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 Life, Adventure, Family, Writing what else is there? Random thoughts. |
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WELCOME TO: GEMINI RISING   UPDATED INTRO 28 MAY 2024: Just a little about me. I've been married for 32 years this past NOV and currently live in Southern California, but I grew up in New Hampshire. I've got 2 boys who are young adults. I work as a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. I enjoy my job a lot. Still. If you can believe that. I love to write. Thankfully both of my boys achieved Eagle Scout. My Scouting days are over and I'm back to focusing on my writing. I like to get out in nature, drink coffee and watch football. Here's a little bio about my zodiac. GEMINI: Gemini, the sign of the Twins, is dual-natured, elusive, complex and contradictory. On the one hand it produces the virtue of versatility, and on the other the vices of two-facedness and flightiness. The sign is linked with Mercury, the planet of childhood and youth, and its subjects tend to have the graces and faults of the young. When they are good, they are very attractive; when they are bad they are more the worse for being the charmers they are. Like children they are lively, and happy, if circumstances are right for them, or egocentric, imaginative and restless. Their good qualities are attractive and come easily to them. They are affectionate, courteous, kind, generous, and thoughtful towards the poor and suffering - provided none of the activities resulting from expressing these traits interferes too greatly with their own lives and comforts. Geminians can be successful in many walks of life though their general characteristics tend to make them unreliable. They are often skilled manipulators of language, in speech and writing, and may be: debaters, diplomats (though in politics they are more interested in theory than practice), orators, preachers (brilliant rather than profound), teachers, authors, poets, journalists, or lawyers. This is me. I am a Gemini. Pure, Raw, passionate. The NEW focus of this blog is to share my adventures, travels, random thoughts, book reviews, thoughts, opinions, and writing adventures from actual writing, writing/editing tips, marketing, research. I'll get there. BLOG ACCOMPLISHMENTS: SEPTEMBER 2024: I participated in the
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Congrats on your Honorable Mention in Blog Week Birthday Bastion 2024](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/type-Nonfiction.gif) Big thanks to WakeUpAndLive   for hosting the contest! OCTOBER 2024: I participated in the
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Congratulations on completing the 13 Poetic Days of Halloween.](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Halloween-2026567.gif) Big Thanks to Lyn's a Witchy Woman  for hosting the contest!Find me at: WEBSITE: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor GOOD READS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart YOU TUBE CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee Previous GRATITIOUS Warning, that I decided to keep in case I post about something that might offend.  WARNING I intend to be open, honest, and forthright. No topic is off limits from religion to you name it, I'm going there. If you think you might be offended...back up now - this blog isn't for you. For those who "dare"  check out the "Gemini Rising..." 
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| In accordance with California law if you want to be a CCW holder, you need to take a 16 hour class. Personally speaking, I'm fine with it. I was introduced to guns when I was 18 in Basic Training. We had two weeks of intense training with an M16 Rifle. Also in basic, I had training with a 38 pistol. Throughout my Army career I've shot various guns to include a 45 caliber pistol, 9mm pistol, M203 grenade launcher, and an M60 machine gun. I "grew up" learning gun responsibility. How to take it apart, clean it, zero a weapon, fire a weapon, and I've never been afraid to not fire a gun. Getting my CCW in the current climate in the state of California is a smart thing to do and I'm always up for good training. My class was held in Piru, about 20 mins from me. I'd never been to this range, but it was well laid out . There were lots of firing bays which was nice. It was a like finding a hiding gem close to home. Fees were about standard, which, unfortunately were/are high in California. The first day was on a Saturday. We had four hours of law, which went by quickly. Our instructor was very knowledgeable and patient. We went over a lot of scenarios and applied the law to see if we were legal or not. We had to bring out own lunches because we were out there so after a quick sandwich lunch in my car it was time for the range. For LA county we need to fire 24 shots at 3 feet, 5 feet, and 7 feet to qualify with our gun so we did drills starting at 10 and 15 feet. It was fun to get out and shoot. The temp was in the 90's though, and sadly, bet 2 and 230 I was a heat victim. I had to sit out about an hour in the shade, drinking water and using a cloth to wet myself down to cool down. Once I was recovered, I was able to finish the drills. I did the class with 3 other guys. And on that first day, I was the only one with a headshot. The next day, Sunday we started at 8 am again. We did 3 hours of law and then watched a slideshow presentation regarding mental health which is