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[wallsluxurytranspor]

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[lostloveletters]

Bruised Fruit Chapter 2 (Michael Corleone x OC)

Summary: Gloria isn't sure she'll ever understand Michael, experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions and mixed signals from him the night he introduces her to his children for the first time.

Note: Chapter 3 will be posted in the next few days. I appreciate the support on here and AO3 on this series so far!

Warning: This chapter depicts a PTSD-induced night terror at the end. It’s actually not advised to wake someone from that, but this is the 1950s/60s and mental illnesses aren’t well understood, so there’s no way for Gloria to know best practices when dealing with this.

Do not interact if you are under 18 or post thinspo/ED content. I will block you.

Chapter 1 | AO3 Link | Masterlist

“I don’t understand, the reservation should be there,” Gloria said, trying to abate her frustration with the man at the front desk. “It was confirmed last night.”

Having spent five years working at a resort, she knew how hectic it could get, things fell through the cracks all the time. She just wished it hadn’t been right after she cleaned out her apartment, worked her last shift at the casino, and then drove eight hours from Vegas to Lake Tahoe. 

Tom had assured her the reservation had been made and she’d be staying at the hotel for a few weeks. He’d been dealing with Michael’s divorce filings and thought that despite Kay’s transgression, it wouldn’t look great for Michael to have Gloria move in so soon. Michael wanted her to join him at the Corleone compound the night after he proposed, but she insisted it’d be too hard on Mary and Anthony to have someone brand new in the house so soon after Kay’s exile. Gloria could just see it, the fear and anger in the childrens’ eyes as their wicked stepmother moved in to take their beloved mother’s place.

“What name did you say the room would be under, ma’am?”

“Marino, Gloria Marino.”

“I don’t see Marino, but I do see a reservation for a Gloria Corleone.”

She sighed. “That would be it. Sorry.”

“Not a problem, Mrs. Corleone. Let me get you your key, and I’ll have someone bring your things to your room.”

Not Mrs. Not quite yet, but she didn’t have the energy to explain the convoluted situation. It wasn’t his business. Instead, she merely exchanged her car keys for the room key. Normally she’d balk at using valet service, but that, among most other things in her life, wouldn’t be coming out of her own pocket anymore.

She never understood Michael’s hang-ups about her cars. One of the reasons she lived in her old apartment in the first place was because it had a private garage rather than a parking lot for tenants. Another thing that she knew would undoubtedly change. The Corleones had drivers.

She didn’t have much time to ponder Michael and his odd hang-ups. In about an hour, a car would arrive to pick her up and bring her to a restaurant to formally meet Anthony and Mary. Her stomach was already somersaulting, leaving her unsure if she’d even be able to eat. 

In her anxious mind, the only way Michael could possibly introduce her would be, ‘Hey kids, this is the woman I’ve been cheating on your mom with for the past four years who somehow has nothing to do with the reason we’re getting divorced.’ What an icebreaker. 

Gloria headed up to her room, a top floor suite with a living room and balcony. In the reflective metal of the elevator doors, she reapplied her lipstick. Her bags had already been brought in, sitting next to the couch. 

A cigarette hung from her freshly red-coated lips as she fiddled with the radio in the room until she landed on a station that played familiar rock n’ roll tracks. Opening her suitcase, she grabbed the navy wrap dress that sat neatly folded at the top, and rushed to change, knowing sprucing up her hair and makeup would take at least thirty minutes. Most of that would be spent on her hair.

As she looked at herself in the bathroom mirror, she felt herself become emotional. Gone was the young woman who’d taken any odd back-of-house job upon first arriving at the casino in Vegas, eventually becoming a hostess. There was nothing left for her there, save for a handful of friends. Any other guys she had been seeing, however casually, she made a clean break from. None of those paramours had been nearly as serious as Michael, though. She didn’t think anyone could be as serious as him.

Torn from her wistful reminiscing by the phone ringing, she took a deep breath, picking up to hear that the car had arrived for her. 

Al Neri was waiting in the lobby for her, and she felt better seeing his familiar face.

“Hi Al, how are you?” she asked as they exchanged a greeting kiss on the cheek.

“Can’t complain,” he said. “Michael’s already at the restaurant with his kids. It’s a short drive, though.”

Al wasn’t exaggerating. The drive was disappointingly short, and she barely got to catch up with her fiancé’s right hand man. For as often as she’d seen Al, she didn’t know very much about him. Maybe he preferred to keep it that way.

The upscale steakhouse loomed in front of Gloria as she approached, though the smell coming from the building made her realize how hungry she was. Gloria self-admittedly had an unsophisticated palette, preferring cheeseburgers and steaks over more elaborate dishes that Michael first tried to woo her with at the start of their affair. It helped that apparently Michael’s children were going through their picky eater phases, leaving him outnumbered when it came to restaurant choices.

She didn’t realize how tightly she’d been gripping her purse until her nails began digging into her palm. Stopping in her tracks for a short moment, she took a deep breath, which did little to help her nerves as she continued inside. The host led her over to the table where Michael was already sitting with Mary and Anthony.

Seeing that a glass of rum and Coke was already set at her place for her, she mouthed a silent “Thank you” to Michael as she approached him. He smiled, wrapping his arm around her waist.

“Anthony, Mary, this is my good friend, Gloria,” Michael said.

Gloria smiled. “It’s great to meet you both.”

“Are you best friends?” Mary asked.

“Uncle Tom is dad’s best friend,” Anthony said.

“My best friend is Anthony!”

“You’re not my best friend.”

“Dad, tell Anthony he has to be my best friend.”

Gloria snickered to herself at Mary’s antics, not unlike she and Jackie growing up. The gregarious young girl led most of the conversation, even when dinner was served. She was the only one who could seem to get Anthony involved in any kind of discussion, too.

The service was unusually quick, but of course it would be. Gloria knew the type of warning the staff were given before Michael’s arrival, having heard it plenty of times herself for the various movers and shakers that would come through the casino. The only ones she’d given much of a damn about were Louis Prima and Keely Smith, and even then, she only caught a glimpse of them yakking it up with Johnny Fontaine at the bar.

“I’m gonna be president!” Mary exclaimed, nearly flinging the french fry in her hand across the table. “I’m gonna make bedtimes illegal and you always have to eat dessert before dinner.”

“You have my vote,” Gloria said. 

“No, Gloria needs a bedtime. She turns into a pumpkin after midnight like Cinderella,” Michael joked.

Mary giggled. “The carriage turns into a pumpkin after midnight. Not Cinderella.”

“Boys just don’t know anything about princesses, huh?” Gloria said. “Maybe you’ll have to bring your dad to Disneyland to teach him a thing or two.”

Mary nodded excitedly, rambling about a trip to Disneyland. Michael shot Gloria a playful glare. She took a sip of her drink, relieved Mary seemed to like her enough. She already noticed that Anthony hardly spoke since she arrived, his eyes downcast as he picked at his food. From what Michael had told her, he’d taken the split worse than Mary, who was a bit too young to fully understand. 

Despite Michael’s unspoken goal of his kids regarding Gloria as a mother figure and forgetting about Kay, it wasn’t something Gloria was comfortable with. She knew he was coming from a place of hurt and anger, but his relationship with his kids would suffer long-term by turning them against their mother. Besides, one day they’d learn the truth about Michael and Gloria’s relationship, and their opinions of her wouldn’t be very high after that.

She couldn’t let that stop her from trying to have some kind of relationship with the kids, at least for Michael’s sake. 

“How about you, Anthony?” Gloria asked. “What do you wanna be when you grow up?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. I like baseball.”

“Who’s your favorite player?”

“Mickey Mantle.”

“What about Joe D?” Michael asked.

“He doesn’t play anymore.”

“My dad has a baseball signed by him,” Gloria tried. “He won it in a raffle, though. I don’t think they’ve ever met.”

