My name is Steve Holmes and I grew up in Willard, Utah.  I graduated from Box Elder High in 1988.  I took a summer job doing Sheet Metal, actually replacing the metal dome on top of the Salt Lake City Tabernacle on Temple Square.  I had no idea what Sheet Metal was...but decided that it was alright work and I have been doing Sheet Metal ever since.  I went through a 5 1/2 year apprenticeship program through Local 312, and have been employed with Superior Roofing and Sheet Metal of Salt Lake City since 1991.  I am divorced with 2 beautiful daughters.  A 19 year old and a 16 year old.  My 16 year old lives with me in Clearfield, Utah.  I have always enjoyed hiking the mountians, and exploring old mines.  It wasn't until I met a fellow in Florence, Oregon that my passion for Rocks was instilled in me.  His name was Cameron Grow and I think I will always credit him into creating the passion I have for rocks, rockhounding and lapidary.  This website will dedicate my passion I have for cabbing, cutting and polishing.   I am not exactly sure how I fell in Love with Agates; but the first time I saw a colorful Agate,  and Mexican Agates in particular....I haven't looked back.  The colors, bandings, character that each nodule has hidden within it's outer crust; is always a treasure waiting to be found.  Cutting for me has to be one of the most exciting aspects of the hobby.  You never know what you will find, and even a dud will be exciting...but not as exciting as finding a real Prized Gem!  Nothing beats a colorful, banded agate...and from what you may experience on my pages...I think you'll agree with me.  I am an official, bonafide...AGATE LICKER!!!!  I hope you enjoy the site, the pictures, my cabochons, my specimens.  If you see anything that interests you...give me a shout out.  I will gladly sell anything if it's still available.