Global Rockhound Community News Letter
Issue 10: Febuary 2006: Editor Sally Taylor:www.rockhoundstation1.com
In this issue...Feature Fact --THE DINOSAUR HOUSE --RHS1 Club News -- --- Rockhound Recipes and Tips, column --Travel: -- Rockhounding the Pryor Mountains, Montana.-- Feature Article, Serial, Metaphysics and History of Minerals, this issue, Moonstone.
FEATURE FUN FACT
Gold
Gold was the first metal used by man. It is not only easy to see in it's pure form but can be molded by hand. An ounce of pure gold can be stretched into a 50 mile wire and a mass of 2" X 1" X �" can be flattened into a 60' x 120' sheet. Humans have produced about 125,000 tons of gold since it was first discovered.
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THE DINOSAUR HOUSE
Above Image: Dorie and Andy Gordon owners of the wonderful DINOSAUR HOUSE
As my readers will well understand, I just about fell out of my chair when I saw the pictures of this absolutely astounding house! Of course, I had to write to the owners and find out all about it, as I knew you would want to know all about it, too, as soon as you saw it.
Above Image: Living room in the DINOSAUR HOUSE
It turns out that the house belongs to a wonderful couple, Dorie and Andy Gordon. It is located on the Island of St. John, and this fantasy house is for sale! That's right - you can actually own the Dinosaur House. It Is on the market now for $2,800,000.00. We have put the link to the site at the bottom of this article just in case you have a few mil stashed just waiting for something special to spend it for.
The Gordons have graciously answered some questions about them and the house that I emailed to them. Read on for the details they returned to me.
Above Image: Zoom in ...The pond wall
Dorie Gordon's introduction to the Gordons and their spectacular home:
Andy and I met through eHarmony.com in May of 04, and got married here at the house in May of 05. I knew the moment I arrived here to the house for our first visit together in July of 04 that this was a wonderful magical place and tears came to my eyes and heart as I descended the steps of wonder into the fantasy world of my dreams. And the house was just the icing on the cake of Andy :)
Question ( RHS1): � . Who built the home and why?
Andy: � My ex-wife, Marie, and I built the home. I arrived on St John in 1979 and 20 minutes later I knew I was home. Beautiful and warm. Later I would find that I also loved the people.
I built this home thinking I would spend the rest of my life here. I love the sciences and so included them in the building itself.
Question: - How long did it take to build it?
Andy: - It was 14 years from the first shovel full to the Certificate of Occupancy.
Dorie: - It was a labor of love, and though it took many long years to complete, each and every gemstone and fossil and shell has been placed with great care and love into this magical house, which you can see no matter in which direction you look.
Andy: - Of course my new wife, Dorie, and I are always adding and improving the whole place....
Dorie: - and are putting in a hot tub on the small private deck by the pond this summer.
Question: - How many gem rocks and fossils did it take to build?
Andy: - We're just guessing but I would say there are about 10,000 gem rocks, minerals, and fossils embedded in the walls and steps. That includes tumbled stones
Dorie: - I am currently working on completing the detail point work in the stone wall around the driveway/parking area that will astound the mind before the house is even seen.
Question: - Was it built specifically for selling you did you build it originally for yourselves.
Andy: - We originally built it to live in, but 7 years I ago I was diagnosed with MG (Myasthenia Gravis), a neuromuscular disease that doesn't hurt and won't kill me, but it makes it difficult to live with so many steps and steep hills. We're hoping to move to 10 flat acres in rural south Florida and build another gem-filled masterpiece with ponds and fish tanks like this one.
We would like to wish Andy and Dorie all the best. It is saddening to know that they will have to leave this home with all of it's wonder and love. We can, however, look forward to a new Dinosaur house that will be equally worthy our awe. A new adventure they can call their own will be well suited for this couple who, from the look in their eyes in their pictures, will be well up to creating magic together wherever they go.
Thank you very much Mr. And Mrs. Gordon for your time. We will await pictures of your new adventures in dream weaving as you weave.
