Gems of All Kinds

What more can one ask for---a Rainbow over the Ocean--the calm after the rain.

Can you find the rainbow in the above picture? This couple paused to enjoy the beauty. It was truly strange lighting after the rains ceased that evening. It was a wonderful time. I gathered some shells, which is always a mandatory part of a trip to the ocean. I love rocks and shells and treasures of nature.

Here I am with one of my " special finds!"

We enjoyed our visit with Garry and his oldest granddaughter, Christa. More "gems" to cherish, and thank the Lord for, as family are truly priceless.

Yesterday, we went to Franklin, NC to do some gem mining. I loved it!!! The finds were not enough to make us millionaires, but I did find some sapphires, emeralds, garnets, rhododite, and rubies, and I had soooo much fun. The quest for what might be found among all that dirt and mud, was delightful. I might say that board we are sitting on---left its impression and today I am a bit sore, but would do it again in an instant! Maybe I will post a picture of my finds in a later blog.

This little stand was across the road from the mine and one of our favorite things is boiled peanuts! So we got some for the road. On our way to Gaitlinburg we enjoyed some of the best boiled peanuts as we drove through the Smokey Mountains. A "gem" of a southern vacation experience, for sure. Thanks for sharing our journey, and God bless you all!