mandatory. After another 30 min sandwich lunch (I ate canned chicken, pita, cuties, and chips both days) we were off to the range for more drills. I was fine this day. The temps were in the 80's and I brought more water to drink. I was also very good about staying in the shade when needed. We started the qualification shoot around 315 pm and it took about 45 minutes to finish. When it was over, we cleaned up, put our guns away and got our certificates. I uploaded my certificates to the Sheriff's website and I'm just waiting my final appointment to go down and get my permit. The website says it takes 6 weeks, but I suspect it will be closer to 8-12 weeks. I would definitely recommend my instructor and his business and I'd go back for more classes. I really appreciated his patience and his teaching style. I need to write him a testimonial when I find some time. Actually, I'm kind of amped to take more gun classes, but time is not my friend. Maybe when I retire. |
| Just a little about my CCW... I thought I'd talk about my CCW, which seem relevant in light of the riots in Downtown LA (DTLA). While, I don't work at the downtown PSAP, every so often I have to go there on a special detail or another work related issue. DTLA is not for the faint of heart. It's changed over the years. When I was first hired in Feb 2000, I could park at the nearest parking lot, 2nd/Spring for $3.00. 25 years later that parking lot is gone. Now, while there are still parking lots in DTLA, they cost $9.00 at day. In Feb 2000, DTLA was clean and bustling. Staring in 2015, (or at least that's when I noticed it) DTLA became a sleeping ground for the homeless. There are tents everywhere. There's a lot of mental illness and drug use with homelessness and parking and navigating to the downtown PSAP became rough. Homeless people have been known to assault us dispatchers. They have vandalized our cars. They sleep in the middle of the sidewalk so you have to walk in the street to avoid them. I have many more stories. When I go to DTLA to work there I ride the train to Union Station and walk up to the building. It's 10 minutes. 10 minutes of anxiety as I have my head on a swivel to avoid danger. I thought it would be wise to obtain a Concealed Carry permit in LA County, especially if I have to work DTLA. Every county is different when it comes to getting a CCW. Riverside and San Bernardino counties take 2 months. LA County takes 2 years. I'm almost at the END of that journey. I applied for my CCW in AUG 2023 and fingerprinted that month. After a year, I had finally a 10 minute interview - over the phone. Then I waited another 6 to be approved to take a 16 hour class with my firearm - and I had to qualify with that firearm. The cost has been ridiculous! Firearm Safety Certificate: $30.00 Put the Gun in my name: $20.00 Application for a CCW $45.00 Fingerprints: $50.00 Cost of a 16 hour firearms safety class: $700.00 I'm still waiting on the final approval and call to go to the office and pick up the permit. Now you know why I why I wanted to get a CCW. In light of the riots in Los Angeles, especially DTLA, I think it was a sound and wise decision. In California, the only person who is going to watch out for you is you - or your husband - if you're lucky. NEXT: My CCW class |
| What a busy day! There's a lot of stuff I want to share with you, but I don't want to be overwhelming either! I want to share the Strawberry Festival and my CCW experience, but that will have to be for another time. I had an extra day off because I asked for PM time to go to an eye doctor appointment. It worked out because I was able to visit with a retired co-worker who came from Arizona to visit with friends. We had a nice visit. When I told my husband I was going to the "Country Deli" he said I had to try the skirt steak. My friends laughed at me because I wanted to try the Chicken and waffles, but I'd never hear the end of it if I didn't eat the skirt steak. Lori said, "Sounds like a Seinfeld episode!" She wasn't kidding. The skirt steak is good so next time I'll have to have the chicken and waffles.  My eye doctor appointment went well. My prescription didn't change and I was able to order a new pair of glasses. I tried my best to catch up on WDC tasks. There was a lot. Emails, Show off Your Best, the Veterans Group, and Blogs. I got to more blogs, but there are more to get to and I don't want to neglect my own items. After dinner, Joey (Boy #2) and I went to Dollar Tree and Walmart to buy 4th of July decorations to take with us to Catalina Island when we go on our mini vacation. We also enjoy a nice Menchies ice cream. RIOTS Los Angeles is rioting again. How it effects me? Well, our downtown PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) the MCDC (Metropolitan Communications Division Center) has been high graffiti'd and it's too dangerous for those 911 dispatchers to work out of that building so everyone is now working out of my PSAP, in the Valley. Trust me, the VCDC is a much more safe location. Yes, the riots are stretching city resources which are all ready stretched thin. Ah, tomorrow is another day. Off to do my habits before going to bed! |