Anthony didn’t respond, disinterested in continuing the conversation. She wouldn’t push it, instead letting Mary change the topic to the latest episode of ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’, deciding that if being president didn’t work out, she’d want to be a Mouseketeer instead. 

Dinner pushed on through dessert, each of the kids ordering brownies a la mode. Gloria and Michael stuck with coffee, hers with cream and no sugar, while he drank his black. She never understood how he could stomach it, even with his blood sugar.

Al walked over to Michael, leaning down to whisper something to him.

“Alright kids, time to go,” Michael said, standing to help them put their coats on. “Say good night to Gloria.”

“Night Gloria,” Mary said, waving at her with a smile.

Anthony was quiet until Michael nudged him. “Bye.”

“Good night,” Gloria said, watching fondly as Michael gave each of his children a hug and a kiss on the cheek before they left with Al.

Gloria took a cigarette from her purse, placing it between her lips. Before she could grab the book of matches off the table, Michael held out his lighter mere centimeters from her cigarette, the flame deceivingly large in front of her face. She moved back, and he flicked the lighter shut.

“Where are Mary and Anthony off to?”

“Connie’s watching them for me tonight.”

“Oh, you’re slick. Do the doting dad thing, and then I’ll fall into your bed.”

“You already do that,” he said with a slight smile, lighting his own cigarette. His brown eyes glowed amber in the faint flame, and she found herself caught in his gaze as she leaned closer to him. “Didn’t take much for that to happen in the first place, did it?”

Heat rushed to her face, cheeks ripening from the pink blush she’d applied before dinner to a candy bright red. Their short-lived friendship blossomed into an affair rather quickly. A week before his family joined him in Nevada, he arrived at the casino in Vegas with his service medals in tow. Gloria had lamented upon their third conversation that she’d never seen any of her brother’s awards but had read about Michael’s in the Life article.

As innocently as she could be alone with him in his private hotel room, her fingers brushed each one as he described how he earned them, until reaching his Purple Heart. Almost without thinking, she’d taken the medal from its case and pinned it to the lapel of his black, pin-stripe suit. He’d caught her wrist in his hand, and for a split second she thought the fire in his eyes was anger until he captured her lips in a searing kiss.

“No, it didn’t,” she said, finally breaking from his hold to take a deep inhale before snuffing out her cigarette in the ashtray. 

He reached over, taking her hand in his. “You look beautiful, by the way. Blue always suits you.”

She grinned, her tongue darting out between her lips. “I look even better out of it.” 

“Now who’s slick?”

Smugness radiated off of her, watching Michael wave the waiter over for the check. She missed when her and Michael’s relationship wasn’t so important, at least in the familial sense. Being flirty with him was always fun, but as his future wife, sex carried a sense of duty. Always available and having to compromise to his whims. 

When they stood up from the table, he placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her outside. As they waited for the car to pull up, Michael kissed her, pulling her close so that her chest was flush against his. She deepened the kiss, her hand on the back of his neck as she slipped her tongue in his mouth.

The rumble of the car engine behind them cut through their embrace. Michael groaned as he pulled away, though Gloria managed to press a kiss to his cheek before they got in the car.

One of Michael’s buttonmen was driving, while Al was in the passenger seat. Michael opened the door for Gloria, sliding into the back seat after her.

“You got something—“ She motioned to her lips.

He rolled his eyes as he pulled the handkerchief out of his suit pocket and wiped at his mouth. “It’s a wonder you’ve never gotten lipstick on my collar.”

“I can try.”

“You have a smart mouth, you know that?”

“I’ve been told,” she laughed, eyes sparkling in the dim lights coming from the dashboard.

Putting his arm around her, he kept her close to his side. She laid her head on his shoulder on the ride back to her hotel, her eyes drifting up to admire his profile. Sharp yet delicate, like the pair of sewing scissors her grandmother had brought over from Sicily, requiring a careful touch but reliable enough to outlast the American-made ones she’d bought. 

Michael’s black hair almost matched Gloria’s, though her tone was cooler, appearing bluish in certain lighting. His eyes were physically lighter than hers, but somehow he was able to expertly channel his emotions through them, at times appearing black as coal, the peek of a fire being fed inside of him.

“We’re here, sir,” the driver announced.

“Where’s your car?” Michael asked as they pulled up to the hotel.

She shrugged. “Wherever the valet parks them.”

An off-hand response to a casual question, Gloria didn’t expect anything more from the conversation. 

“Using a valet while you’re living on your own? Are you out of your mind, Gloria?” His voice boomed in the small space, enclosing her in his rage. 

“I’m sorry. I can pay for it myself if you–”

“That’s not what I mean,” he snapped. “Al, I want her car looked at, only people you trust.”

Al silently nodded, slipping out of the car when it parked in front of the hotel. 

“Michael, what’s gotten into you?”

His jaw clenched, nostrils flaring. “Go up to the room. I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Fine, but if you’re going to bring whatever this attitude is upstairs, don’t bother.”

Before he had a chance to respond, she got out of the car, annoyed and embarrassed by his outburst. She knew he wouldn’t give her an explanation, expecting her to accept his hang-ups without protest because of the nature of his work.

Her fists were clenched the whole elevator ride up to her room. Anyone who had access to the check-in log could see his last name, not hers, under the reservation. Easy enough for a bad actor to catch a glimpse of her room number and target her from there. Instead, he was raging over her car.

She kicked off her heels, ridding herself of her jewelry save for the engagement ring, and finally pulling off her dress and tights until she was only in her slip. Shuffling over to the bed, she laid on top of the covers, her back to the door. 

Michael had always been overbearing, more protective than an extramarital affair warranted, but since he proposed and they became a formal couple, the intensity only became hyper-focused on her. He’d known about the other men she had seen, not pleased, but he had no authority to stop her back then. As far as she was aware, she had been his only mistress, his affection split between her and Kay. Having it all on her was overwhelming.

In her brooding, she hadn’t heard Michael enter until he spoke.

“I’m trying to protect you, Gloria. Things are gonna be a lot different for you from now on.”

She knew it was petulant and childish, but she didn’t respond, merely shifting in her spot on the bed. He sighed. She could hear rustling behind her for a few moments.

“You can’t be so careless, darling. Especially now that we’re engaged,” Michael said, his voice soft as he climbed into bed with her, wrapping his arms around her torso. “There are a lot of people who’ll try to use you to get to me. I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Alright,” she mumbled. “I’m sorry, tiger.”

Tiger. Her cat-like lover, noble and ruthless, seeking out comfort on his own terms. 

“That’s a nickname I haven’t heard in a while.”

“You just reminded me of one earlier is all.”

He was silent, his hands gently pawing at her stomach. His hot breath fanned over her skin as he buried his face in the crook of her neck. Reaching back, she ran her fingers through his hair, manicured nails scratching at his scalp. He basked in her touch, nuzzling his nose against her.

Though his breathing became steady with a light snore in her ear, she couldn’t sleep. They often traded bouts of insomnia. 

After at least an hour of lying awake, she slipped out of his hold and tip-toed out to the living room so as not to wake him. Sitting on the floor in front of the radio, she tuned in to one of the late-night stations, keeping the volume low. She hummed along to ‘All I Have To Do Is Dream’ a favorite of hers since it first came out two years earlier. Michael didn’t care for the Everly Brothers, nor much of rock n’ roll in general. Considered it raucous and juvenile. 

She closed her eyes and let herself get lost in the music, unsure of how much time had passed when she suddenly heard Michael’s raised voice from in the bedroom. Going in to check on him, her lip trembled at the sight of him. He tossed and turned, distressed babbling continuing on. The covers fell from the bed as he kicked violently at them.

“Fucking bastards—grab the rifle and—”

“Michael,” she called out. “Michael, wake up.”

“They’re moving in—shit!”

She knew better than to grab at him, try to shake him awake. The only time she’d done so, a few months into their relationship, he nearly broke her arm despite being fully asleep. The following morning, he hadn’t remebered a thing but became withdrawn when she explained why her arm was bruised. Fredo had given her two weeks off work afterward, but she knew Michael had asked him to do that.

