And it emerges from the ground! The euphoric moment when first removing the piece from [id=356954264;its earthen home for the past 90+ years] is often ruined by the discovery of a quarter or more of the piece missing. This one was an exception, and came to light in good form - quite shiny and with only one sizeable chip out of one side. It now adorns the window sill in my father's office.

Dirt caked in the pinhole of a freshly dug threadless, brisk autumn air, the crunch of leaves under foot and the rustle of deer running through the woods at my back. This is why I keep on digging!