Above Image:Livingroom minerals
If you would like to see more pictures of the Gordons and the Dinosaur House go to:
Pictures of when Andy and I first met in the flesh after 2 months phone & email; you can listen to the song Andy wrote for me by following the link in the title on this page � Heart to Heart:
Above Image:Sunrise St John
Rock Hound Station 1
Global Rockhound Community
RHS1 Club News
More news about the Commercial Center. It is back on the way to being finished. We had a temporary shut down on it's completion right at the end. But John is home from the hospital now and healing well. So the completion will be under way again very soon.
Welcome home John. We really missed you.
For those of you who have not noticed, when you login to the forums, just under the menu along the top of the page are the names of three companies � Bent Gear, Amateur Geologist , and Tuck Tech. Those companies are available for you to get refunds from right now even though the Commercial Center has not been completed. You need to go to their site by clicking the name of the company from right there in the forum. If you go to the site from anywhere else, you will not be eligible the refund. Also check the "Club Business" forum before purchase as there are one or two items that may not be discountable.
We have received two requests from members now who would like to see a map put on the site where members can put a pin on their location. As we have told you, if you ask for something, you will get it if it is something we can do. We can do the map, but it will have to wait until we get the Commercial Center running. It has taken so long and been such a frustration to all, builder, merchants, and members, that we are concentrating solely on getting that going. It's going to be very exciting for everyone to see that go online. This was the most difficult to build of all features, as it had to be able to perform other tasks that we will want to add later without major headaches.
One of the additional features I am speaking of is the RHS1 flea market. We will be adding a feature that will allow members to sell one of a kind items and receive direct payment for them, just as you would in a real flea market. Only members will be able to own a booth in the Flea Market � but anyone, world wide, will be able to purchase there. So you see � there is good reason to be so meticulous in building our Commercial Center � nothing already built could have allowed us to add such a feature.
At this time, we are still taking submissions for the Gazette from the public. Once the Commercial Center is online, only members will be allowed to submit posts for the Gazette. If you have a website and are not putting articles in the Gazette, you are missing out on a great traffic resource. Each of your posts gets a live link back to your site. Don't forget that the Gazette is syndicated, and your articles, ads, and announcements will be seen on thousands of sites � each reader being able to simply click the link to your site to find out more. Why anyone with a website would not be actively using this form of free advertising is just really beyond my comprehension.
If you do not understand how to submit a post for the Gazette, all you have to do is send me an email with "Gazette Submission" in the subject. In the body, put your article or ad. Under the ad, put your credits (what you want us to say about you) and the link that you would like to be placed to your site. If you understand keywords, please add the ones you would like. If you don't understand them, I will add them for you. So it is all very simple to get your word out and have your articles read.
We have some members that have packed up and gone to Tuscon for the shows there, so keep an eye on the forums and Photo Gallery for their stories and pictures soon. I have recently received a note from a member from Europe regarding our merchant, Bent Gear. It seems that "bent gear" is a slang term in some countries for items that have been stolen or in some means illicitly gotten. I do not know if the owners knew this when naming the company, but I can assure you that the Merchant is on the up and up even though they have picked a catchy but unfortunate name for the company. So don't let the name frighten you.
Well, folks, I think that is about all I have to tell you right now. If anything else comes up before next month you will see it posted in the Gazette. You will also receive a notice in your email when the Commercial Center goes online so make sure that RHS1 is in your address book so you can receive your announcements.
Diggin' It At RHS1
Sally...
Rock Hound Station 1
Global Rockhound Community
Rockhounding the Pryor Mountains, Montana.
The Pryor Mountains are a relatively small mountain range in Montana just North of the Wyoming border. From a distance they don't seem all that much, as far as mountain ranges go, but once you get to the range, your view of them will change significantly, especially if you are a rockhound.
The Pryors are bordered on the East by the Bighorn Mountains which lie right across the the Bighorn Lake and Bighorn river. There are spectacular views in this canyon which you will not want to miss. You will also find agates and crystals of various types in this area. At West side of the Northeast end of this canyon, you will find the famous Dryhead agate location. While most of this area is privately owned now, there is public area nearby that an occasional Dryhead agate can be won from.