Shuffling over to the phone in the room, she dialed the front desk, glancing at Michael, still in his troubled state.

“Hello, can you call back here in about two minutes, please?” she asked.

“Is there something you need, ma’am?”

“No, just call back.”

“Of course, ma’am.”

The two minutes waiting for the front desk to call back dragged on endlessly. Gloria felt herself tear up at Michael’s distress, feeling hopeless as ever to help him. She retreated into the bathroom. Her hand shook as she filled a glass of water for him, slipping back into the bedroom. 

The phone rang a few seconds later. She watched her lover hawkishly. He woke up at the noise, chest heaving as he sat up to look frantically around the room.

“What’s going on? Where—“

Gloria standing in the corner, eyeing him cautiously while holding a glass of water, gave him his answer. He groaned, running his hand down his face. 

“It’s okay, nothing happened,” she assured him softly, handing him the glass.

She watched as he drank, rushing to refill the glass after he drained it. When she returned, she sat next to him on the bed, rubbing soothing circles on his back.

“Do you wanna talk?”

He shook his head, setting the glass aside. “You shouldn’t have to see me like this. Having nightmares like a child over things that happened fifteen years ago. Couldn't even find the place on a map anymore if you asked me to.”

“I don’t care.” She pushed back some of his black hair from his forehead, feeling the perspiration that built up on his skin. “I love you.” She kissed the crown of his head, wrapping her arms around him as to cradle him against her chest. 

“You’re going to be a wonderful mother.”

That was what it all came down to, her fiancé’s affection for her so tied to his hope that she could right that wrong, and as she’d later learn, many others.

[lawsend]

Murder at Vista Heights Chapter 2

Series: Law’s End

Episode 1: Murder at Vista Heights

Fandom: The Royal Romance (loosely, there’s not much canon in here).

Pairings: None yet

Word Count: 2,622

Rating: MA

Warnings for series: adult themes, any given chapter may contain murder, violence, language, drinking, drug use, etc.

My other stuff can be found on my main blog @angelasscribbles here is the Master List.

They pulled up in front of a row of buildings. Walker and Son Investigations sat near the middle of the block; the name emblazoned on a plate glass window that overlooked the street. A dry cleaner on one side, a coffee shop on the other.

“Can you believe I found parking on the street?” Riley gloated as she parked the Tahoe at the curb.

“I’m pretty sure this is tow away zone, Riley…”

“It’s fine, we won’t be in there that long!”

Max heaved a long-suffering sigh, knowing from experience it was fruitless to argue with her when she was hot on the trail of a story. She became focused to the point of being obsessed, stubborn, pigheaded, and bossy.

Not that he didn’t like the bossy part.

She also became excited, exhilarated, and spontaneous. Her eyes sparkled and her enthusiasm was contagious. Despite the abuse and neglect of his precious Estelle, he enjoyed her single-minded determination very much. His adventures with her were worth the risks to his car.

A dark-haired woman looked up from her desk when the bell tinkled as they entered the tiny office. “Welcome to Walker and Son Investigations, how may I help you today?”

Max peered around Riley, “Hey, Savannah!”

“Oh, hi Max!” her face lit up in recognition, “What are you doing here today? Who’s your friend?”

“This is Riley. We’re looking for Drake. Is he in?” Max’s eyes scanned the room, taking in the other three desks in the room, all empty.  

“Yeah, he’s in the back, moving boxes of files into storage,” She lifted her head and raised her voice, “Drake!”

It took a minute but a man appeared from the hallway at the back of the office, “Do you really have to scream like that? You could have just-Oh! Shit, sorry! Didn’t realize we had company!” He wiped his hands quickly on his pants to get rid of the dust and extended one toward Riley, “Drake Walker, PI, at your service! And you are?”

Riley shook his hand as she took in his appearance. He looked to be in his late twenties to early thirties, tall, broad-shouldered, definitely worked out, with chestnut hair that hung just below his ears. His eyes were the color of gold-flecked copper as they bore into her, and his touch sent electricity jolting down her arm. She certainly wouldn’t kick him out of her bed.

“Riley Brooks, I was hoping I could ask you a few questions.”

“Sure,” he grinned at her as he motioned to his desk, “Have a seat. So, what do you need?” He asked as he settled into his chair across the desk from her and Max, “Cheating husband? Lost dog? Background check on a new boyfriend?”

“No, nothing like that,” she laughed.

He leaned forward with a smirk, “So you’re single?”

“I am. Why do you ask?”

“I find it hard to believe that a woman with your…” his eyes dipped down her body and back up, “attributes is single.”

She rewarded him with a coy smile, “I could say the same about you.”

“Maybe we could discuss it over dinner sometime?”

The grin on Riley’s face broadened but Max leaned forward, clearing his throat, “Yeah, she’s too focused on her career for serious dating. Could we get back to the subject?”

Drake barely glanced at Max before asking Riley, “What’s the subject?”

“What do you know about Katie Sloan?”

Drake turned his head to give Max a suspicious look before returning his gaze to Riley, “Who’s that?”

“The wife of Sloane Enterprises CEO, William Sloan.”

Shooting an accusing glare at Max, Drake snapped, “What makes you think I would know anything about her?”

“Because you had me follow her!” Max blurted out.

This time the look Drake gave him was murderous, “Have you ever heard of client confidentiality Beaumont? What the fuck?”

“I….” Max’s shifted nervously in his seat, “Not really…”

“Well, if I did pay you to follow someone, then you’re bound by the same standards I am with regard to client privacy!”

“No one told me that!” Max gulped.

“Savannah!” Drake bellowed at his sister.

“What? I was rushed that day; I didn’t get a chance to cover everything. I sent him home with some paperwork.”

Drake heaved a long-suffering sigh as he muttered under his breath about being surrounded by incompetence before snapping at Max, “Did you read it?”

“No…” Max admitted, “It seemed pretty boring.”

Drake shook his head as he looked up at the ceiling as if asking God himself for guidance. After several deep breaths, he returned his attention to Riley, “Why are you asking questions about Katie Sloan?”

“Because Max photographed her with Trenton Hayes.”

“So?”

“So he’s dead. Someone just shot him.”

Drake froze for a moment, his face expressionless as he gazed at her. “That’s unfortunate for him, but I don’t know anything about it. What did you say you do for a living? You’re not a cop.”

“How do you know that?”

“I know. Now who are you really and why are asking so many questions about a homicide?”

“I’m an investigative journalist.”

“You’re a reporter?”

“Investigative journalist and true crime author.” She corrected him.

“Anything I’ve read?”

“I don’t know. Do you read true crime?”

“Not really.”

“Then I’m guessing not.”

“Well, Miss Brooks, sorry I couldn’t help you, but even if I theoretically hired Beaumont here to follow this Katie Sloan, I couldn’t tell you.” Drake pushed away from the desk and stood up.

Riley stood, but made no move to leave, “If you theoretically did hire him for that, what might be a theoretical reason?”

“Yeah, I’m not doing that.”

“What’s the harm in playing a game of theoreticals?”

“Nice try but I wouldn’t stay in business very long if I went around-“

“I’ll go to dinner with you!”

Drake froze again, “What?”

Max also froze, “What?”

Ignoring Max, she took a step closer to Drake, reaching out and adjusting the collar of his shirt, “I said, if you’ll indulge me in a game of theoreticals for a moment, I’ll go to dinner with you.”

“I….” Drake stood unmoving with his arms crossed over his chest as he fought an internal battle. He already knew what his father would say. And Savannah would probably rat him out if he did it.

Still. The girl was hot.

Max shook his head, “No, Riley, you don’t have to-“

“Shut the fuck up, Beaumont!” Drake finally moved as one hand shot out to strike Max in the chest. Eyes locked on the brunette bombshell in front of him, he licked his lips and then agreed, “Okay, but everything I say is just theoretical, right?”

