Visiting Little House - Big Sky Ranch

I learned in March that the outdoor scenes of Little House on the Prairie were taped in Simi Valley, and since the 50^th reunion festival was such a big hit, the chamber of commerce decided to host tours to the sets. This past June they had a tour booked for every weekend, but now I believe they offer tours one Saturday out of a month. 

 

Well, I know my friend from New Hampshire would have loved it if I went and I didn’t want to let her down, so I signed up for another trip – this time to see the outdoor sets.  

 

Personally speaking, I thought the $75.00 price tag was a bit hefty, but I really can’t complain.  This was a bus tour and you had to pay for the bus somehow. 

 

The name of the outdoor film location was called “Big Sky Ranch,” and it was the home to the Ingalls home and the town of Walnut Creek. It was about an hour from where the indoor scenes were filmed in Hollywood. The episode where Nellie gets pushed into the water was filmed on the Big Sky Ranch, and the Sweetheart tree is still growing on the ranch. 

Sweetheart Tree

 

Unfortunately, there was a fire in 2003 which destroyed most of the actual structures that were left on the ranch, but for the 50^th festival, they created some mock-ups and placed them on the ranch so you would get a flavor of where they stood on the set.

 

My tour was set for 1215. I really should have picked an earlier time, because it was kinda’ hot – in the 90’s when it was time to take off.  Dean Butler was on the tour before me, but he wasn’t on my tour. I did manage to get a picture of him, which was nice.  They had a kiosk that sold coffee, water, and snacks. I stopped by a local place to eat a bite for lunch. Our tour was late leaving because the previous tour was late getting back.   I think it took about 15 minutes to make it out to the Ranch.

 

When we got there, it was dusty. As I was sitting in the back of the bus, it was hard to hear the tour guide. The Ranch had several rolling hills.  

 

I think the easiest visual for me, was the opening scene, when the girls are running down the hill. The bus stopped in that area, and we were allowed to get off and take pics, but we couldn’t go past the roped off area because of critters and snakes. 

 

I got some nice pictures of the area, and it was nice to connect with like-minded people and fans of the show. It’s absolutely amazing how many people just loved the show and enjoyed the books. They were selling some souvenirs, but I didn’t pick up any at this time. 

 

Overall, if you’re a fan of the show, you’ll enjoy the getaway. I took some cool pics and got to see something I wouldn’t normally have. 

 

Extra links:

https://collider.com/little-house-on-the-prairie-filming-locations/

Walnut Grove, then and now 

*****

Check out this great summer read:

Re-released: Journey of the Heart - Can James help Rachel save her winery?

"The story is short enough to be enjoyed in one sitting whether you are at the beach or on your easy chair enjoying a glass of wine, making believe it is the Santori Chardonnay. In short, this is another happy, heart-warming tale of love from the experienced pen of Stephanie Burkhart." -- 5 Stars, Goodread Review, Joy Cagil 

Buy Journey of the Heart

Health Topic - Staying Cool in the Heat

It’s been a busy couple of weeks. I’ve been working long hours at work and picking up some overtime shifts.  I haven’t had a chance to work on some of my topics such as Alaska and self publishing, but I hope to work on them soon.  With the weather getting hot, I’d thought I’d tackle a health topic today – Keeping cool.

I personally stay cool by using my AC. Mind you, my electric bill is no joke so hench, I must work overtime to help pay for that bill. {e:smile} Sigh…. We all have our techniques – swamp coolers, fans, spending the day at the beach or the lake. Ah, but what are the benefits? Why stay cool? 

Wearing a hat to stay cool. 

 

I think when we get too hot, the heat illnesses are prone to occur. They range from heat cramps to heat exhaustion. Heat cramps occur when your muscles spasms after working out in the heat.  Some say it is caused by an electrolyte imbalance caused by the heat, others say the heat causes the muscles to lose their ability to contract.  Heat exhaustion’s symptoms include exhaustion, excessive sweating, cramps, headaches and nausea.

 

One of the big things you can do to help avoid heat cramps and exhaustion – drink water. You don’t want to get dehydrated. When you get dehydrated, you feel lighthearted, may faint, your urine turns bright yellow and get headaches.   I’ve been there a couple of times. It’s not fun. 

 

Ways to keep cool in the heat? 

 

#1 Drink water. Help your body out – you can spray yourself with water using a mist bottle or what I would do when hiking, I would get out a bandana, get it wet, and keep it wrapped around my neck. 

 

Drinking water is one of the biggest things you can do to help maintain your body temperature. 

 

#2 Wear cooler clothing like cottons and light colors.  

 

#3 take cooler showers with lukewarm water. 

 

#4 eat snacks instead of meals – salads, watermelons, and fruits. 

 

#5 stay in the shade as much as you can. 

