FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Gail]

Hello all! Gearing up for our incredibly busy and wonderful Tucson trip. We don't leave for a few days, and we are busy packing up our displays. But we have had great fun entertaining friends as they drive across the country on their way to the biggest gem and mineral show in the world!

I cannot possibly list all the appointments, board meetings, talks and social events we are hosting. It's a bit hectic, to say the least, but I will have my trusty Nikon ready for some fun photos and to give a feel for the pulse of Tucson.

I want to dedicate this year's show report to Diana Lee Weinrich. Oct 1, 1964 ~ Dec 26, 2017. She was a wonderful friend, mineral enthusiast and like a sister in all ways.
Her sudden death left our world with a huge empty space. She and her husband, Dan, were well known and very well liked.
Rest in Peace dear Diana. Love you girl.

[Gail]

It was wonderful to see Dan Weinrich. He managed to spend the night and we talked about Diana, minerals, fun stories. He did a presentation for the MAD group in Dallas. I am happy he is keeping himself busy during a very sorrowful time.

[Gail]

One of the People who will be helping us with our displays is Kevin Betancourt, the new Registrar for the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, Gem and Minerals Hall. . I am on the Board of Directors. Kevin is new to the position and is helping to organize our displays, handle our minerals and enjoy Tucson for the first time. The Perot Museum will be putting in it's first ever display also. Look for Kevin and say hello, he will be a regular at the shows. ( We are also hiring a Director of the gem and minerals hall, and are actively seeking applications ! )

[Gail]

We are proud to sponsor another young man, Duncan Keller, from Yale university in New Haven, Connecticut and associated with the Peabody Museum. Like Kevin, he has never experienced the Tucson show.
We think it is important to help young people who have a true interest in minerals. With his association with the Peabody museum, he is an investment in the future of our world.

Our Collection's assistant, Courtney Lara, will also be coming for the first time, although many of you met her in Denver. Her work for us is highly important and she is assisting in our displays as well.

These three young people are in their 20's. Please come say hi if you see them with us. I don't have a photo of Duncan, but I have one of her and Kevin checking out ceremonial German axes from the 17th and 18th centuries!

[Gail]

Aha! I found a photo of Duncan with his parents that I took in October.

[Gail]

Jim and I have been pulling minerals for two large displays at the Main show.

[Gail]

Figuring out composition.

[Gail]

I am putting in a surprise case with Wendell Wilson of Mineralogical Record fame. We put in a case with his Cabot pottery and our minerals last year.

[keith]

Thank you so much for sharing
I'm already looking forward to your show pics and all the mineral people you meet.
Really does help make up for not being there.

Cheers
Keith

[Gail]

Thank you Keith. We are driving through El Paso, Texas right now. Almost to New Mexico. Jim and I take turns driving. 991 miles in all. Phew!

[Gail]

Okay so traffic wasn’t really heavy. Some photos of the drive so far. We just came into New Mexico.

[Gail]

Texas

[Gail]

We arrived last night. First thing today, breakfast with Jordi!!!

[Gail]

Rolling out a busy day.

[Gail]

Meeting so many friends! Westward Look Resort.

[Gail]

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[Gail]

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[Gail]

...Eventually at the Arkenstone...

[Gail]

Still at the Arkenstone

[Gail]

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