 “Of course!” Riley fluttered her eyelashes for added effect then asked, “If you were theoretically following Katie Sloan, what would be the theoretical reason?”

“I can’t speculate on something like that, but I can tell you that the most common reason anyone hires a private detective is to catch a cheating spouse.”

“So, William Sloan thinks his wife is cheating on him?”

Drake shrugged, “Theoretically if he hired a PI, that might be why.”

Riley’s eyes widened, her head swiveling between Drake and Max, “Was she cheating with Trent? Because that would be motive!”

Drake held his arms up in front of him, “Whoa now! Don’t be jumping to conclusions! We have no proof of any cheating! And I’ll tell you this because it’s a matter of public record, but if you say the information came from me, I’ll deny it….” He leaned forward and lowered his voice even though they were the only ones in the office, other than his sister who sat watching the whole exchange with amused disbelief, “Trent Hayes and Katie Sloan used to be engaged.”

Riley’s eyes widened, “Oohhh, an ex-fiancée! That’s interesting! Why’d they break up?”

“You’re an investigative journalist, look it up. Shouldn’t be hard to find. She was a fucking heiress before she married the rich guy.”

“Right. So, society pages. Max-“

“Already on it!” He told her as his fingers flew over the keyboard of his smartphone, “Katie Vanderhilt, college graduation…..engagement announcement….inherits grandmother’s fortune….second engagement announcement….wedding to William Sloan….ah, here we go….the gossip page! Hmmm…..just an article saying she suddenly dumped Trent and went on a cruise….no reason given….speculation was that once she inherited all that money, she knew she could catch a bigger fish. Sorry, dead end.”

Riley turned her attention back to Drake, “Is there anything else that I should theoretically know?”

“Can’t think of anything,” he gave her a scorching look, “but if I come up with anything else, we can discuss it over dinner.”

“Absolutely!”

“Tonight at seven?”

“Sorry, can’t tonight.”

“Hey, we had a deal!”

“Yes, and I fully intend to live up to it, just not tonight. Here,” she handed him her card, “call me later and we’ll get it set up! Come on, Max, let’s go!”

“But-“ by the time he glanced up from the card, Riley and Max were already out the front door.

“Dad is going to eviscerate you,” Savannah told him gleefully.

“You could just not tell him…”

“In exchange for what?”

Drake’s head fell back with a sigh, “I’m not letting you drive my car, Sav!”

“Just for one night! It’s my high school reunion! Besides, if I tell Dad what you just did-“

“Fine! One night! But I swear to God, Sav if there’s one scratch on it when I get her back-“

“Oh, cool your jets, I know how to drive,” she turned her head to the plate glass window, “Your new girlfriend just talked her way out of a parking ticket.” 

“Did she now?”

“She did. And she’s parked in a tow-away zone too! You’re going to have to be careful with that one. I’m not sure you can handle her.”

“Shut up, Sav.”

Outside on the pavement, Riley climbed back into the driver’s seat of Max’s Tahoe, “See? I told you it wouldn’t get towed!”

Max shook his head ruefully, “Yeah, well, if that had been me talking to that cop, I would have gotten a ticket and gotten towed! I got to hand it to you….you always seem to get your way.”

“It’s a gift!” She laughed as she threw the car in gear and pulled out into traffic.

“Are you really going to go to dinner with Drake?”

“What?” She glanced at him and then back at the road, “Yeah, why not?”

“I don’t know….he doesn’t seem like your type.”

“Trust me, he’s my type! Besides, a deal is a deal!”

 “I guess,” Max thunked back against the seat with a heavy sigh, “Where are we going now?”

“Seventh precinct!”

“Why?”

“Because we have to tell Liam that William Sloan has a motive for murder!”

“Is that the only reason?”

“I mean….if we happen to stumble across some more information about the case while we’re there then so be it!”

“That’s more like it!” He grinned, his good mood returning at the promise of further adventure.

Built in the early 1900s, the seventh precinct stationhouse took up most of the city block that it sat on. Three stories above ground and two below, the many renovations it had endured over the years made it a labyrinth of hallways, stairwells, and a sometimes confusing mix of old architecture and new. The homicide division was located in a warren of offices on the second floor.

“I need to speak to Detective Rys, I have some information regarding a murder,” Riley told the desk sergeant as they entered the building.

“Second floor,” The officer waved his hand in the general direction of the one lone elevator.

“Thanks!” Riley chirped as she grabbed Max’s hand and drug him away from the elevator and toward the stairwell. Lowering her voice, she told him, “I don’t trust that thing! It creaks, groans, and shakes like it’s hanging on by a thread!”

“Yeah,” Max agreed with a backward glance at it as he allowed himself to be pulled up the stairs, “It probably hasn’t been inspected or maintained in a hundred years!”

“That would be a violation of the fire code,” Riley quipped, “How ironic since the 112 is right across the street!”

“Yeah, well…”

They exited the top of the stairs, made their way down a long hallway, took a right about two-thirds of the way down, and found themselves in a large, open area filled with desks, filing cabinets, and a few scattered couches. The wall to their left was covered from left to right in giant casement windows. Directly across from them were doors to private offices and to their right a myriad of doorways and hallways lead off to places unknown. A water cooler gurgled in the corner.

“Can I help you?” A tall, pretty redhead asked them.

Riley adopted her best professional stance, radiating that she had every right to be there as she replied, “Yes, I’m looking for Detective Rys. Have you seen him?”

“He’s around here somewhere, that’s his desk,” she pointed to one close to the windows, “I’m sure he’ll be with you in a moment. I’m Lilith,” she offered her hand.

Riley took it, “Nice to meet you, Lilith! I’m Riley. Are you a homicide detective?”

“No, just a sketch artist,” she smiled.

“Oh? Are you working on the Hayes case?”

“Miss Nevrakis!” a voice called across the room.

“Oh, that’s me, gotta go!” Lilith gave her an apologetic smile as she scurried over to a desk near the water cooler to talk to the man who had called her name and a nervous-looking woman standing next to him.

“Hey! That’s Liam’s boss!” Riley squeezed Max’s arm, “Aren’t you two related? Go see if you can get any information out of him!”

“I don’t think so, Riley. He doesn’t really like me….”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know, something about our family’s money being tainted and me taking it.”

“He doesn’t take any? No trust fund? Nothing?”

“Nope. Can’t you tell?”

She cocked her head to one side taking in the off-the-rack suit and shoes that had probably come from Mervyn’s or Sears. Bertrand Beaumont looked like every other police detective in the department. Eschewing the Beaumont money, he had risen to head of homicide on his own merits. A good twenty years older than Maxwell, he viewed his young cousin as irresponsible, frivolous, and entitled.

“Okay, fine. But that’s a little judgy. Not taking the money won’t wind back time and fix what your great-grandfather did.”

“That’s what I said!” People fell into two broad categories when they found out he was a Beaumont. They either judged him on his family’s history of having built its fortune from organized crime, or they wanted to use him for his money and family connections. Riley fell into neither of those categories. It was just another reason that he liked her.

“What are you two doing here?” Liam’s voice was so close behind her that she jumped.

Whirling to face him, Riley answered, “Looking for you!”

“I already told you that I’m not giving out confidential case information, Riley.”

“Well, then it’s lucky for you that I’m here to help you!”

“You’re here to help me?” Liam scoffed, “How?”

“I know someone that might have a motive for killing Trenton Hayes.”

Liam’s mouth fell open, “How the hell did you already find out the name of the vic? We haven’t issued any-“

“Detective Rys!” Bertrand’s voice boomed out as he strode across the room, clearly seething.

Confusion spilled across Liam’s features, “Yes sir?”

Bertrand waved a page from a sketchbook in the air, “Do you want to tell me why the main suspect in your murder case looks exactly like your brother?”