Ancient Indian artifacts and ruins litter the mountains and many an artifact can still be found there, and tee pee rings can also be found in abundance. Be sure to stop at the Ranger Station in Lovell and find out the current legalities of collecting these pieces before you do any artifact hunting.
Another attraction to the Pryors are the many caves in the area. There are Caves at the very top of the Mountains in which you will find masses of calcite crystals lining the walls, and caves in lower regions which were at one time home to Native Americans. Which brings me to another feature of this amazing mountain range.
The Pryors are famous for its vast array of wildlife. It is a refuge and home to wild horses, and you will be almost sure to see some of these beautiful creatures on your trip. You might see bighorn sheep, and a number of smaller types of wildlife. When exploring caves, you will want to be very cautious, too, for the Pryors are also home to cougars (mountain lions). While these are wonderful to watch from a distance, you really do not want to meet one face to face while invading it's home. Rattlesnakes are another denizen of this area that you want to be careful about. I've never seen one in the upper mountain areas, but there are many in the lower regions.
For rockhounds, calcite crystals, Dryhead and other agates, colorful jaspers, fossils, and other interesting minerals are scattered in abundance across the mountains and lower ranges. While much of the property is still BLM land, there are a few private areas, so please be respectful when you go hunting. It would be a shame to loose the privilege to hunt in this paradise.
Sally
Rock Hound Station 1
Global Rockhound Community
ROCKHOUND RECIPES & TIPS
Tex-Mex Month
These recipes may be adapted to cooking on a campfire, but are more easily made at home.
Fresh Salsa
Prepare ingredients for salsa in the order listed. Wash your hands with soap and water after you have sliced the onions. This will ensure the pepper, garlic and onion juices will not stay on your hands. Any remaining oils will be neutralized by the tomato juice when you chop the tomatoes.
2 small Jalapeno Peppers, chopped
1 Red or Bell Pepper, chopped
2 Yellow Peppers, chopped
6-8 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 C Fresh Cilantro (or � C dried), chopped
1/4 C Fresh Oregano (or 1 T dried), chopped
1/2 C Green Onions, thinly sliced
6 C Fresh (or canned) Tomatoes, chopped
1/4 C Olive Oil
3 T Fresh Lime Juice
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Before chopping peppers, remove stems, break in half, and remove the seeds and membrane. Use care with Jalapenos, as the juice remains on hands and will burn tender membranes.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl or Ziploc bag. Refrigerate for at least one hour. The salsa will improve the longer it sets. Serve with flour tortillas, tortilla chips or crackers.
Note: Instead of tomatoes, use pineapple, mangos, apricots or other fresh fruit. This type of salsa may be used over ice cream.
Red Enchilada Sauce
2 T Olive Oil
2 T All-purpose Flour
2 T Chili Powder
1/2 t Ground Cumin
8 oz. Tomato Sauce
2 C Water
1 t Salt
� t Garlic Powder
Heat oil in large 2-quart saucepan; stir in flour and chili powder, and cook for one minute. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Makes 3 cups sauce.
Stacked Enchiladas
Oil (to soften the tortillas)
12 Corn Tortillas
3 C Red Enchilada Sauce
1 Lb Mild Cheese of your choice, grated
1/2 C Onions, minced
3/4 C Black Olives, sliced
1/2 C Sour Cream
Heat enchilada sauce in saucepan, cover and keep warm. Heat vegetable oil in frying pan. Slide one tortilla into the hot oil and allow it to cook until almost crisp. Using tongs, remove tortilla from the oil and place in the warm sauce. Place another tortilla into the oil to cook. When this second tortilla is almost crisp, remove the first tortilla from the sauce to a serving plate, sprinkle on some cheese, onions and olives, and then place the second tortilla in the sauce. Continue in this manner until all 12 tortillas have been added to the stack, as well as a final topping of cheese, olives and onions. After the final topping of sauce, add a dollop of sour cream.
