Life, Adventure, Family, Writing what else is there? Random thoughts. |
WELCOME TO: GEMINI RISING ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() UPDATED INTRO 30 JUNE 2025: Just a little about me. I've been married for 33 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. 50 STATE TRAVEL BLOG PROJECT, SUMMER 2025:
Merit Badges Collected from Virtual Blogging &Virtual Blogging Friends: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() BLOG ACCOMPLISHMENTS: SEPTEMBER 2024: I participated in the
![]() Big thanks to WakeUpAndLive ![]() ![]() OCTOBER 2024: I participated in the
![]() Big Thanks to Witchy Woman ![]() ![]() 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 ![]() ![]() 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" ![]() ![]() |
I just want to give a shout out to 🌻 pwheeler ~ love joy peace ![]() ![]()
How did I find Habit Heroes? I knew I was going to Boy Scout camp on Catalina Island in July to volunteer and there's a lot of walking involved, so I knew I had to get in "shape." I'm 57, a tad overweight, and I work at night - and I have a job where I sit down 8 hours a day, so I realized I needed something to motivate me to get up and just move. I think I was talking to Phyllis in May and she mentioned Habit Heroes. I checked it out and said why not. I need to work on exercise and this is motivating in that I can go at my own pace. In May and June I had a lifting weights goal, and then when I started VC in July, I incorporated a step goal. I'm so glad I had. Those little aches and pains in the hips and knees have become very minor or nonexistent. This month, I incorporated a writing goal, because I really need to finish my updating/editing of "Gifts," a story about two ice skaters that fall in love. Due to incorporating this habit, I've began to make progress with it, so in that regard, I'm glad I'm not "stalled" anymore. Some days I don't meet my goal, and I try not to beat myself up. Anyhoo...if anything, working on my exercise habits has helped me to realize just how important it is to do some type of exercise, even if it is taking a small walk or lifting small weights. If you're looking to develop some, good positive habits, check out Habit Heroes. I highly recommend it! Smiles Steph |
I've been readying Ozzy's autobiography and it's been a trip. Here's the amazon link: First, I don't know why Ozzy's death (and life) has resonated so much with me lately. I suppose, like Val Kilmer, I'd consider Ozzy one of the influences of my generation, Generation X, so when you see one of your "influences" or someone you consider important to your generation pass away, it stings a little. I'd heard of Ozzy when I was in High School back in 1982-1986. That was when his solo career was starting, when the albums "Blizzard of Ozz," "Diary of a Madman" and "Bark at the Moon," came out. Two of my favorite songs of his back then were "Flying High Again," and "Crazy Train." I remember hearing Ozzy was "crazy," drank a lot, and bit the head off a bat. That was wild. I remember there was a lot of consternation over "Suicide Solution," and that the lyrics inspired someone to commit suicide. I also remembering hearing about Randy Rhodes' death and that he was a good guitarist. At the time, I suppose Ozzy was just wild. That's just what Rock Stars do. I knew of Black Sabbath and some of their songs. I guess at the time, I just liked the rhythm of the songs. I was a bit native at the time and honestly, I never paid much attention to the lyrics of a song. I remember when he had his reality TV show - I watched a couple of times. He was definitely likable and so was Sharon. When they announced the July Ozzy/Black Sabbath concert, I had a feeling Ozzy's time might be short and I'm glad he was able to do it, though it was sad seeing him sit in a chair. Reading his autobiography makes me laugh, but it also breaks my heart in a way. Ozzy's parents worked hard - both his mom and dad. I simply can't believe how hard they worked and how little they had to show for it. Ozzy discusses in the book that in hindsight, he probably had ADHD and was dyslexic. He was a people pleaser but took pleasing people too far. He also talked about having an addictive personality which didn't help with his drinking and drug use. There's things he's done he's ashamed of and he does feel bad about. It's that aspect of his personality that I think people connect with - doing something they regret. Being able to say you're sorry. Trying to do better and learn from mistakes. Ozzy's sincerity and honesty comes through on every page - especially his voice. When I read the pages, I can hear Ozzy talking. I think if there's anything to be learned from Ozzy's story is that whatever you do, "Own it." And when you F'up and you have regrets, apologize, try to do better, and sometimes, you have to grow up and live life to really grow up emotionally. I think Ozzy always enjoyed a good laugh, so I found this commercial to share. Enjoy the laughs. Ozzy wasn't perfect. In fact, he was a hot mess growing up, when he was with Black Sabbath, and at the launch of his solo career. But Ozzy owns it, and I think, to leave on a positive note - Ozzy would want you to own your successes and F-ups, have a laugh, and enjoy the music. |
