Volume 2 Issue 6
June 1, 2009

Dear Friends,

June is a month to pay tribute to our fathers, celebrate graduations and mark mid year with the summer solstice. Last month we reflected with memories of our mothers. This month let’s find a positive memory of our fathers. My father, Frank, always worked; but I remember through the eyes of a five year old, a playful father that could walk on his hands for what seemed to be an eternity. Lornie remembers his father, Ozzie, as a stern father; but one who loved to laugh and listen to opera. Find a memory and remember your own fathers with fondness and kindness.

Lapis Lazuli Clasp

This unusual piece of Lapis Lazuli came from Afghanistan; sent by Aman, our son-in-law. The bi-colored effect shown in the clasp is a result of the mineral pyrite, giving a brassy contrast to the intense blue of the lapis. It is shown on a silver and 18KY gold vario chain. It is argued that Lapis is actually an aggregate, a rock comprised of several components. Lapis can have calcite, pyrite, sodalite, lazurite and an interesting array of other minerals. The finest lapis has its origin in Afghanistan. There are other deposits in Russia and Chile. The Sumerians used lapis for jewelry and artwork in 2500 BC. The Egyptians continued the tradition with stunning inlay work featuring this electric blue stone.

We returned from Palau with wonderful memories of eight days of diving. Lornie took his best photos of the sharks, gorgonian fans and bump headed parrot fish. We timed our trip to coincide with the full moon. The tide runs strongest then and along with it come the currents that bring the greatest numbers of large fish. We did three dives at Oolong Channel. The mouth of the channel offers the shark experience with the schools of jacks, barracudas and groupers. The greatest thrill is flying down the shoot or channel. Lornie has renamed it “Grouper Alley” as one could easily count hundreds of groupers. It is their breeding ground. Our Palauan guide, Steven, didn’t fail us this year. The timing of the tides was perfect for each dive to maximize the exhilarating experience. Lucy and her staff at the Palau Pacific Resort exemplify the hospitality of these wonderful people.

Thank you again for your patronage and friendship. We appreciate all of you.

~HAPPY MONTH of June~

With love,
Lornie and Rose