Thoughts from the Dragonlady

October Silver Dragon Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:04:00 +0000

This is a smaller piece...
just 3/4" wide with a 4mm stone.

C5179

The link will take you to the retail site.

The retail price is $22 without a chain.

Pearl and Amethyst

Amber and Blue Topaz

Spectralite and Tiger Eye

White Moonstone and Rainbow Moonstone

Lapis and Grey Moonstone

Hematite and Black Onyx

Peach Moonstone and Garnet

Turquoise and Malachite

We're working on putting photo's of the
stone selection on the website...
Please bear with us...it will be wonderful
when we're done.

Just to remind you of our band selection...

BAND RINGS

Here I am at about age 6

I love the bow!

Here is...

My Facebook Page

The Silver Dragon Facebook Page.

From my August Email

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:47:00 +0000

I've been asked to see some
more stone choices...

BR 093 All Garnet

Very Pretty?

Garnet with Hematite

Wait...there's more...

Garnet with Rainbow Moonstone

Decisions, Decisions...

Garnet with a touch of Amethyst

Do you prefer Amethyst...
with Onyx Maybe???

Or maybe with
Rainbow Moonstone???

I just love Rainbow Moonstone.

Want to see something stunning???

Tiger Eye and Onyx

I could go on and on...
but I won't.

Just imagine the possibilities!

A selection of stones available.

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:53:00 +0000

Just to remind you...

all our jewelry
is custom made for you
and is available in
many stone choices.

I'm going to show you some samples.

C5108 White Moonstone

Now a few other choices...

Amethyst Amber Garnet

Grey Moonstone Malachite Peach Moonstone

Onyx Rainbow Moonstone Tiger Eye

Flourite Turquoise Hematite

We don't have
every stone
in every size
but we try.

Questions?
Dragonlady@TheSilverdragon.com

...I'm a wealth of useless information

To bring a smile to your face today...

The littlest granddaughter
Sofia

Here is...

My Facebook Page

The Silver Dragon Facebook Page.

Stop by and say Hello!

Some Tribal Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:18:00 +0000

The Silver Dragon Journal

Sterling Silver Jewelry, Made in the USA.

Proudly Giving American's Jobs.

P912

This woman is riding her chopper into town.

A woman?? Look closely...

She's 1 1/2" tall.

$30 retail

Chain is available

P909

This is a great Tribal Cross
for a Man or a Woman.

It's 1 1/2" tall.

$33 Retail

Chain is Available

P906

We're not going to forget the guys!

$33

Chain is Available

P907

We have more than one
style of Tribal Cross.

Do you like this one better?

$33. retail

Chain is Available

Questions?
Dragonlady@TheSilverdragon.com

...I'm a wealth of useless information

My grandfather, me, my father and my sister.

Now, what was I pouting about?

Here is...

My Facebook Page

The Silver Dragon Facebook Page.

Our silver is refined with reclaimed silver ...
saving the earth's natural resources.

My May Email

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Our silver is refined with reclaimed silver ...
saving the earth's natural resources.

BR091
This time of year when we shed our coats,
we start looking at jewelry for our arms.

This is an armband for our upper arms...

A stunning piece!

$95

BR214

Namaste is a respectful greeting,
both as a welcome or a good-bye.

$81

BR200

A bracelet for every woman,
Because we are all a goddess in our hearts.

$81

BR125

A "Charming" bracelet

Your charms include...
The Moon
Pentacle
Cauldron
Chalice
Athame
Besom

$94.50

Please note that these are not one of those
wimpy pieces of jewelry that I like to call
"tin foil jewelry"
because they are so lightweight...

These are beautiful pieces of
jewelry with wonderful details.

You will treasure this jewelry
and its workmanship!

Questions?
Dragonlady@TheSilverdragon.com

...I'm a wealth of useless information

Today I became a fan of the Sierra Club on Facebook.

Here is...

My Facebook Page

I'd like to mention...

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:09:00 +0000

As a company striving to remain environmentally responsible, I'd like my customers know that the silver content of all items manufactured at our facility utilize recycled silver that is sourced from a process of refining precious metal materials and are not supplied from the mining industry.

Tarnish

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:20:00 +0000

A few words on TARNISH

If you own silver jewelry...you know about tarnish.
Here are a few tips for you.

Keep silver away from sulfur.
It's silver's main corrosive agent...
there are sulfur-containing substances
in the air and it occurs more quickly
in damp and foggy weather.

What else is corrosive?
Ammonia...Think glass cleaner.
Nair (Check the label,
you'll see ammonia listed.)

OK, you forgot to take the rings off...
what now?

I am going to tell you a secret...
Use vinegar to clean the discoloration.