#6 - wear a hat 

********

Did you know? Journey of the Heart had 3 different covers? Journey of the Heart has been re-released with its 2nd cover.  Find it on Amazon!

Can James help Rachel save her winery? 

"The story is short enough to be enjoyed in one sitting whether you are at the beach or on your easy chair enjoying a glass of wine, making believe it is the Santori Chardonnay. In short, this is another happy, heart-warming tale of love from the experienced pen of Stephanie Burkhart." - 5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Goodread Review.

Buy Journey of the Heart

 

 

Looking for Sarah Palin #4

Ketchikan!

Well, I wish I could have gotten to this entry earlier, but it’s been busy out my way, my apologies.  Next on the itinerary was Ketchikan. We arrived early, around 7 am, but didn’t have much time in the town. The ship was going to leave at 1 pm.  We had excursions to visit Totem Bight State Historical Park and see a Lumberjack show. 

 

Ketchikan is probably first “big” town in Alaska you’ll come to on the inside passage.  The inside passage is that arm of Alaska that reaches down into Canada on the coast. There’s a lot of islands and inlets. It’s considered the southernmost entrance of the inside passage. It’s also considered Alaska’s first city, as it’s the first one you’ll encounter as you come up from Puget Sound.  Ketchikan’s airport is on a separate island close to the coast, but once you land, you need to take a ferry to reach the city proper. 

 

On the day we visited, there was a light rain and mist. We rushed off the ship and found our line to visit Totem Bight State Park. It’s 33 acres and features vivid totem poles by the Tlingit and Haida Native American Indians. Not only that, there’s a Tlingit Clanhouse among the poles. Each totem pole told an amazing story (sadly, I don’t remember many) but what a rich culture. In the early 20^th Century, the area was abandoned by the native peoples, and in the 1930’s the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) was hired to restore the poles. They’ve done an amazing job. I would love to spend more time in this area. 

 

Here's a link for more info: https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/totembgh.htm

 

At the park this was this plant called a skunk plant. I remember it was a big plant with bit yellow blooms. I guess the native wildlife will eat it, but it’s a bit of laxative and it really loosens the bowels. We were cautioned not to eat it.

 

We must have been there around an hour and 15 mins. I would have enjoyed more time visiting the park, but we had to make the Lumberjack show. 

 

Who knew Lumberjacking was a thing? We went into Ketchikan proper and found the show. I learned there are colleges which offer courses in lumberjacking. Lumberjacks climb poles, spilt logs, throw axes, etc. It was a very excited show. The small seating area was spilt into 2 and our section was rooting for the Canadians who won. After that we rushed to boat and stopped at a tourist shop with just enough time to buy souvenir stickers! 

 

I fell in love with Ketchikan. It was so lush and green. Heck, it’s considered part of a National Forest! I wanted to bring an NHL Hockey team to Ketchikan. But I don’t know if that would be do-able.   Heck, I was looking on Zillow for summer homes in Ketchikan. 

 

I definitely wanted to spend more time in Ketchikan and learn more about the town and its history. I heard Ketchikan is called the salmon capital of the world, but I was so rushed, I didn’t have time to discover why. Maybe next time I’ll try the salmon. 

***

 

When Sarah Palin was running for governor, she supported a bridge be built between Ketchikan and Gavina Island, the home to the Ketchikan airport. As governor, she vetoed the legislation that would have provided it, citing fiscal responsibly. Sadly, this decision made the residents of Ketchikan a bit miffed, and boy do they hold a grudge. In 2022, the Republican party of Ketchikan voted to censor her to that decision she made back in 2007. 

 

Here are a couple of my favorite quotes by Sarah Palin:

 

“Buck up or stay in the truck.”

 

“America is looking for answers. She’s looking for a new direction; the world is looking for a light. That light can come from America’s great North Star; it can come from Alaska.”

 

“I love those Hockey moms. You know what they say is the difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull is? Lipstick.” 

 

****

Re-released: Journey of the Heart - Can James help Rachel save her winery?

"The story is short enough to be enjoyed in one sitting whether you are at the beach or on your easy chair enjoying a glass of wine, making believe it is the Santori Chardonnay. In short, this is another happy, heart-warming tale of love from the experienced pen of Stephanie Burkhart." -- 5 Stars, Goodread Review, Joy Cagil 

Buy Journey of the Heart

Book Review: Takedown Twenty

Book Review for:  Takedown Twenty

Written by: Janet Evanovich

Published by: Bantam Books

ISBN: 978-0-345-54288-5

 

I read: the Hardback

 

4 Stars

 

Exciting, but could do without the giraffe.

