Former Texas Governor John B. Connally with a shotgun and President Richard Nixon in the Oval Office in 1971.
The photo's caption by Michael Beschloss reads:
President Nixon and his Treasury Secretary, John Connally, survivor of JFK assassination in Dallas 1963, with shotgun in Oval Office, 1971. Astonishing.
Apparently, the Parkland Hospital's doctors did a great job on Connally's right wrist in 1963. I shook hands with him in San Diego at a California Republican Party Convention in 1973 and he had a good strong grip.
7 Lever Action Rifles Built For When Nothing Else Works video by GunForge.
Summary:
Looking for the best lever action rifles for survival when reliability matters more than modern complexity?
In this video, we break down 7 lever-action rifles that continue to stand out for their simplicity, durability, and real-world practicality—especially when maintenance, parts, and conditions are less than ideal.
This guide is for anyone researching the best lever action rifles for survival, whether you're comparing proven designs, versatile calibers, or rifles that are easier to maintain over time.
In this countdown, you’ll discover:
A lightweight .22 option ideal for training, small game, and carrying large amounts of ammo
Pistol-caliber lever guns that offer flexibility with commonly available ammunition
Classic .30-30 rifles known for balance, availability, and long-term reliability
Modern lever actions with improved ergonomics and optics-ready features
A powerful big-bore platform often discussed for demanding outdoor conditions
If you're comparing the best lever action rifles for survival, this list focuses on practical considerations—mechanical simplicity, field reliability, and realistic pros and cons—rather than trends or hype.
Featuring: Henry Classic, Rossi R92, Smith & Wesson Model 1854, Winchester Model 94, Marlin 336, Henry Big Boy X, and Marlin 1895 SBL.
The senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer are hell-bent on committing political suicide with their refusal to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which left TSA workers without pay for over a month and snarling the nation's airports.
A friend and I are planning to go to Houston for the annual NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits next month. Hopefully, the shutdown will be over by then.
It is stupid for the Democrats to pull this stunt, especially during an election year. Voters will remember this when they cast their ballots in November.
The NRA-ILA posted:
Time is running out, but you can still make plans and join us for an unforgettable celebration of freedom, at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, coming to the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, April 16–19, 2026!
Join tens of thousands of proud NRA Members and Second Amendment supporters for this one-of-a-kind weekend featuring inspiring speakers, exciting events, and a massive showcase of the latest firearms and gear.
President Donald Trump was in Memphis, Tennessee yesterday to attend a forum on the crime safe task force accomplishments. Following this, he made a surprise visit to Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion.
He signed a guitar in the Jungle Room (known during Presley's time as the den).
He is the second sitting U.S. President to visit Graceland.
According to Google:
As of March 2026, only two sitting U.S. presidents have toured Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion: George W. Bush (in 2006 with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi) and Donald Trump (on March 23, 2026). Other presidents, such as Jimmy Carter, have visited the estate after leaving office.
Clamp-out season is almost upon the chapters and members of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus.
This means The Bretheren will be out dry camping. An important ingredient for camping, is having coffee. Some of us have RVs with stoves and percolators. But there are others who will be "roughing it" while camping in tents and cooking over campfires or Coleman stoves.
The video below tells how to make Cowboy/Campfire coffee by Horse Pen Ranch.
Summary:
We will show you how to make cowboy or campfire coffee from start to finish. We will even share some helpful tips along the way!
1. Fill coffee pot with water to just below the spout
2. Heat water, add coffee (about a 1/4 cup of coffee to every quart of water)
3. Once it boils let it boil for about 4 min
4. Remove from heat and add about a cup of cold water to the pot and enjoy!
20 Guns That Will Last 150+ Years (Even After SHTF)! video by The Gun Warehouse.
Summary:
Some firearms weren’t just built to last they were built to outlive generations. From the legendary Mannlicher-Carcano to precision-engineered classics like the Luger P08, these guns have survived wars, collapsing empires, and over a century of use yet they still fire like they were made yesterday.
In this video, we break down the firearms that refuse to die from Swedish masterpieces like the Husqvarna M98 to historic designs from Fabrique Nationale. These guns aren’t just collectibles they’re proof that the right design can last 150+ years, even in the harshest conditions.