| 57 Turns have come and gone. I feel okay, but i'm definitely on the achier side!! After working last night, I came home, took the dog to doggie day care and passed out cold. Didn't get up until 210 pm. Put on a load of laundry, did my habit heroes, and put the dishes away. Did a quick shopping trip and then the hubby and I were off to Le Chene, one of our favorite places to eat for birthday dinner. I just want to give a shout out to my work peeps who went out and found a 24 hour donut place at 1230 am in the morning. They bought 3 doz for the watch for my bday! Totally made my night and made me feel special. Anyhoo.. the Hubby and I made it to Le Chene. I ordered the Pork Chop Charcuterie and Brent got the Beef Bourgoiuon. (sp?). The restaurant is sooo far out there in the hicks, there's no cell service so you have to put your phone for a few. The day was low key, but I'm not going out there and partying like I'm in my 20's anymore. Now some of birthdays in the 20's - fun times. One birthday, I was in Berlin either 22 or 23 and me and my friend Rhonda went bar hopping down one of the Kurfurstendamm and up the other. 35 years that has absolutely no appeal for me, but it is a good, fun memory. |
| Just wanted to catch up with my own blog before I catch up with a few blogs for the Bard's. Boy #2 finished up the Spring semester today at College. I think he grades are going to be passing and I think he enjoyed the classes. He's got the summer off and fall picks up in Mid August. We've already signed up for the fall - US History, Critical Thinking & Writing, Architechtual Drafting, and College Algebra. This summer is another summer of Adulting. We'll be doing some driving lessons and cooking. I told him to enjoy the week and we start next Thursday with adulting. The Eaglets Gizmo still hasn't fledged yet. Sunny is keeping herself in the area and Jackie & Shadow and keeping an eye on her. I think Sunny is still working on her landings which aren't the most graceful of things. Mom & Dad still feed the eaglets and Sunny knows were her meals are at. Habit Heroes I'm doing habit heroes again this month. It's my 2nd month. I think I've ironed out the bugs so I'm happy about that. Romance/Love NL I turned in my upcoming Romance/Love newsletter and it has to do with flowers. There was no feedback for my last NL, but I posted a question on my newsfeed if you want to answer it. The feedback will go in my NL. Val Kilmer Val Kilmer's passing still resonates with me. I don't really know why. I know I enjoyed his movies and his characters. Maybe because he was to my age? Death can come for us any time, I suppose. I just found Morten Harket from A-ha has Parkinson's. More teenage heroes getting fragiler, though I do believe Morton's story is very inspiring. I saw them in Concert back in 2022 with co-worker at the Hollywood Bowl and it was an amazing experience. I'm glad I went. A couple of WDC members submitted Val Kilmer Crosswords to
 and AmyJo-Mother Nature needs MEDS  Still busy, but I tomorrow night off for my Birthday and then next week I have some extra time off to visit the eye doctor. Okay, that's life in general. Hoping I can catch you guys on some fun soon with my adventures at the Strawberry Festival and My CCW (concealed carry) class. Smiles to all Steph |
| Lots and Lots to talk about! Some of my upcoming topics include: The 2025 Strawberry Festival CCW Weekend Life in General But today, I wanted share the news about the Eaglets! Sunny has fledged!! In fact, Sunny fledged earlier this morning on 2 JUNE. Here's a video from one of the local news outlets. It's a little longer than the others, but it has a lot of good information about Sunny and Gizmo. FFOBV figured out a couple of weeks ago that Gizmo was a girl due to her size at this age and her vocalizations, but the jury was out on Sunny until recently. Last week FFOBV figured out that Sunny was a girl, too! Mind you, Sunny was born before Gizmo, but she's the smaller of the two eaglets. Sunny, I found, was also the more adventurous of the eaglets. Sunny was always wingersizing and branch hoping, were Gizmo, not so much. I think Gizmo was happy just lay back, steal Sunny's feesh portion and watch Sunny do older girl things. Now Gizmo has the nest all to herself. Jackie & Shadow are still keeping an eye on them, though. It's been interesting getting to know the eaglets and their personalities. Who knew Eagles were so interesting? |
| I cannot believe how fast a year passes and another Memorial Day is upon us again. For me, I always tend to think of those brave men who stormed the beaches of Normandie on 6 June 1944. That was not an easy undertaking, storming the beaches of Normandie and hundreds of soldiers were lost. I read a book called “The Fighting 30th Division: They called them Roosevelt’s SS,” and it gives a graphic account of the taking the beaches. My uncle Harold was interviewed for the book. Another series that I recommend is HBO’s series, “Band of Brothers,” that takes a look at the invasion of Normandie and the obstacles that the soldiers had to endure. Memorial day has its roots in the Civil War. It was originally known as “Decoration Day,” and families would decorate the graves of those relatives who had fallen in the American Civil War. The National Cemetery Administration which falls under the Department of Veterans Affairs gives credit to Mary Ann Williams who felt it was important to decorate the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers after the Civil War. Memorial Day didn’t start out a Federal holiday. It was a local and state holiday for a long time. It started in New York and by 1890, most Union states had adopted it. After America’s World Wars, it became a time to celebrate and decorate those graves who had been lost in all of America’s wars. Finally