 

Evanovich pens another interesting cozy mystery with “Takedown Twenty.” Morelli’s uncle, Sal Sunucch, jumps bond and Stephanie’s been tasked to rebond him. Uncle Sunny has a lot of friends, and no one want to turn him in. Stephanie is also helping Ranger to find out who’s been killing the old ladies who like to play bingo and get discounts at the local store. 

 

The cherry on the top is that there is a giraffe running wild on Stark Street that only Lula and Stephanie see. Stephanie comes close to taking down Uncle Sunny a couple of times, but breaks her finger, her nose, and gets thrown into the river. As the danger amps up, Stephanie gets cold feet, throws in the towel, and goes to work for a butcher. Can Stephanie catch Uncle Sunny and figure out who is targeting the old ladies at Bingo before her grandmother is next? 

 

Evanovich’s writing style easily draws the reader in and keeps them interested. The Uncle Sunny plot has readers engaged and curious. The giraffe subplot feels forced and only served as an unneeded distraction. 

 

The characters were entertaining as usual, and readers will find themselves among old friends. The ending sneaks up on the reader. 

 

Overall, Takedown Twenty is a fun read with old friends and new challenges. If you’re looking for a cozy read to pass the time or to catch up with friends, this one for you. 

*****

Check out my story, Young Witchcraft:

Blurb:Rachel’s secret would have Cotton Mather rolling over in his grave. She’s been raised from an early age to use magic for good, despite her temptation to cast a spell against Phil the bully who can’t stop teasing her.

Joe thinks Rachel is cool, especially when she weaves her healing magic on him, but he’s got his own problems. It’s not easy keeping Rachel safe from Phil’s constant threats.

When Phil poisons Rachel, can love and a little young witchcraft bring Rachel and Joe together or have the years of Phil’s bullying ruined their relationship for good?

Buy Young Witchcraft

Self-Publishing #2 - The Process & Copyrights

I think the process starts with the story. When I was writing for Victory Tales Press, they wanted shorter stories, about 10-20,000 words to put in a holiday themed anthology, be it paranormal, Christmas, or spring/summer. 

 

One of my first stories for them was “Christmas in Bayeux.”  The story was to be stimulating, or sexually charged.

 

When it comes to writing the majority of my stories, setting is very important to me. I shoot for international settings (inspired by my time spent in Europe when I was in the Army) or New England where I grew up. Sometimes I write about places that have left a marked impression on me, such as California wine county.

 

Once I have my story, I flesh out my characters, my conflict, the romance, and then target the heat level to what I want for the story, be it sweet, sensual, steamy, or spicy. With Christmas in Bayeux,  I was shooting for steamy.  A big part of my writing is researching as well. I flesh out a plot and start to writing. The whole creative process is invigorating!

 

When I first wrote “Christmas in Bayeux,” was about 10-12,000 words and was published in 2010. When I got the revision of rights in 2018, I decided to do a content edit, flesh it out, and develop the characters more. It took me about 2 years to do that content edit. The story was now about 40,000 words long, novella size.  I pretty much self-edit along the way, so my editing was done shortly after the content edit. 

 

After I was satisfied with the edit, my beta reader read the story and offered suggestions.  My beta reader typically reads for spelling, punctuation, and grammar, but also looks at other story elements as well. Beta reading takes time, and I don’t rush her. She’s done when she’s done.  That’s where patience comes in. 

 

However, this is a good time to go about securing your Copyright. 

 

A copyright is a legal way to protect your intellectual property. Legally, a book you created is your intellectual property and you want to protect it. 

 

From Copyright.gov:  Copyright is a type of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression.

 

Again, from Copyright.gov:  Copyright exists automatically in an original work of authorship once it is fixed, but a copyright owner can take steps to enhance the protections. The most important step is registering the work. Registering a work is not mandatory, but for U.S. works, registration (or refusal) is necessary to enforce the exclusive rights of copyright through litigation. 

 

If you ever need to take someone to court for a violation of copyright, having registered your copyright is the best way to prove you have the copyright. 

 

How to go about doing that? 

 

You can start here to register for your copyright:  https://www.copyright.gov/registration/

 

Last year, when I registered some of my stories the cost was about $65.00. You can register for the copyright yourself. You don’t need a lawyer to do it. 

 

While a copyright registration isn’t a MUST, it’s a good to do it to protect yourself in case someone else infringes on your copyright. 

Here is the video I did for the original Christmas in Bayeux

Buy Christmas in Bayeux

 

 

 

Health Topic: Drink your Greens

I’ve always heard the ads on radio – “drink your greens”  - it really helps.  At first I "pish- pished" it but as I’ve gotten older and the body has gotten “achier” I’ve been willing to try different, homeopathicish kinda’ stuff.  I used bromelain which I love but that another post. I also take the stuff for the joints whichI  get from Costco. Back to greens.

