and I would look for agates along the train tracks and then I would put them in my rock tumbler and shine them up. One Christmas I made jewelry for Grandma and Aunt Grace. They wore those necklaces and I believe that they really did think they were beautiful. 

I love to go out to the Rice Rock and Mineral Museum. Taking pictures out there is fantastic. The last time I went, I took a series of pictures that I would love to get printed and hang up. I wish I had more money and more rooms with wall space. Anyway, here is a little selection of some of my favorites. I didn't write down what they were, so I am guessing by using my handy "Rocks, Mineral, and Gemstones" identification book. I hope you enjoy them.

Malachite

Petrified Wood

Rhodochrosite

A mixture of Red Agate💖

Ammonoid Fossil encased in gemstone with foliage? I couldn't find a match. Gorgeous!

Turquoise Agate (I think).

This last picture is actually an Opal found in northeastern Oregon at Opal Butte. How have I gone my whole life not knowing that we lived so close to a place where I could have possibly found a beauty like this? I will have to go and explore there someday!

I hope you enjoyed my letter today, Mom. I tried to mix it up with something different. Tomorrow I think I will showcase some of my most favorite photos of you and I that we've taken over the past three years or so. 

I love you and miss you very much. Always know I am in your heart. I think of you often throughout the day, so I am always with you in spirit. I'm sending you a big hug and kiss! Your Youngest, ---Sal