Hi Kathy, Just thought I would send a shout out too! I have to work that day, but will leave at about noon and be there about 12:30. I know I have invited more than a dozen people myself, but who knows who will attend. I moved everything up close to the house and my guess is I have at least 40 plants to bring. (that is why I would sure love to have some more pots from someone). I am also working on printing out pictures of all of the plants. It will make it easier for people to see how that little plant will take over your garden in some cases :). I don't want to bring ONE of those plants back with me. So people who don't have much to share or anything, please attend. I am also willing to dig up more from the garden if I am so luck as to run out of some of the stuff that I am bringing. Kathy, thanks so much for putting this together for us! Teri

I received a Birthday Card today from Erica and it was filled with these fantastic seeds. French Lavender Liberty Classic Snapdragons Violet dusk Penstamon Carthusian Dianthus Can't wait to grow these beauties. Thank you so much Erica. Well we have almost made it to game time: 8:00 a.m. the fun begins. See you ladies in the morning. Shirley

Are you interested in diamond studs or earrings with lots of smaller diamonds? If you're looking at diamond studs then it's easier to ascertain the value. Unless they're really small you should get an appraisal. I tried Macy's web site, filtered for the most expensive studs and they did list the 4 C's. I can't speak for the accuracy since it didn't mention if the appraisal was G.I.A. or just Macy's description. If you're interested in earrings with lots of smaller diamonds then you'll probably only get a t.c.w. description, without any grading. We buy most of our jewelry from a local jeweler who we have dealt with for nearly 30 years. We've bought new jewelry, estate items and he's made several custom pieces made for us. DH is very knowledgeable and often buys loose stones from him and then the 3 of us design the setting. He believes that we receive a better price and certainly better service from our local jeweler. Our jeweler is an independent business but he travels to Tucson every year for the gem show which is the largest gem and mineral show in the U. S. Costco has a fairly good reputation for their jewelry. The more expensive ones have G.I.A. appraisals. Tiffany recently filed a trademark infringement against Costco for selling Tiffany rings, which obviously weren't from Tiffany. I've looked at their jewelry and they do have some really nice pieces. I wonder how many brides have Costco engagement rings. It wouldn't matter if they all bought their pieces from the same place. There is such a vast range of quality that I don't think you could base your decision on that. It's more important to trust that you're dealing with a reputable business. Maire

When you say "make jewelry" you are speaking about a vast number of skills. If you area primarily interested in making bead type items I would suggest that you pay a visit to a couple "gem and mineral shows" that are presented in the great state of TX by their large number of clubs. Take the time to go visit,: www.rockhounds.com =index =scroll down to "Rock and Gem Magazine Show Calendar" there you will find a list by month and day of most of the shows in the U.S. Don't let the name "gems" scare you, most of the shows today have a LARGE number of dealers that sell only beads and bead tools and supplies. Any dealer there will be more than willing to help you with any question you could have. Also at rockhounds.com there are a number of other categories you may want to explore and the book section is good also. I got started at age 16 grinding rocks and it has been full speed ahead to now age 73. I don't do beads but do cut and fashion all kinds of gem stones and make my own settings in gold and silver. Not gold so much anymore - too costly. There is a club right there in Houston that you can look up in the club list and for sure a lot of people there will be willing to help and advise you. see the club list at rockhounds.com. If I can be of any further assistance just holler. Jim