VINEGAR WILL NOT CLEAN SILVER,
BUT IT IS OPPOSITE ON THE PH SCALE
AND WILL NEGATE THE CAUSE
- THEN -
Use the polishing cloth
to polish your silver.

Also, keeping your silver in an
airtight plastic bag will also help;
this will keep the sulfur and other
corrosive agents in the air from coming
in contact with your silver.

Your jewelry box may be
a mass of plastic bags...
but the jewelry will look good!

If you keep your jewelry in a box
or drawer, consider a small bag
of activated charcoal.

It's an old fashioned remedy,
but it helps.

When considering a silver dip,
rethink if it has a stone.

Some stones cannot be dipped,
soft stones like turquoise, lapis,
malachite, amber, and pearls
are but a few.

No problem with amethyst, garnet,
onyx, moonstone, iolite, tourmaline
and many others.

Your sterling silver jewelry
should be worn and enjoyed...
don't worry about the tarnish.

Drop of Blood Ring

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:05:00 +0000

With the popularity of the Twilight movie and books...
I need to ask about my DROP OF BLOOD rings.

This one has a cabochon stone.
Garnet of course.

And this one is a faceted stone.
Garnet again...

I'd like to know which one
everyone prefers.

???

What was old is now new

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:22:00 +0000

More thoughts on new old jewelry.

Snakes!

I remember when everyone was wearing
Snake Jewelry.

They're back!

This is over 4 inches wide.
A stunning piece.

We have a number of
earring styles available,

But I like these...

And of course, a ring...

This one is very popular...
probably because it's adjustable
and it looks great on the first finger.

And our most popular... The snake arm band!

This is just a bit of our snake jewelry.

Click here to see the rest of our snakes.

We offer 68 styles of snakes.

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:04:00 +0000

Another year has come and gone...where did it go?

I'm going into my 31'st year of The Silver Dragon.

I've seen styles come and go and come back again.

Peace jewelry is my first thought.

I have more than 20 different styles of peace jewelry.

Click here for our selection...

I wore peace jewelry and now my grandchildren wear it.

We can only hope that the world takes notice.

A litte peace earring.
Wear the pair or share one with a friend.

November 19, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:41:00 +0000

Snake Jewelry

Ever notice how things run in cycles?

It's time for snakes again.

This is a stunning piece of jewelry.
It measures 4 1/4" across.

We have earrings, bracelets
and rings to match.

Click here for more

Don't forget to breathe Toni Braxton!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:22:00 +0000

I was watching Dancing With The Stars last night and saw that Toni Braxton was having problems remembering to breathe. I thought she should have the DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE bracelet. But I don't know where to contact her so I could send it to her. Anyone know?

Rune Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:33:00 +0000

Runes are a mystical symbol,

in use since 200 BC.

Simply put, they are a means

of communicating

with the knowledge in

our subconscious mind.

Runes are frequently called

“The Magical Alphabet”.

Silver Dragon offers a wide selection

of Sterling Silver Runic Jewelry.

Single Rune Pendants

This is the Good Luck Rune

This rune symbolizes the Hammer of Thor.

It emanates a powerful force of protection by the gods.

As a talisman, Use it to wear off negative forces.

We also offer:

These are all available in rings

as well as pendants.

Runes are believed to possess great magical qualities.

The wise ones of old made talismans by

combing runes to form a single sign of power

This is the Love Bind Rune

The Love Rune is used to attract the love

of the person you most desire

Also Available:

This is our Rune Script Ring.

"STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS"

Every Ring is a circle of power,

representing eternity.
Each Sterling Silver ring comes with a story card.

The ring sizes are available in full sizes from 5 - 14.
It's great for banding ceremonies.

The most popular is the Love ring then

the Strengthening Relationships.

Others we carry are:

Increase Finance,

Health,

Friendship.

The inside of your ring is inscribed

with a Health, Wealth, & Happiness script...

Our wish to you.

And We have our Runic Script Pendant

This is Love

Also available:

Strengthening Relationships

Increase Finance

Friendship

Health

Remember, all our jewelry is Sterling Silver,

made here in Rhode Island...giving American's jobs.

A LITTLE ABOUT THIS AND THAT

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:22:00 +0000

Silver is considered to be protective, calming,

and to have money-drawing vibrations.

It is considered a psychic metal.

It is said to enhance and empower

psychic abilities within the bearer.

Silver as a metal is associated with Lunar energies

The Trinity Knot represents the threefold

nature of the Goddess as virgin, mother and crone.

It symbolizes life, death, and rebirth.