Today was the Vegas Bowling sweepers. Now that I'm older and the boys are older, I'm always game to get away so I signed up for the Summer Vegas bowling league. Typically summer leagues are smaller. This league was smaller, with only 16 teams. And 2 of my parenters weren't here today, which is a bit of a bummer. The league was only 16 weeks instead of 32 weeks. I don't mind. I'm just happy to have a reason to leave California. The bowling started at 1230 pm. This bowling alley we're at is inside the Suncoast Casino and it's really big - over 60 lanes. I've bowled here before and I like it enough. The lanes were really oily though. I decided to use my Motiv Venom, as it's good for med oil. I have a Motiv Primal Shock and I tried both in practice, but the Venom seemed to react better to the oil. It was hard. Everyone struggled with the oil pattern. At the end, I finished with a 638 series (including my handicap) and I came in 4th in the Ladies, so I'm not complaining. It was a $65.00 payout. I didn't place in the mystery doubles. We finished up about 4 pm and the family went to PARK MGM and had dinner at Eataly. I really like the food at Eataly. I don't like the price, tho. It is a bit pricey. Hubby had pasta & ragu, kid had skirt steak and I had the kid's salad and spinach ravioli. Afterwords, we went for gelato. I would have uploaded a photo of me and the hubs and the kid, but it kept on uploading upside down, go figure. Tomorrow we're on the road back to California. Hoping to catch up on some reading. Tomorrow - Thoughts on Ozzy. Did you ever watch The Osbournes with Ozzy and his family? |
Well, we made it to Vegas. I always enjoy getting away from the Los Angeles area and California in general. Mind you, the only 2 states I've really been to in a while are Nevada and Arizona. I like them both. Arizona was laid back and friendly. I've only really been to the Vegas area, but I like seeing the different things. Vegas is big and the money goes a bit further. The trip usually takes 4 to 4 1/2 hours depending on traffic. We started about 1045 am and stopped at Peggy Sue's 50's Diner, just outside of Barstow for lunch. I tried the "Frankie Avalon Pepper Steak." OMG it was huge. (I should have taken a picture!) I could only eat 1/2. Really, it's got a great 50's vibe. Here's a good video that captures the ambience of Peggy Sue's. I had a vanilla shake, too. Let me tell you, it was filling! My husband gas'd up and we were off. The temp was 108 at Peggy Sue's but as we got closer to the CA/NV border it got cloudy and even sprinkled a little. Temp dipped down to a manageable 96 degrees and leveled out at 105. We got to the casino and checked in. Mind you, they're remodeling the Casino and a lot has changed in a year. The Bingo center which was on the 2nd floor, was now on the bottom floor, near the entrance. Dupar's was closed for remodeling. I'm thinking of going down in a bit to get a drink. haha! The remodel makes the casino look a little crisper. We found a Round Table pizza for dinner. Tomorrow is my BIG bowling day at the Casino's bowling alley. We call it "Sweepers." If we do well, we win money. I found a 99 cent store in Nevada and smiled. They went extinct in California earlier this year. You can find a lot of good bargins at the dollar stores. Thank goodness we still have Dollar Tree in California BUT -- nothing is a Dollar. Prices vary from 1.25 to 1.75. Question for you: Do you shop at a Dollar Tree or 99 cent store? |
Well, my Blogging Circle of Friends is over and I hate to say it, but I’ve got some withdrawal symptoms. I enjoyed doing it a lot and I have to give kudos to Witchy Woman ![]() ![]() My habit heroes is a challenge, but I’m working at it. Most days I do okay. Goal #1 is 6K steps which is realistic, I might up it next month. #2 is some weight work which I like. #3 is 30 mins on “Gifts,” and it’s been good as I’ve been able to jump start the story. I’m hoping it will be ready for a Christmas relief. Time will tell though. This weekend, we’re off to Las Vegas for bowling league sweepers. It’s a usually a quick, busy weekend. I’ll reach out to Witchy Woman ![]() ![]() I’ve been thinking of pulling some of my Fantastic Four comics out of the dust bin just to re-read them. At work, I find myself thinking way too much about retirement, which is coming Feb 2027. A lot of my work friends have retired and I find I miss them a lot. Anyhoo… I thought I’d leave you with this mind blowing question I asked recently over at the Honey Pit – Do you drink your Iced Tea sweet or unsweetened? |
SandraLynn ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Our first stop is the National Law Enforcement museum. I’m not a police officer myself, buy my husband is, and we’ve been involved with law enforcement since we’ve had jobs. I was an MP in the Army and he joined LAPD in 1997. I just dispatch for LAPD. Law enforcement means a lot of us, so seeing the museum was very touching, especially since I’ll be retiring in about 18 months, and my husband in 30 months. Next we went to the Smithsonian Air and Space museum. There was a long line to get in even though the museum was free! Jellyfish ![]() ![]() Afterwards we went monument hunting. AmyJo-Moving day's soon here ![]() ![]() {embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDSxKC3hOdk} The Lincoln memorial was a big hit with Sung'manitu ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Princess Megan Rose ![]() ![]() We also visited the Vietnam Veterans and Marine Corps War Memorials. Very sobering, but I’m glad we paid tribute to the brave warriors who served the nation. That night we went to Tiffany’s Bar & Bistro and had a light meal. We laughed over our past adventures and some of our favorite moments – Especially when AmyJo-Moving day's soon here ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Witchy Woman ![]() ![]() SandraLynn ![]() ![]() WakeUpAndLive ![]() ![]() Jellyfish ![]() ![]() Princess Megan Rose ![]() ![]() AmyJo-Moving day's soon here ![]() ![]() Krista ![]() ![]() Sung'manitu ![]() ![]() |
