Treasures

For months, any place that we went to Teigue would find the most amazing leaves, flowers, berries and hold on to them for the time that we were at the place. You remember? His treasures? The most beautiful flower that he found under a pile of dead leaves, or the berries tossed on the side of the trail without a glance from any other person that may walk by, the silly crooked stick stuck in a tree. The treasures were always protected (usually by me) and were usually discarded before we left the place we were visiting. In the last couple months, Teigue has upped his game. Flowers and berries are no longer kept- why would they? They fall apart too easily. Sticks? Pffft..give me a break. The only thing that Teigue cares about now- the most amazing rocks, shells and sea glass you have ever seen. But, do you think that we just take these specimens home and be done with it? No, no, no, there is usually a very lengthy (and slightly OCD) guaranty process.

First, the rocks are placed in one's pockets. This will insure that they are most protected throughout the hunt, and almost surely guarantees that they go through a rigorous washing in the washing machine. This last part is very very important.

If a rock is found in the yard, it is simply placed in a cup of water where it will soak for a good day or so. The water is changed daily and the rock is inspected. Notice the fossil that Teigue found in the yard happily soaking in his Iron Man cup. On a given day, no less that 2 rocks can be found soaking throughout the house. In separate cups, however. No water sharing allowed during this step!

Next, the rocks are placed together in a large jar where they will collectively soak. Again, water is changed daily. Sometimes jars are covered, and a few jars can be used for soaking at once.

Very important rocks, such as Teigue's diamond that he found in the back yard (good job, Teigue! Way to pay for that college!), are then wrapped in colored paper, then tissue and finally placed in their own decorative wrapping.

Finally, all rocks are placed in the final resting place- the glass jar. About 2 times a day, the rocks are inspected and possibly soaked. This makes the sea glass more beautiful, the shells happier, and the train table much more wet. 

This whole process is shorted, however, if I find the initial soaking rock and place that rock in the final jar. This shortened step does not seem to affect the rock, thankfully. Notice the condensation on the side of this jar from the constant moisture. High humidity is key!

So, there you have it. In these easy steps, you too can have a glass jar filled with very wet, shiny gems, fossils and $100 sea glass!