In Christian Symbolism:

The Triquetra represents the HolyTrinity:

the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Often called the Trinity Knot. Celtic

Triangle Knot orTriquetra Knot…

this three-pronged knot symbolizes

the Celtic philosophy that everything

has 3 distinct yet interlocked levels.

This triangular Celtic knot is said

to represent the three planes of existence -

physical, mental and spiritual.

Notice how, although the three points

are clearly separate,

they are interlocked together,

symbolizing the connection between

the three planes.

This triangular Celtic knot design

symbolizes all trinities and especially

the realms of Air, Earth and Sea - thus all the world.

Eternity Knot There is not just one knot

that can be called an "Eternity Knot".

Any knot that has a closed path,

with no beginning or end may be symbolic

of eternity or continuum.

This meaning was suggested by the great

Scottish Celtic art teacher

of the 20th century, George Bain,

it has been an accepted meaning

by many artists and craftsmen.

Since knotwork is often used

as an emblem of heritage,

the symbolism of "continuum" reinforces

the endurance of the tradition.

All our jewelry is Sterling Silver,

made here in Rhode Island...giving American's jobs.

How to take care of Sterling Silver

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:34:00 +0000

How to care for your STERLING SILVER

Here are a few things you can do

to keep your silver shining, and tarnish free.

Keep silver away from sulfurous material,

sulfur is silver’s main corrosive agent.

What’s corrosive?

Ammonia (Think glass cleaner.)

Nair (Take the jewelry off before you use it.)

OK, you forgot to take the rings off…

what now?

I am going to tell you a secret…

Use vinegar to clean the discoloration.

VINEGAR WILL NOT CLEAN SILVER,

BUT IT IS OPPOSITE ON THE PH SCALE

AND WILL NEGATE THE CAUSE.

THEN –

Use the polishing cloth

to polish your silver.

Also, keeping your silver in an

airtight plastic bag (like a Ziploc bag)

will also help; this will keep the sulfur

and other corrosive agents in the air

from coming in contact with your silver.

Your jewelry box may be

a mass of plastic bags…

but the jewelry will look good!

Your sterling silver jewelry

should be worn and enjoyed…

and your body oils

also help prevent tarnishing.

Know that silver can tarnish rapidly

when exposed to the sun and salt air.

So if you wear your jewelry to the beach

or on a boat, it will tarnish.

That's when I use a polishing cloth

to give it a quick wipe before I put it away.

I like the Haggerty products

and have it available if you need it,

but you can usually buy it in many places.

All our jewelry is Sterling Silver,

made here in Rhode Island...giving American's jobs.

Going to Denver

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:16:00 +0000

I'm heading to Denver for a show!

It's the

INTERNATIONAL NEW AGE TRADE SHOW.

OTHER WISE KNOWN AS INATS.

Click here for show information.

It's a great show run by great people.

It runs Saturday June 28 to June 30.

I'm in booth #700

Online is good, but there is nothing
like seeing the jewelry live.

The fact is...I'm just not a great photographer.

It's a wholesale only show.

Peace Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:52:00 +0000

PEACE JEWELRY

I'm finding that the word
"PEACE"
is on everyone's lips these days.
We offer a wonderful selection.

More Peace Jewelry

Don't Forget To Breathe!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:42:00 +0000

Solid Sterling Silver

I'm highlighting one of our Inspiration Bracelets.

"Don't Forget To Breathe"

The story behind this piece...

I was in one of my first Tai Chi classes
when the instructor called out to us...

"Don't forget to Breathe!"

And everyone let out a big breath!

I've been amazed at the response to this beautiful bracelet.

More Inspirational Jewelry

All our jewelry is Sterling Silver,

made here in Rhode Island...giving American's jobs.

Chakra Bracelet

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:26:00 +0000

Chakra Bracelet

Sterling Silver

One of our best selling items ever!

The purpose of the Chakra Balancer is to
realign and balance the energy fields
of each specific chakra,
aligning and harmonizing
mind, body, and soul.

It will aid in dissolving stress,
removing blocks add an
overall sense of better health,
joy and abundance.

For more information on Chakra's
click here.
It will take you to another part of this blog
that I gave a detailed description.

Visit our wide selection of Chakra Jewelry

Zodiac Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:22:00 +0000

Zodiac Jewelry

Solid Sterling Silver

We've added a little crystal
and a star or a heart

I'm highlighting one of our Zodiac Pendants

This is Aquarius

Jan. 21 to Feb. 19
The Water Carrier is
Outgoing,
Talented
Independent,
Friendly
and Eccentric.

More Zodiac Jewelry

A little bit about other signs...

Pisces

Feb. 19 to March 21
The Fishes are
Artistic,
Sensitive,
Compassionate,
Imaginative,
but have Little Will Power.