 

Honestly, I don’t get enough greens so I thought I’d try a “Drink your greens” product. There’s a TON out there.  Which one to get?  Now, I get some items from ROOT Brands, Clean Slate, Sculpt, Restore, so I thought I’d try them. Their greens are “ReLive Greens.”  OMG it tasted awful. I tried to take them – I gave it 2 days. I couldn’t get past the taste. 

 

Then I heard an ad for Brickhouse Nutrition and the “Wildberry” flavor.  Okay – flavored greens. I think I can do that. I ordered it. I think it was $65.00 after a discount. And this time I bought Propel water – the berry one. I mixed up 8 oz of Propel and a scoop of Wildberry and went for it.  The taste was definitely better.  It’s still kinda’ ick but not so much.  I can drink it. 

 

And since my body has extra aches and aging pains (56 is no joke) I thought I’d drink one 8 oz in the morning and one 8 oz at night. Let me tell you.  I can definitely feel a difference. There’s a lot less aches and pains and I feel like I have more mobility in the joints. 

 

Now Brickhouse claims that greens boost the immune system, aid with detoxing (and after my massage that I got on the cruise, I was told I need all the detoxing I can get) increase energy level, and support a healthy metabolism. It’s vegan and organic. The only down side is I think it’s a tad pricy but since I feel overall better, I’m not complaining. I’ll take it. 

 

I’d say the claims are spot on. I do feel an increased energy level. I’m going to keep drinking my greens.  Let’s see where it goes. I started in April. I stopped on the cruise, but I’m back now.  I’ll give you guys an update in a few.  

Anyone else drink their greens? 

********

Check out my latest release: The Wolf's Torment

Blurb: It's 1865 and Lady Theresa travels from Austria to Moldavia, a country haunted by tales of vampires and werewolves. She's going to marry the Crown Prince, but she harbors her own unspoken secrets.

Prince Mihai has just returned to Moldavia to embrace his witching heritage. He's intent on being a good husband and modernizing his country, but he must find a balance with his supernatural lineage. His best friend, Viktor, accompanies Mihai and marries Mihai's sister. In an unfortunate twist of fate, a werewolf bites Viktor.

Viktor's transformation threatens everyone around him, including his wife's safety and Mihai's happiness, but he's especially dangerous when he's near Theresa. Can Mihai save his family from Viktor's lies and deceptions?

Buy The Wolf's Torment

 

 

 

 

4th of July 2024 Musings...

What does the 4^th of July mean to me?  A lot. 

 

One of my earliest memories was my parents and family going down to the bi-centennial parade in Manchester, NH. I was just a kid, but it was impressed on me that it was a big day and I wouldn’t experience another milestone like this. I have a few pics from that day, but they’re a bit faded now.  I often think back of my family walking up from my house to Deerfield Park in Manchester to watch the fireworks.  Fireworks bring out the little kid in me. They capture an “awe factor” It’s a reminder of Freedom to me and having an appreciation of that freedom. 

 

Growing up when I did in NH, civics was important. I learned a lot about NH government as well as the nation’s. I think the one of the lasting impressions I have from that period is that “Fair” means a lot.  And it’s important to me that I’m a fair minded person. 

 

In 1986, I entered military service on 8 July.  Not quite the 4^th, but I remember the spirit of patriotism was soaring high in the nation. It was the time of Reagan, and I was very proud to serve under Reagan as a president. 

 

Between 1986-to about 2005ish, the 4^th meant a time to relax, enjoy the lazy summer day, BBQ, fly your flag and tip your hat to American’s birthday with a fireworks display.  Then in 2005, our family went to Avalon, CA on Catalina Island for the 4^th.  It was amazing.  Nothing said “home” California style than the golf cart parade and the USC marching band.  After a BBQ on the beach, we went and saw the fireworks on the beach in Avalon. We went to Avalon from about 2005 to 2012. It was a memorable time for us and the boys. They still have warm memories of the 4^th.  So to all the founding fathers – thank you. 

 

Home of the Brave and Land of the Free. 

We have a Republic. Let’s keep it. 

Happ 4th to the USA!!

 

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

 

 

Fun Facts: 

 

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, 2 of our founding fathers, died on the same day - 4^th July 1826.  50 years after the Declaration of Independence. 

 

200 copies of the Declaration of Independence were drafted, but only 27 are accounted for.

 

Congress declared the 4^th of July an official holiday - in 1870!

 

The Star Spangled Banner was inspired by the War of 1812. A poem put to music, it became the USA's official national anthem in 1931.

*****

My story, Arrow Through the Heart takes place in New Hampshire around the 4th of July.  Logan & Ella have a fun celebrating, but danger surrounds Ella. Can Logan help to keep her safe?

Buy Arrow Through the Heart