Spanish Rice
1 t Olive Oil
1 Lb Lean ground beef or turkey (optional)
1 Onion, chopped
1 Bell Pepper, chopped
1-1/2 C White or Brown Rice, uncooked
2 C Water
28 oz Tomatoes (whole or crushed)
1 T Chili Powder
1/2 t Salt
1/2 t Pepper
Heat oil in large pot. Add onions, bell pepper and meat. Cook until browned. If not adding meat, cook vegetables until softened. Add remaining ingredients, mixing thoroughly. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes.
Chile Con Queso
1 Lb Velveeta or other processed cheese
1 can Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chiles
1 can Cream of Something Soup
In a saucepan cut Velveeta into small chunks, add tomatoes and green chiles, and cream soup. Cover and heat slowly over low heat. Do not allow to boil. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, flour tortillas, apple slices. Refrigerate after preparing; reheat as needed.
7 Layer Dip
1 can Refried Beans
1 T Taco Seasoning Mix
1 C Sour Cream
1 C Salsa
1 C Lettuce, shredded
1 C Mild Cheese (your choice), shredded
� C Green Onions, chopped
2 T Black Olives, sliced
Mix beans and taco seasoning. Spread mixture on bottom of 9-inch pie plate (aluminum is fine). Layer the remaining agreements. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Serve with flour tortillas, tortilla chips or crackers.
Migas
Per Person:
1 T Margarine
1 Egg
� C Chile Con Queso
Small amount of milk
� C Salsa
� C Tortilla Chips, crushed
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
2 Flour or Corn Tortillas
Scramble eggs, adding Queso, salsa and tortilla chips. If mixture gets too thick, add milk. To serve, spoon egg mixture into tortilla, season with salt and pepper. Add more salsa and cheese if desired.
Until next month, keep your wheels on the road!
Eileen Trainor
Eileen Trainor is a writer, webmaster and marketer. Visit Eileen's Blogspot and her marketing blog CoolAdzine.blogspot.
"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein." H. Jackson Brown, Jr".
Rock Hound Station 1
Global Rockhound Community
FEATURE ARTICLE - SERIAL
METAPHYSICS AND THE HISTORY OF MINERALS
THIS MONTH'S GEM; MOONSTONE
Birthstone: June (and alexandrite, pearl)
Zodiac: Cancer .
Moonstone, a variety of feldspar and cousin of the sunstone, derives its popularity from the unusual way that light glows from the the stone. Layers of orthoclast and albite are structured in such a fashion in the moonstone that the penetration of light is interfered with and resulting refraction causes a soft shimmer of mysterious light on the surface of the stone. While the stone can be found in colors of grey, yellow, and even peach, the most desired stones being colorless with a blue sheen. Some moonstones also exhibit orbs resembling those of a cats eye.
Moonstones have been considered a sacred stone in India for thousands of years. When exhibited for sale it is always placed on a yellow cloth, yellow being a sacred color. The Romans thought that the stone was created from moonlight. According to records the steps of the Moonstone Temple of Anuradhapura in Ceylon, built approximately 100 years BC, featured an inlaid mosaic of moonstones.
Pope Leo X was said to have had a moonstone that the sheen of which would wax and wane with the the moon. This phenomenon was also recorded in the 1500's by Antoine Mizauld. Many people have claimed to have witnessed this tendency in their stones.
Moonstones were at one time thought to be an amulet against the number 13. They were hung in trees in orchards to produce abundant crops. Lovers were thought to benefit by exchanging moonstones and by holding them in their mouths during the full moon find enlightenment about the future of their relationship, and to heighten their feelings of love. Occasionally the stone has been used for hypnotism. It was thought that if you gazed at a moonstone you would fall into a sleep that would tell you of the future.
Medicinally moonstone has been used by women to alleviate premenstrual symptoms, and to reduce the difficulty of labor. It has been thought to reduce fevers, and remove toxins from the body. Moonstones have also been thought to cure insufficient memory, insanity, and epilepsy.
Metaphysically moonstone will calm and even out the emotions. It is an aid in changing your life, allowing you to bring wishes to fruitation and to discard unwanted habits and traits. It arouses passions and tenderness. A stone of intuition and divination, it allows you to see what lies in your path, especially in matters of love. A gift of moonstone is a gift of acuity in love, and materialization of wishes.
images credit: Roger Weller, Cochise College
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