Aries

March 21 to April 20
The Ram is
Energetic,
Impulsive,
Great Will Power,
Confidence,
Arrogance.

Taurus

April 20 to May 21
The Bull is
Reliable,
Materialistic,
Has Endurance,
Loyal,
Stubborn.

Gemini

May 21 to June 21
The Twins are
Energetic,
Open Minded,
Friendly,
Articulate,
Dualistic.

Cancer

June 22 to July 23
The Crab is
Nuturing,
Sensitive,
Home Loving,
Tenacious,
Insecure.

Leo
July 23 to Augus 23
The Lion is
Proud,
Generous,
Honorable,
Creative,
Egotistical.

Virgo

August 23 to Sept. 23
The Virgin is
Organizational,
Conscientious,
Perceptive,
Helpful,
Critical.

Libra

Sept. 23 to Oct. 23
The Scales are
Well Balanced,
Artistic,
Charming,
Social,
Indecisive.

Scorpio

Oct. 23 to Nov. 23
The Scorpion is
Emotional,
Intense,
Resourceful,
Spiritual,
Sarcastic.

Sagittarius

Nov. 23 to Dec. 22
The Archer is
Knowledgable,
Optimistic,
Freedom Loving,
Idealistic,
Unreliable.

Capricorn

Dec. 22 to Jan 21
The Goat is
Cautious,
Reliable,
Aibitious,
Hard Working,
Condescending.

Celtic Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:57:00 +0000

There is not just one knot that
can be called an "Eternity Knot".

Any knot that has a closed path,
with no beginning or end is symbolic of eternity.

Who knows if this was ever the intention
of the ancient scribes...

but it has been accepted by many artists
and craftsmen.

Knot work is often used as an emblem of heritage.

More Celtic Jewelry

Band Rings

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:50:00 +0000

Band Rings

Sterling Silver

A wonderful selection of
Band Rings.

Suitable for a man or a woman.

Jewelry Made in Rhode Island,
Giving American's Jobs.

Wedding Photo's

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:19:00 +0000

We went to Hawaii to be married.
The ceremony was done by Capt. Howie
of ABOVE HEAVENS GATE.

These photo's were taken in his yard.

And he was across from the beach,
so we went to frolic in the sand.

The photo's speak for themselves

I like this one...

Ok, so I have to show this too...

I must admit...it took me by surprise.

Hawaii and a perfect day.

We went to the Hilton Hawaiian Village for supper
and they couldn't have been nicer.

When we made the reservations, we told the hostess
that we were being married.

They gave us a table by the beach and
they sprinkled rose petals on the table!

They had fireworks that night which made
all the more special.

The end of a truly wonderful day.

Chakra Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 13:38:00 +0000

I'm back from the New Age Show in Denver.

(If you go to their site, you will see our Chakra Bracelet on the first page.)

So while I am on the subject, I should tell you something about Chakra's.

The purpose of the Chakra Balancer is to realign
and balance the energy fields of each specific chakra,
aligning the mind, body, and soul.

It will aid in dissolving stress, removing blocks and an
overall sense of better health, joy and abundance.

CHAKRA...THEIR COLORS, STONES, AND PROPERTIES...

CROWN CHAKRA - MOONSTONE

PHYSICAL LOCATION…Top of the head
PURPOSES…Intuitive knowledge, connection to one’s spirituality,
SPIRITUAL LESSON…Spirituality, living in the NOW
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTIONS …Mystical depression, diseases of the muscular
or skeletal system, the skin, chronic exhaustion not associated with physical ailments,
sensitivity to light, sound, or environment.
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ISSUES… discovery of the divine, lack of purpose,
loss of meaning or identity, trust, selflessness, humanitarianism, ability to see
the bigger picture in the life stream, devotion, inspiration, values ethics.
INFORMATION STORED HERE… concept of the whole.
AREA OF THE BODY… top center of the head, midline above the ears.

BROW CHAKRA – AMETHYST

PHYSICAL LOCATION…center of the forehead.
PURPOSES… action of ideas, insight, mind development.
SPIRITUAL LESSON…understanding, reality check point, detachment, open mind.
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTIONS…brain tumors, strokes, blindness, deafness, seizures,
learning disabilities, spinal dysfunctions, panic, depression
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ISSUES…fear of truth, discipline, judgment, evaluation,
emotional intelligence, concept of reality, confusion.
INFORMATION STORED HERE…seeing clear picture (symbolic or literal),
wisdom, intuition, mental facilities, intellect.
AREA OF THE BODY…brain, neurological system, eyes, ears,
nose, pituitary, pineal glands.

