Gem and Mineral Show - this weekend

Topaz display at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

First I have to share this link to an interview and book giveaway contest by one of my favorite authors, Elaine Viets. I love her Dead End Job series.
http://kingsriverlife.com/05/30/checked-out-catnapped-by-elaine-viets/

I can't believe it's June already! I missed last week's blog due to illness. Not that I was all that sick. The chilly damp weather (I'll blame that) gave me an earache. Somehow having your ear in distress throws off your emotional as well as your actual balance. I feel as though I missed a couple weeks of spring, and have been dropped into full-blown summer. 

One event I have been looking forward to in June is the Western Museum of Mining and Industry's gem and mineral show. This weekend, June 5, 6, and 7, the focus is on topaz. 
http://www.wmmi.org/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=244486

The Mining Museum will host the 52nd Annual Pikes Peak Gem & Mineral Show!
This year’s eventful weekend, produced by our partners from the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society, centers around Topaz From Around the World!

One of the characters in my Rock Shop Mystery series has a claim on a small topaz mine. Maybe he'll play a larger role in a future book!

In other news, after an extremely slow start to the season, I am finally putting my starts out in the garden. Due to repeated damaging hail, I am attempting to shelter my garden plots. My husband claims I'm just protecting my vegetables for the rabbits and squirrels to consume. That's gardening in Colorado. An eternal battle with the elements and the wildlife. 

I hope your June is off to a terrific start. Be sure to participate in local fun events, especially those that are outdoors!

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