[constanthawkstowingserviceltd]

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[newstfionline]

Monday, December 16, 2024

Trump Says He Supports an End to Daylight Saving Time (NYT) President-elect Donald J. Trump called daylight saving time “inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation” in a social media post on Friday and said the Republican Party would try to “eliminate” it, in the latest effort to end the twice-yearly time change. Most states change their time by one hour—in March, when clocks spring forward, and in November, when clocks fall back. Over the years, many elected officials, including Mr. Trump, have expressed support for ending the changes. Ending the clock change would require the approval of Congress. There have been many bipartisan efforts to pass such a bill, but all have failed. In 2022, the Senate unanimously passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent, but it died in the House. An effort to pass a similar bill in 2023 also failed.

Americans are furious over health care (NPR) The fury over the state of U.S. health care isn’t going away. It’s been a week since UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in Manhattan. That shocking, targeted killing has also sparked a reckoning over the business he ran, in a country that has the most expensive health care in the world. Thompson led the largest U.S. health insurer, part of a massive, for-profit conglomerate that touches almost every part of how Americans access health care. His company has been widely criticized for making health care more expensive and more difficult to access. And those frustrations have boiled over in the response to his death, ranging from widespread jokes to outright celebrations. After police arrested Luigi Mangione for the fatal shooting, some even rushed to support him. An online fundraiser for Mangione’s legal defense had raised more than $65,000 by Thursday evening. Meanwhile, social-media videos showed “wanted” posters for other CEOs posted in downtown Manhattan.

Storms across US bring heavy snow, dangerous ice and a tornado in California (AP) A tornado near a mall in central California swept up cars, uprooted trees and sent several people to the hospital. In San Francisco, authorities issued the first-ever tornado warning. Elsewhere, inclement weather plagued areas of the U.S., with dangerous conditions including heavy snow in upstate New York, a major ice storm in Midwest states and severe weather warnings around Lake Tahoe. The ice storm beginning Friday evening created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska Friday and into Saturday and prompted temporary closures of Interstate 80 after numerous cars and trucks slid off the road. In upstate New York, more than 33 inches (84 centimeters) was reported near Orchard Park, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow. On Saturday, a tornado touched down near a shopping mall in Scotts Valley, California, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) south of San Francisco, around 1:40 p.m. The tornado overturned cars and toppled trees and utility poles, the National Weather Service said.

Ukrainian drones strike Russia as Kyiv reels from consecutive massive air attacks (AP) Ukrainian drone strikes on southern Russia killed a 9-year-old boy and set fire to a major oil terminal, officials said Saturday, the day after Moscow launched a massive aerial attack on its neighbor that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said was one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector in the nearly three-year war. The Ukrainian strikes came a day after Russia fired 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones at its neighbor, further battering Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, around half of which has been destroyed during the war. Rolling electricity blackouts are common and widespread. According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia kept up its drone attacks on Saturday, launching 132 across Ukrainian territory. Fifty-eight drones were shot down and a further 72 veered off course, likely due to electronic jamming, it said.

Cajole, Plead and Flatter: Ukraine Makes Its Case to Trump (NYT) From desperate stabs at diplomacy to fanciful expressions of flattery, Ukrainian officials are doing everything they can to bring President-elect Donald J. Trump into their corner as they try to strengthen their position in the war against Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine traveled almost 1,500 miles last weekend on the off chance he could meet with Mr. Trump in Paris. (He did.) Ukrainian leaders have delayed signing a critical minerals cooperation agreement with the United States, with an eye toward letting Mr. Trump claim credit after taking office. (Rather than President Biden.) One Ukrainian lawmaker even nominated Mr. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. “The fate of Ukraine depends on Trump,” said the lawmaker, Oleksandr Merezhko. He said he spontaneously nominated Mr. Trump for the prize last month because of his promise to bring peace to Ukraine and his decision to sell the country anti-tank Javelin missiles during his first term. Since the election in November, Ukrainians have repeatedly tried to press their case with the president-elect, known for his skepticism about American support for Ukraine’s war effort and even about Mr. Zelensky himself.

US Marines start partial transfer from Okinawa in Japan to Guam under plan agreed 12 years ago (AP) The partial transfer of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam began on Saturday, 12 years after Japan and the United States agreed on their realignment to reduce the heavy burden of American troop presence on the southern Japanese island, officials said. The relocation started with 100 members of III Marine Expeditionary Force stationed on Okinawa moving to the Pacific island for the initial logistical work, the U.S. Marine Corps and Japan’s Defense Ministry said in a joint statement. Under the plan agreed between Tokyo and Washington in April 2012, about 9,000 of the 19,000 Marines currently stationed on Okinawa are to be moved out of Okinawa, including about 4,000 of them to be moved to Guam in phases. Details, including the size and timing of the next transfer, were not immediately released.

Iran’s Dangerous Calculus (Bloomberg) In his first statement since the ouster of Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad, a key partner for Iran’s regional strategy, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said his country is “powerful and strong” and vowed to expand its network of allies. In reality, Iran’s room to maneuver is narrowing. Its regional proxies are decimated, a decidedly unfriendly US administration is heading toward the White House, and its population is seething under a struggling economy. Assad’s removal comes after a year of political and military reshuffling in the Middle East set in motion by the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. As Iran seeks to simultaneously rebuild its regional influence and create an opening with the US, the risk of miscalculation is rising. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency said last week that Iran abandoned its short-lived pledge to stop enriching uranium to near levels that can be used for a weapon. Tehran is signaling it can ramp up or down its race for a weapon, depending on how Washington behaves. Trump has vowed he won’t let Iran get nuclear weapons and his foreign policy appointments are generally hawkish. Where either side draws the line in its posture toward the other remains dangerously unclear.

One week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again (AP) At Damascus’ international airport, the new head of security—one of the rebels who marched across Syria to the capital—arrived with his team. The few maintenance workers who showed up for work huddled around Maj Hamza al-Ahmed, eager to learn what will happen next. They quickly unloaded all the complaints they had been too afraid to express during the rule of President Bashar Assad, which now, inconceivably, is over. This was the first week of Syria’s transformation after Assad’s unexpected fall. Rebels, suddenly in charge, met a population bursting with emotions: excitement at new freedoms; grief over years of repression; and hopes, expectations and worries about the future. Some were overwhelmed to the point of tears. The transition has been surprisingly smooth. Reports of reprisals, revenge killings and sectarian violence have been minimal. Looting and destruction have been quickly contained, insurgent fighters disciplined. On Saturday, people went about their lives as usual in the capital, Damascus. Only a single van of fighters was seen. There are a million ways it could go wrong. But in this moment of flux, many are ready to feel out the way ahead.

Defence minister orders Israeli troops to prepare to spend winter on Mount Hermon (Reuters) Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered Israeli troops to prepare to stay over the winter on Mount Hermon, a strategic location overlooking Damascus, adding to signs that Israel’s presence in Syria is set to continue for a prolonged period. The order suggests that Israeli troops who moved into a buffer zone inside Syrian territory as well as a “few additional points” following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s government are likely to remain. Israel has called the move a limited and temporary measure to ensure the security of its borders but it is unclear when it will judge the situation in Syria stable enough to pull its forces back. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the severe winter weather on Mount Hermon, a peak of 2,800 metres (9,186 feet) that straddles the border between Syria and Lebanon, made special preparations for a prolonged stay by Israeli troops a necessity.

Fighting in eastern Congo between army and rebels (AP) Fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group intensified in eastern Congo in recent days ahead of much anticipated peace talks on Sunday, the army said. Congo’s army accused the M23 of killing 12 civilians earlier this week in villages of the Lubero territory in the eastern province of North-Kivu in a statement on Friday. An M23 spokesperson told The Associated Press it denied the accusation, discrediting it as “propaganda” from Congo’s government. M23 is one of about 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo near the border with Rwanda, in a conflict that has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. More than 7 million people have been displaced. Congo and the United Nations accuse Rwanda of backing M23. Rwanda denies the claim, but in February admitted that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security.