THROAT CHAKRA - TURQUOISE

PHYSICAL LOCATION… throat, neck region
PURPOSES…learning to take responsibility for one's own needs
SPIRITUAL LESSON…confession, surrender personal will over to divine will,
faith, truthfulness over deceit
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTIONS…sore throat, mouth ulcers, scoliosis, swollen glands ,
thyroid dysfunctions, laryngitis, voice problems, gum or tooth problems, TMJ
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ISSUES…personal expression, creativity, addiction, criticism,
faith, decision making (choices), will, lack of authority
INFORMATION STORED HERE… self-knowledge, truth, attitudes,
hearing, taste, smell
AREA OF BODY… throat, thyroid, trachea, neck vertebrae,
mouth, teeth, gums, esophagus

HEART CHAKRA – MALACHITE

PHYSICAL LOCATION…center of chest.
PURPOSE...emotional empowerment.
SPIRITUAL LESSON…forgiveness, unconditional love, letting go,
trust, compassion.
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTIONS... heart conditions, asthma, lung & breast cancers,
thoracic spine, pneumonia, upper back, shoulder problems.
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ISSUES… love, compassion, confidence, inspiration, hope,
despair, hate, envy, fear, jealousy, anger, generosity.
INFORMATION STORED HERE… connections or "heart strings" to
those whom we love.
AREA OF BODY… heart, circulatory system, blood, lungs, rib cage,
diaphragm, thymus, breasts, esophagus, , shoulders, arms, hands.

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA – TIGER EYE

PHYSICAL LOCATION…solar plexus.
PURPOSE…mental understanding of emotional life.
SPIRITUAL LESSON…acceptance of your place in the life stream. (self-love)
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTIONS.…stomach ulcers, intestinal tumors, diabetes,
indigestion, anorexia/bulimia, hepatitis, cirrhosis, adrenal imbalances,
arthritis, colon diseases.
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ISSUES…self esteem, fear of rejection, oversensitivity to criticism,
self-image fears, fears of our secrets being found out, indecisiveness.
INFORMATION STORED HERE...personal power, personality, consciousness of self
(sense of belonging), knowing.
AREA OF BODY…upper abdomen, umbilicus to rib cage, liver, gallbladder,
middle spine, spleen, kidney, adrenals, small intestines, stomach.

SACRAL CHAKRA – AMBER

PHYSICAL LOCATION... lower abdomen to the navel.
PURPOSES… emotional connection.
SPIRITUAL LESSON… creativity, honoring relationships,
learning to "let go".
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTIONS… low back pain, sciatica, ob/gyn problems,
pelvic pain, libido, urinary problems.
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL… blame, guilt, money, sex, power, control,
creativity, morality.
INFORMATION STORED HERE… duality, magnetism, controlling patterns, emotional feelings.
(joy, anger, fear)
AREA OF BODY…sexual organs, stomach, upper intestines, liver, gallbladder, kidney,
pancreas, adrenal glands, spleen, middle spine.

ROOT CHAKRA - GARNET

PHYSICAL LOCATION… base of the spine.
PURPOSE… kinesthetic feelings, movement.
SPIRITUAL LESSON… material world lessons.
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTIONS… lower back pain, sciatica, varicose veins,
rectal tumors, depression, immune related disorders.
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ISSUES… survival, self esteem, social order, security, family.
INFORMATION STORED HERE… familial beliefs, superstitions, loyalty, instincts,
physical pleasure or pain, touch.
AREA OF BODY…spinal column, kidneys, legs, feet, rectum, immune system.

There are almost 9,000 books on the subject

Here is a link to Amazon, if you want to get more info.

We make Chakra Jewelry in pendants, bracelets, rings and earrings.

What I like to make sure everyone is aware of is...

ALL OUR JEWELRY IS MADE HERE IN RHODE ISLAND
GIVING AMERICAN'S JOBS.

More on the Denver Show in another blog.

New Age Show in Denver

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:32:00 +0000

I'm getting ready to go to the New Age Show in Denver.

I usually find a few goodies to bring back to the stores.

I've been exhibiting there ever since they started.

If anyone is going to the show, my booth number is 700. If you click on the link above to look at the show you will see my chakra bracelet as one of the highlighted items.

A couple of years ago when I went to Denver, I had some extra time. Looking at attractions in the area, I noticed Celestial Seasonings.

Since I am a tea drinker and have some of their tea in my closet, I thought I'd visit them.

I really enjoyed it! I was fascinated with all the tea they had.

We were warned before they let us into the room with the mint tea.

Whoa! I think it cleaned out my sinuses for a week!

Well, back to packing...