Wyoming is one of the western states. I always thought the western states possessed rugged land and cowboy things. So today, we’re all channeling our inner cowboy/cowgirl. Princess Megan Rose ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() On our way to Jackson Hole I made SandraLynn ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Once we made it to Jackson Hole we went to our hotel, The Rusty Parrot, and unloaded our stuff. Witchy Woman ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() We visited the world’s finest wildlife museum. I mean it was alright. There were lots of taxidermy and it got old for me quick. Sung'manitu ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Witchy Woman ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() After that rodeo, we had the munchies and went to the Mangy Moose for some late night yummies. I had the mangy moose burger. That thing was BIG. Sung'manitu ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Well, after all that fun we went back to the Rusty Parrot and passed out. One more trip to Washington DC and our summer travels will be over. I’ll be honest, I kinda got used to SandraLynn ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Party Bus made it to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Princess Megan Rose ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() SandraLynn ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Next, we found Lakefront brewery, which bought all the equipment from Schlitz when it was demolished in 1983. They had a small exhibit dedicated to Laverne and Shirley. I found a great blog that took us on a tour through Milwaukee that talked about the Fonz and Laverne and Shirley. If you have time, check it out: https://www.friendsalongtheway.org/post/home-of-laverne-and-shirley Next was the home of the Harley Davidson Museum. Whoa. I was blown away. Sung'manitu ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() I remember when I was a kid in the 70’s my uncle would take me for motorcycle rides. They were a lot of fun. Me and AmyJo-Moving day's soon here ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() At the Museum, we wandered around oohing and ahhhing. I found Monet who I LOVE. Picasso gave me a headache. By the time we were done with the museum we were cerebrally exhausted. Princess Megan Rose ![]() ![]() We drove the Party Bus over to see the Brewers game. SandraLynn ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
SandraLynn ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() West Virginia really impressed me with its nature this time of year. The greens were extra green and air smelled crisp and clean. West Virginia really captured the nature of rural Appalachia and most everyone we met were really sweet people who would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it. We met the guide at this really calm water place. His name was Stone Hick. I kid you not!! Said his Mama had no idea if he was a boy or a girl and didn’t have a name picked when she gave birth. Well, it kinda suited him. He was tall, lean, muscled and had a dimple to die for. Krista ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Off we went! Krista ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() When we got out of the raft, Fred and Princess Megan Rose ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The evening was for hunting ghosts and we all got decked out – even Princess Megan Rose ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() We made it to the AirBnB before midnight – thank goodness. No one melted and we passed out cold. |
We all managed to get to San Juan Islands in Washington State. Witchy Woman ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Mind you it was overcast and a tad misty today, so we all wore our raincoats. Washington State is a pretty overcast state and it rains a lot here which probably explains why all the plants are extra green and the coffee beans are the best this side of the Mississippi. We signed up for this awesome whale watching, orcas, dolphins tour. I love watching orcas or as they are more familiarly known as “Killer Whales.” Heck, the last time I went to Sea World in San Diego in 2014. I got to have dinner with Shamoo. My Iphone’s video and camera were ready for some good pics! I was gonna beat Krista ![]() ![]() The boat ride was the best ever. We saw two big humpback whales and one splashed the boat with his tail and got us all wet. Thank goodness we were wearing raincoats! The dolphins came up right alongside the boat and Princess Megan Rose ![]() ![]() Then we went to the Whale Museum. That was kinda cool and I tried to channel my inner marine biologist for a YouTube video but I sounded like a dork. Jellyfish ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() We saw Mt. Rainer in the distance. Sung'manitu ![]() ![]() Afterword, we went to Seattle and saw the Space Needle. It’s kinda neat looking, but that’s about it. WakeUpAndLive ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() We ended the day at Pam’s Kitchen and tried the Trinidad food. It was delish! |