Official in French territory of Mayotte says death toll from Cyclone Chido is ‘several hundred’ (AP) The death toll in the French territory of Mayotte from Cyclone Chido is “several hundred” and may be close to 1,000, the island’s top government official told the local broadcaster Sunday. Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville said it was extremely difficult to get an exact number after the Indian Ocean island was pummeled by the intense tropical cyclone on Saturday, causing widespread destruction. Mayotte in the southeastern Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa is France’s poorest island and the poorest territory in the European Union. Bieuville said the worst devastation had been seen in the slums of metal shacks and informal structures that mark much of Mayotte. Chido blew through the southeastern Indian Ocean on Friday and Saturday, also battering the nearby islands of Comoros and Madagascar. It has now made landfall in Mozambique on the African mainland.

[modestowithjake]

What Every Newcomer Should Know About Modesto’s Roads and Traffic

If you’re new to Modesto, navigating the city’s roads and traffic can take some getting used to. With its unique blend of small-town charm and big-city traffic at peak times, Modesto’s roads have their own character. Here’s a guide to help newcomers understand Modesto’s roads, common traffic patterns, and tips to make driving in the area as smooth as possible.

1. Understanding Modesto’s Main Roads

Key Highways: Modesto’s road network is anchored by several main highways, including Highway 99, which runs north-south through the city, and Highway 132, connecting drivers to the west toward Tracy and the east toward the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Major Roads: Important roads like McHenry Avenue and Pelandale Avenue are hubs for shopping, dining, and services, while Briggsmore Avenue connects the east and west sides of the city.

Local Tip: McHenry Avenue can get busy, especially during weekends and evening hours. To avoid congestion, plan around peak times if you’re heading to popular destinations.

2. Peak Traffic Hours

Rush Hour Times: Modesto’s rush hours are typically from 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. Traffic can build up on Highway 99, especially at the Briggsmore exit, and on major roads like McHenry and Standiford.

Friday Evening Traffic: Fridays see an extra uptick in traffic as people head out for weekend activities or commute from nearby areas.

Local Tip: If you’re commuting, try to leave a little earlier or later to avoid the peak times and keep updated with real-time traffic apps like Waze or Google Maps.

3. Navigating Downtown Modesto

One-Way Streets: Downtown Modesto has several one-way streets, which can be tricky for newcomers to navigate. J Street and I Street run in opposite directions and are among the busiest downtown.

Parking: Street parking downtown is metered, and there are also city parking garages that offer both hourly and daily rates. Meters are free on weekends, making downtown trips more convenient.

Local Tip: Use the free Modesto Area Express (MAX) shuttle that circulates through downtown to avoid parking hassles and explore the area more easily.

4. Seasonal Traffic Patterns and Road Conditions

Summer Traffic: Summer weekends see increased traffic, especially on routes heading out of town toward Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, or coastal areas. If you’re planning weekend getaways, expect heavier traffic on Highway 132 and other outbound routes.

Fog in Winter: Modesto experiences dense fog in the winter months, especially in the early mornings. Fog can significantly reduce visibility, so be prepared to drive with caution and use low beams.

Local Tip: Keep an emergency kit in your car year-round. Summer temperatures can be high, and winter conditions can change rapidly, so having essentials like water, snacks, and a flashlight is helpful.

5. Common Traffic Laws and Driving Tips for Modesto

Right Turn on Red: In Modesto, it’s legal to turn right on red lights after a full stop unless posted otherwise. Just be cautious and check for pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

School Zones and Speed Limits: School zones have strict speed limits, typically 25 mph when children are present. Modesto’s residential areas also maintain lower speed limits to ensure safety.

Roundabouts: Modesto has introduced more roundabouts in recent years, which can be unfamiliar to some drivers. Remember to yield to traffic already in the roundabout and avoid stopping unless necessary.

Local Tip: Watch for pedestrian crossings, especially downtown, as Modesto is a pedestrian-friendly area and crosswalks are frequent near shops and cafes.

6. Construction Zones and Road Work Awareness

Highway 99 Projects: Highway 99 frequently undergoes maintenance and improvement projects, which can lead to lane closures or detours. Construction is often scheduled overnight, but it’s a good idea to stay updated on road work.

Local Road Repairs: Modesto’s streets, especially busy ones like McHenry Avenue, often undergo road work to keep up with city growth. Plan for potential delays on these routes and consider alternative streets when possible.

Local Tip: Follow the City of Modesto’s website or social media for updates on local road work and closures to avoid unexpected detours.

7. Alternative Transportation Options

Modesto Area Express (MAX): MAX is Modesto’s public bus service, offering convenient routes around the city and to nearby areas. MAX also connects with BART for commuters heading toward the Bay Area.

Bike-Friendly Roads: Modesto has several bike lanes and trails, making biking a good alternative for short trips, especially around downtown and Graceada Park.

Local Tip: For those commuting to nearby cities, Modesto offers Amtrak service with routes to the Bay Area and Sacramento, helping avoid road traffic altogether.

Final Thoughts

Navigating Modesto’s roads and traffic can be manageable with a little local knowledge and preparation. From understanding peak hours to keeping an eye on road work, these tips help make your driving experience in Modesto easier and more enjoyable. And to ensure your vehicle is always road-ready, count on Mobile Mechanic Modesto for convenient maintenance and repairs, so you’re prepared for any road condition or traffic pattern Modesto may bring your way.

[southgatetravels]

Wedding Car Rental in Trivandrum: Elevate Your Big Day

Planning a wedding is an exciting yet challenging task, filled with numerous decisions to make. One of the essential aspects that often gets overlooked is the transportation for the bride, groom, and wedding party. Choosing the right wedding car rental Trivandrum can not only enhance your special day but also provide a comfortable and stylish experience. Let’s explore everything you need to know about wedding car rentals in Trivandrum.

Why Rent a Wedding Car?

1. Make a Grand Entrance

Arriving at your wedding venue in a luxurious vehicle can make a striking impression. A well-chosen car reflects your personality and adds a touch of elegance to your overall wedding theme.

2. Convenience and Comfort

Weddings can be hectic, and having a designated car ensures you and your guests travel comfortably. Rental services provide professional drivers who know the best routes, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ride.

3. Photo Opportunities

The wedding car can serve as a beautiful backdrop for photos. Whether you prefer a classic vintage car or a modern luxury sedan, the right vehicle can add a stunning visual element to your wedding album.

Popular Wedding Car Options in Trivandrum

When it comes to wedding car rentals in Trivandrum, you have a variety of options to choose from:

1. Luxury Sedans

Luxury sedans such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi are among the most popular choices for weddings. These cars combine style with comfort, making them ideal for couples looking for an upscale experience.

2. Classic Cars

For those who appreciate nostalgia, classic cars can add a unique touch to your wedding. Vintage models like Rolls Royce or Jaguar can enhance the romantic atmosphere and create timeless memories.

3. SUVs

If you have a larger wedding party, consider renting an SUV. These spacious vehicles can accommodate more guests while still providing a luxurious experience. Brands like Toyota Fortuner or Chevrolet Tahoe offer comfort and style.

4. Limousines

For the ultimate luxury experience, nothing beats a limousine. Limousines provide ample space, plush interiors, and can make any couple feel like royalty on their special day.

5. Vintage Buses

For a unique twist, consider renting a vintage bus for your guests. This option not only provides ample seating but also creates a fun atmosphere for transporting your wedding party.

Tips for Choosing the Right Wedding Car Rental

1. Set a Budget

Determine how much you’re willing to spend on transportation. This will help narrow down your options and prevent overspending.

2. Book Early

Wedding season can be busy, and popular car rental services may get booked quickly. Reserve your vehicle well in advance to ensure availability.

3. Check Reviews and References

Look for reputable rental companies with positive customer reviews. Consider asking friends or family for recommendations to find a reliable service.

4. Visit the Rental Service

If possible, visit the rental company to see the vehicles in person. This allows you to inspect the condition of the cars and ensure they meet your expectations.