in 1971, it became Memorial Day and a Federal holiday. Which leads me to National Cemeteries. There are 164 National Cemeteries belonging to the US and its territories. One of the most famous national cemeteries is Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia. There are 3 national cemeteries in France. The French government has given the land to the US for as long as the US maintains the cemetery. One of the cemeteries, The Normandie American Cemetery and Memorial is located in Colleville-sur-Mer overlooking Omaha Beach. Notable soldiers buried there include 2 of President Theodore Roosevelt’s sons: Theodore Jr. and Quentin along with US Army General Lesley J. McNair. Here’s a video: I think it’s still important to take some time out of your day to remember those who gave their lives in support of this nation. When my sons were young, their Cub Scout Pack would help lay out flags on the graves at the local cemetery. In fact, many scouting organizations have similar programs and I know the local Scouting America council will place flags at the Los Angeles National Cemetery. Many community organizations such as local Lions Clubs and Rotary clubs organize special events such as parades and flag placements. I believe it’s important local communities continue such events as parades, flag and flower placements, and wreath placements. Local communities in action equal national impact, and it’s service such as this that binds a community together. “A Nation that does not honor it’s heroes will not long endure.” – Abraham Lincoln References: https://www.hbo.com/band-of-brothers https://www.casematepublishers.com/9781612003016/the-fighting-30th-division/ |
| I sure didn't have the energy to cook today so the hubby and I said let's do the local Mexican place, Las Rocas. I, for one,  the local Mexican place because they make the BEST strawberry margarita. I do enjoy Mexican food. I love a good enchilada and a tamale. My local place makes a tasty carne asada. I'm not big on rice and beans so I usually substitute veggies. Then I get my strawberry margarita. Sigh... Tonight, I was daring and got a shot of fancy anejo tequila. How smooth! sigh... I also tried something new - a steak tostada. They did a great job with it. Their salsa is a tad on the spicy side so I usually go light on the salsa. One day I'll try Sammy Hagar's tequila but I'm not there yet. Other favorites include the tacos with meat, onions & cilantro, and taquitos. What I like about the local place is the ambience. There's good ambience and you feel like you've been taken out of the day to day doldrums. When we would go out in Europe, just about every restaurant had awesome ambience. Here, were we live, there's not so much. What's your favorite restaurant like? |
| It's money night at Bowling league. I'm hoping I do well so I can win extra $$$$ -- I'm going to use the money to pay off my season tickets for USC Football. Just finished bowling in my No Tap league. Almost got a 300 but I blew it in the 10th frame. Grrr... it was a good run as they say. There was a mix up if I was going to play in the summer season and honestly, I can't remember what I committed to so I guess I'll be a sub in the No Tap league over the summer, which honestly, is probably a good thing with all the days I'll be missing. As for the Lotto.... No daily 3 or 4 for me lately. The numbers haven't been hitting. I'm not big on scratchers but I do like to scratch them. Scratchers make good stocking stuffers. Anyone here buy scratchers? Did you ever win a big amount on the Scratchers? I think my highest was 30 Bucks. I'm not complaining. Anyone ever play in slots in Vegas? I liked a quarter machine but it didn't like me back, but I won 60 bucks on a dollar machine. I was interested in the craps table but couldn't remember how to play. As you can see, I'm not much of a gambler. Anyone own Crypto? I've got some - XRP, XLM, Bitcoin. It's been going up recently which has been nice. XRP is my big investment. Which, honestly, isn't much and I really don't know much about crypto or how to use it, but hey, I'm learning. |
| Strawberries and Logistics Just some random thoughts on the Strawberry Festival. The CA Strawberry Festival will be held in Ventura this month - 17 & 18th of May. I going to the Strawberry Festival. This year we'll be doing something new - taking the train. Back in the day, when it was in Oxnard, we'd drive. Back in the day -- maybe about 2010? Parking was 10 bucks on site. Now it's 30.00 on site at the fairgrounds and when I went back in 2023 with Andy - the fairgrounds parking was full so we had to park on the street. The pro about parking on the street - it didn't cost anything. The con? It was a bit of a hike. They've always had shuttles from like the outlet malls, etc but I'm not thrilled about riding a stinky shuttle full of people. At least shuttles were free. From the time I started doing in 2010 until 2022, the festival was in Oxnard at the College, but the festival kept growing and growing and it outgrew the College so now it's at the Ventura County Fairgrounds which is HUGE. The first year at the fairgrounds was 2023 when I went with Andy. The Metrolink and Amtrack goes from Simi Valley to Ventura and who doesn't love a good train ride? I'm not sure of the price but I anticipate a 20.00 round trip. I just have to drive to Simi Valley which is about a 30-40 minute drive. But hey, it's about the adventure. PICS:   |
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