Whaley House Old Towne San Diego Day of the Dead Dia De Los Muertos

They were building Day of the Dead alters all day at the Whaley House, One of the most haunted houses in America. Here are some shots as well as alters and decorations that I found in Old Towne San Diego.
This is the house behind the haunted Whaley House.

Alter building on the porch of The Whaley House.



A great Dia de los Muertos street artwork display.

Mexican folk art for sale on the street. Love it!!!







A beautiful end of summer succulent.




This bride and groom was at least 15 feet tall. So very cool!!!

Dia de los Muertos The Day of the Dead

Tomorrow is the official Day of the Dead holiday, but celebrations have been going on around her for a week. This one included a classic car show with alters created in the trunks or hoods of the cars. Several of those who built the alters were there to tell stories of their lost loved ones. The blue one was for a baby lost at 4 months old.










There was also an alter building contest. Look how beautiful!














This is the oldest pepper tree in California. There is something in the tree. Can you see it?

Here is a closer look...

It's a Cat!!! Sleeping on a soft bed of leaves on a nice pepper tree burl.
Our day ended with some freshly made TAMALES!!

Yummy!

Fire Agate, Baby!!!

Fire Agate, a variety of chalcedony, is a semi-precious natural gemstone found only in certain areas of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is very rare. I have several pieces of jewelry just listed that are set with this amazing stone. They are all from a private collection. The play of color looks like it is bubbling up in the stone. These "bubbles" are called pinfires. Here are a few, with more photos to come tomorrow.

End of October Fresh finds.

Just a sampler of a few things that were just listed or are about to be listed on ebay and etsy, in my shops.