5. Discuss Packages and Services

Many rental companies offer packages that include decorations, refreshments, and more. Discuss your needs and preferences to find a package that suits your vision.

Conclusion

Renting a wedding car in Trivandrum is an important decision that can significantly enhance your special day. With various options available, from luxurious sedans to vintage buses, you can find the perfect vehicle to match your style and budget. By planning ahead and choosing a reliable rental service, you can ensure a smooth and stylish transportation experience on your wedding day.

As you embark on this beautiful journey of love, let the right wedding car be a part of your story—elegant, memorable, and uniquely yours. Happy planning!

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[xyvs14]

BLOG Day 3

Title: A Blessed Sunday: Church, Family, and Celebrations

Date: April 28,2024

Location: Loakan Apugan, Baguio City, ( Home )

Weather: Mostly Clear, not that hot nor that cold either

Mood: Grateful and Content

Today was a fulfilling and spiritually uplifting Sunday, filled with moments of worship, fellowship, and family celebrations.

My day started with a peaceful awakening, followed by my usual morning routine of taking a refreshing bath and indulging in my skincare ritual to prepare for the day ahead. After a hearty breakfast, I dressed in my Sunday best and made my way to church.

In church, I immersed myself in the pastor's preachings, finding solace and inspiration in his words. As I listened intently, I also took on the role of babysitter for some of the adorable babies in our congregation, cherishing the opportunity to care for these little blessings.

After the service, I fetched my niece from children's Sunday school and treated her to some delicious Taho, a sweet indulgence available outside the church. Mingling with my fellow churchmates, I felt a sense of belonging and community as we shared stories and laughter.

Back home, I took on the task of cooking lunch, relishing the simple joys of preparing a meal for my family. Afterward, I retreated to a quiet corner with a book, losing myself in its pages and escaping into another world for a while.

A rejuvenating nap later, I returned to church for the afternoon service, where I joined in worship and fellowship once again. Following the service, I participated in choir practice, raising my voice in praise and harmony with my fellow choir members.

As the day drew to a close, my family and I gathered in Pinsao for a special dinner celebration in honor of my uncle and his wife's 23rd wedding anniversary. Surrounded by loved ones, we shared laughter, stories, and delicious food, cherishing the bonds that unite us as a family.

We decided to go home around 11:30 pm, we stood up, thanked our relatives for the delicious dinner, bid our goodbyes and went to the car. We drove through the majestic city lights around the city until we reached home. We arrived past midnight that’s why I only got the chance to write my daily blog.

Now, as I sit down to write this blog post, I feel a sense of peace and contentment wash over me. Despite the busyness of the day, I am grateful for the moments of love, laughter, and connection that filled my Sunday. With a heart full of gratitude, I bid farewell to the day and look forward to the blessings that tomorrow will bring. Goodnight, miloves 🫶.

[aestheticvoyage2024]

Day 98: Sunday April 7, 2024 - "Silver Appreciation Post"

It was a romantic end of trail for Silver and I's run through the universe these past few days. I wasn't feeling the love and loyalty trying to buy a new Toyota hybrid, and one final interaction out on the back lot, provided the omen I needed to pick up and move on from it. As if Silver was saying to get on up outta here. I tipped my hat to Silver on the way out the door, and handed over its title to the foreman in the service shop there. He said he planned to fix it up and keep it for himself and get it back on the road where it belongs. I was so grateful for that. After such a wonderful story together where I got more out of it than I could have ever dreamed, now it winds up in a place to get a new life. Its a bell cow now - with every opportunity to get at least to 300,000 miles. I proudly shared with Toyota, how my Prius has been a legend. From every corner of the country, and every new road we could find.

Its easy to be nostalgic about it - it gave me far more than I could have ever dreamed when my Dad found back in the fall of 2013. After an overnight test drive, and some arm twisting from my Dad, I was indeed getting my wide frame behind the wheel of a Prius. It was - slowly - life changing. Delayed by a deer strike, but on course for fate, I tied a seakayak to the rack in a snow storm and set out on my Grand walkabout. We went west. Me and my Silver steed. And indeed the sun did shine soft on another face - we found our home. We crossed this country in search of bread and love. And found all of it. It was the car that will always be most tied to my identity than any other vehicle. We did big things together - I saw the universe through its mirrors and filters. It took good care of me - always reliable. The car I brought William home from the hospital in is the same special car I rolled out on my walk about in. I'll never forget that. Daddy's car will always first and foremost have been Silver. My special car. I drove it for as long as I could, and when it gave up its ghost in February it didn't owe us a thing. Paid off since 2018 we got 6 more years of good go out of our main car for almost no cost. My Dad agrees, its definitely one of the best used car picks he's ever hit on. Yea, couldnt hardly have been any better. We bought it at 40k miles from a dealer in Lansing, MI. I sold it for cash to a service foreperson in Tucson. And in between we saw some the neatest and very best roads. From Yosemite to the Everglades. From Big Bend of Texas, to Big Sur in California. Places it shouldn't have gone, admitted issues with its headlights, and horn, and yes that might be some white gorilla tape holding that panel together - got that in Tahoe on Labor Day one year. All scars are memorable on this car. This scratch here is from my kayak in the everglades when I still very new in learning how to strap it down, in the first leg of the ramble. And these big scratches here on the front bumper are from the time the car completely shutdown and we couldn't get it up out of the alley and into our backyard, no matter. how. hard. we. tried. It just wouldnt fit - those scars, remind me of that - when the engine and everything was all rebuilt as part of a recall to save the day for us. It always felt like I was spoiled with this car. It was a legend in the way it was steady for me. I had to be convinced by my Dad at first, but I'll always give him all the credit - and especially after we added that sport rack, it was ready to be my adventure-mate. I sang its praises. It had so much room I could live out of it, as I went state to state, literally carrying a dinner table to serve as my mobile remote office. I'd pull it out and setup shop in each new place I'd land in. That Prius, thought of as a little car, had more room than most little SUVs. I was proud of it - and the story we were telling together, seeing the country, giving others the permission to do it, in a way that I never had. I'd like to think that somehow I made a difference, out there in my white Prius.

Some of the stickers, still on it today, were there from the beginning in October 2013. The 142 Into the Wild tag, the old english D. The Michigan Love. Later we'd pick up a Bernie Sticker in Vermont, and of course a Biden sticker - which shouldnt surprise people to see on a Prius in Tucson, though it always seemed to surprise them when they saw me behind the wheel - not what they expected! And I love that. -that maybe we reshaped some ideas around going smaller and more sustainably in the effort to simplify and enjoy the expeirence. It was the perfect car. For all of that. And for me and for that time. It helped light the spark. It was part of the manifestation, that led me here. To my fate, and my family. It has a spark of that. Its easy to be romantic about the connection to such an inanimate thing - a machine - a computer. I gave it a loving goodbye and loving place to land. I'd done my part, and ended that story.

Id spend the day writing reviews in its honor, and researching Subarus before working to settle on a new family car, the Ascent. By week's end we'd have our names on one in transit and figuring out financing. A new story starting in a more exciting and energized way that feels very right. Just had to close that last circle first. I'll be a very lucky man, if I ever have a better car than Silver - I just can't imagine it will ever be possible to catch that magic twice. The car I left in, found love in, brought my son home in. It gave me everything.

Song: Josh Ritter - Roll On

Quote: “I much prefer the sharpest criticism of a single intelligent man to the thoughtless approval of the masses.” ― Johannes Kepler

Not ALL of these miles were in Silver, of course - some pre-dated the Prius, and some tracks were in rentals. BUT Oh, So, many of these tracks were in the Prius at some point.

[jkdanu]

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[xtruss]

Second Atmospheric River in Days Blows Into California, Knocking Out Power and Flooding Roads

— By Christopher Weber | Associated Press | Sunday February 04, 2024

Los Angeles (AP) — The second of back-to-back atmospheric rivers battered California on Sunday, flooding roadways and knocking out power to nearly 850,000 people and prompting a rare warning for hurricane-force winds as the state braced for what could be days of heavy rains.

