So wonderful to celebrate my birthday each year for the past 40 at the Tucson Gem and mineral and Bead Shows! I could not think of a more enjoyable way to celebrate my life, my passion for both stones and beads. My dear wife Valeri accompanies me each year as she is my present. This was her 24th year, she's only missed one...when we had adopted a kitten rescued from the wildfires, who needed her more than I. This was another great show...we acquired 50 boxes of minerals for our shop - Appophylite, Ruby in Zoesite, Amethyst, Citrine, Rutilated Quartz, Kyanite, Moonstone, Pyrite and more. Of course we scored some wonderful beads and other treasures too. We just missed Rosanna and Fred at our store and hope they enjoyed seeing our collection. In Tucson we saw Joyce (Thank you for my gift!), Matt, Bassem...many of our African friends who regularly visit our shop. I didn't take too many pictures...but here are a few images to share the enjoyment of the Tucson show experience. It's the most work I do and the most fun I have in the business. and, it's my birthday party! Tucson sunrise and sunsets are often beautiful....