The storm inundated streets and brought down trees and electrical lines across the San Francisco Bay Area, where winds topped 60 mph (96 kph) in some areas. Gusts exceeding 80 mph (128 kph) were recorded in the mountains.

Just to the south in San Jose, emergency crews pulled occupants out of the windows of a car stranded by floodwaters and rescued people from a homeless encampment alongside a rising river.

In Southern California, officials warned of potentially devastating flooding and ordered evacuations for canyons that burned in recent wildfires that are at high risk for mud and debris flows. The National Weather Service office for Los Angeles warned that “all systems are go for one of the most dramatic weather days in recent memory.”

On Sunday, customers called the Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center inquiring about sandbags, flashlights and generators, said assistant manager Lupita Vital. Sandbags sold out on Saturday, so people were buying bags of potting soil and fertilizer instead, she said.

“People are trying to get anything they can get that’s heavy to use it as, you know, protection for their doors and everything,” Vital said Sunday.

“This storm is predicted to be one of the largest and most significant in our county’s history, and our goal is to get through it without any fatalities or any serious injuries,” Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown told reporters Saturday. Classes were canceled Monday for schools across the county, which was devastated by mudslides caused by powerful storms in 2018.

Strong winds and heavy rain brought treacherous conditions to the coastal city of Ventura, west of Los Angeles, said Alexis Herrera, who was trying to bail out his sedan which was filled with floodwater. “All the freeways are flooded around here,” Herrera said in Spanish. “I don’t know how I’m going to move my car.”

More than 847,000 Customers were without electricity statewide by Sunday evening, with most of the outages concentrated in coastal regions, according to poweroutage.us.

Six San Francisco Bay Area counties were at low risk of waterspouts coming ashore and becoming tornadoes, said the Storm Prediction Center. The last time the center forecasted a tornado risk in the region was in February 2015, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Winds caused hours-long delays at San Francisco International Airport. By 2:30 p.m. Sunday, 155 departing flights were delayed and 69 had been canceled, according to the tracking website FlightAware.

Palisades Tahoe, a ski resort about 200 miles (320 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco, said it was anticipating the heaviest snowfall yet this season, with accumulations of 6 inches (15 centimeters) per hour for a total of up to two feet (60 centimeters). Heavy snow was expected into Monday throughout the Sierra Nevada and motorists were urged to avoid mountain roads.

Much of the state had been drying out from the system that blew in last week, causing flooding and dumping welcome snow in mountains. The latest storm, also called a “Pineapple Express” because its plume of moisture stretches back across the Pacific to near Hawaii, arrived offshore in Northern California on Saturday, when most of the state was under some sort of wind, surf or flood watch.

The weather service on Sunday issued a rare “hurricane force wind warning” for the Central Coast, with wind gusts of up to 92 mph (148 kph) possible from the Monterey Peninsula to the northern section of San Luis Obispo County.

Meanwhile, Southern California was at risk of substantial flooding beginning late Sunday because of how slow the system was moving, said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist at the weather service’s Los Angeles-area office.

“The core of the low pressure system is very deep, and it’s moving very slowly and it’s very close to us. And that’s why we have those very strong winds. And the slow nature of it is really giving us the highest rainfall totals and the flooding risk,” he said at a Sunday briefing.

Evacuation orders and warnings were in effect for mountain and canyon areas of Monterey, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. LA County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath urged residents near wildfire burn areas of Topanga and Soledad canyons to heed orders to get out ahead of possible mudslides.

“If you have not already left, please gather your family, your pets, your medications and leave immediately,” Horvath said at a Sunday briefing. The county set up shelters where evacuees could spend the night.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services activated its operations center and positioned personnel and equipment in areas most at risk.

The storm was expected to move down the coast and bring heavy rain, possible flash-flooding and mountain snow to the Los Angeles area late Sunday, before moving on to hammer Orange and San Diego counties on Monday.

“This is a dangerous system with major risks to life and property,” the weather service’s LA-area office said. “Residents should heed any evacuation orders. Stay off the roads, especially the freeways, this afternoon through at least Monday morning.”

Organizers of the Grammy Awards in downtown Los Angeles were hoping the Sunday evening show would end before the fiercest rain moved in.

As of Sunday afternoon, the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation’s second largest, said it was planning to open schools as usual Monday. The decision would be reevaluated at 6 a.m. Monday, said Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

The weather service forecast up to 8 inches (20 cm) of rainfall across Southern California’s coastal and valley areas, with 14 inches (35 cm) possible in the foothills and mountains. Heavy to moderate rain is expected in Southern California until Tuesday.

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Events 1.21 (after 1950)

1950 – American lawyer and government official Alger Hiss is convicted of perjury. 1951 – The catastrophic eruption of Mount Lamington in Papua New Guinea claims 2,942 lives. 1954 – The first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, is launched in Groton, Connecticut by Mamie Eisenhower, the First Lady of the United States. 1960 – Little Joe 1B, a Mercury spacecraft, lifts off from Wallops Island, Virginia with Miss Sam, a female rhesus monkey on board. 1960 – Avianca Flight 671 crashes at Montego Bay, Jamaica airport, killing 37 people. 1960 – A coal mine collapses at Holly Country, South Africa, killing 435 miners. 1963 – The Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad ends operation. 1968 – Vietnam War, Battle of Khe Sanh: One of the most publicized and controversial battles of the war begins. 1968 – A B-52 bomber crashes near Thule Air Base, contaminating the area after its nuclear payload ruptures. One of the four bombs remains unaccounted for after the cleanup operation is complete. 1971 – The current Emley Moor transmitting station, the tallest free-standing structure in the United Kingdom, begins transmitting UHF broadcasts. 1976 – Commercial service of Concorde begins with the London-Bahrain and Paris-Rio routes. 1980 – Iran Air Flight 291 crashes in the Alborz Mountains while on approach to Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, Iran, killing 128 people. 1981 – Production of the DeLorean sports car begins in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. 1985 – Galaxy Airlines Flight 203 crashes near Reno–Tahoe International Airport in Reno, Nevada, killing 70 people. 1997 – The U.S. House of Representatives votes 395–28 to reprimand Newt Gingrich for ethics violations, making him the first Speaker of the House to be so disciplined. 1999 – War on Drugs: In one of the largest drug busts in American history, the United States Coast Guard intercepts a ship with over 4,300 kilograms (9,500 lb) of cocaine on board. 2000 – Ecuador: After the Ecuadorian Congress is seized by indigenous organizations, Col. Lucio Gutiérrez, Carlos Solorzano and Antonio Vargas depose President Jamil Mahuad. Gutierrez is later replaced by Gen. Carlos Mendoza, who resigns and allows Vice-President Gustavo Noboa to succeed Mahuad. 2003 – A 7.6 magnitude earthquake strikes the Mexican state of Colima, killing 29 and leaving approximately 10,000 people homeless. 2004 – NASA's MER-A (the Mars Rover Spirit) ceases communication with mission control. The problem lies in the management of its flash memory and is fixed remotely from Earth on February 6. 2005 – In Belmopan, Belize, the unrest over the government's new taxes erupts into riots. 2009 – Israel withdraws from the Gaza Strip, officially ending a three-week war it had with Hamas. However, intermittent fire by both sides continues in the weeks to follow. 2011 – Anti-government demonstrations take place in Tirana, Albania. Four people died from gunshots, allegedly fired from armed police protecting the Prime Minister's office. 2014 – Rojava conflict: The Jazira Canton declares its autonomy from the Syrian Arab Republic. 2017 – Over 400 cities across America and 160+ countries worldwide participate in a large-scale women's march, on Donald Trump's first full day as President of the United States. 2023 – Huu Can Tran, 72, opens fire in a dance studio in Monterey Park, California, killing eleven people and injuring nine others before later committing suicide. It is the worst mass shooting in Los Angeles County since the 2008 Covina massacre.