The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.
This week's spotlight is on a song that I haven't heard in ages, probably not since the early 1970s when it came out: "Softly Whispering I Love You" by The Congregation (known here as The English Congregation). I happened to stumble on it on YouTube.
Interestingly, although I hadn't heard it in ages, the familiarity hadn't diminished. I was in my senior year in high school when this song came out in December 1971.
The Congregation was a British pop ensemble, formed by Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway in England. In the United States it was credited as The English Congregation.
The band's biggest hit was a cover version of "Softly Whispering I Love You" (originally recorded by Cook and Greenaway's previous group, David and Jonathan), which peaked at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart in 1971, No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, No. 1 in South Africa, No. 12 in Australia and New Zealand and No. 10 in Germany. The group's lead singer was the former Plastic Penny vocalist, Brian Keith, who later became a session musician. With no further top 40 hits, The Congregation was a transatlantic one-hit wonder.
The band changed its name on releases in the United States to avoid confusion with the Mike Curb Congregation, which also recorded "Softly Whispering I Love You".
The following three videos are of The Congregation's version. The first is with lyrics. The second is their appearance on Top of The Pops with the song dubbed in. The third is the same as the second, only with the original sound.
Actor Nicholas Brendon at the Big Apple Convention in Manhattan, October 2, 2010. Photo by Luigi Novi.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer was my favorite television show in the late 1990s. It has been reported by a third actor from the show has passed away. The first was Michelle Trachtenberg and the second was Andy Hallett from the Angel spin-off. Now it has been reported that actor Nicholas Brendon has died.
He reportedly died in his sleep at age 54. He played Xander Harris on the show.
According to Canyon News:
HOLLYWOOD—It was announced on Friday, March 21, that Nicholas Brendon, the star of the hit Warner Bros. series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” died at the age of 54. It was reported that Brendon died of natural causes in his sleep.
The actor appeared on all 7 seasons of the series that ran from 1997 to 2003 alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar, Allyson Hanigan, Charisma Carpenter and Anthony Stewart Head.
Brendon had experienced a series of legal trouble in recent years. In 2017, he was arrested for domestic violence against his girlfriend. In August 2021, he was arrested for allegedly obtaining prescription drugs by fraud in Indiana after he was driving erratically. He provided authorities with California ID that had the name Kelton Schultz, TMZ reported.
Above, twice daily, visitors can see the Fort Work Stockyards cattle drives for free. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
During my lifetime, I have been to Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas twice.
The first was in 1984 when I attended the Republican National Convention in Dallas as an Alternate Delegate with the California Delegation.
The second was in 2021 when a friend and I went there to see the newly-opened John Wayne: An American Experience museum in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
RV Travel posted a list of seven "swell (and free)" things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth.
They begin it with:
Calling all cowpokes! Hitch up yer britches, saddle yer RV, and git yerself to Texas. I don’t wanna hear no bellyachin’ cause I’m fixin’ to tell y’all about eight things you ken do for free while yer there.
Even if you’re not a cowpoke, you will appreciate this mix of Dallas-Fort Worth downtown green spaces, public art, free museums, and classic Texas sights. All for free!
7 Lever Action Rifles You Can Actually Bet Your Life On video by Gun Sage.
Summary:
When the stakes are absolute, complex gas systems and delicate buffer springs are a liability. Today, we are analyzing the top 7 Lever Action Rifles that have earned a heritage of relentless reliability. These aren't safe queens; these are mechanical masterpieces built of forged steel and dense walnut. If you are venturing into deep timber, bear country, or preparing for worst-case survival scenarios, a well-built Lever Action Rifle offers an uncompromising manual action that refuses to quit. In this video, we break down the metallurgical durability and field-expedient maintenance of the greatest Lever Action Rifles ever manufactured. Stop trusting fragile plastics and discover why a traditional Lever Action Rifle remains the ultimate defensive tool.
Above, the longhorns at Mesa Ridge Ranch yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
As yesterday was a nice warm day, I took an late afternoon Jeep drive around the subdivisions of Whispering Cedars and Mesa Ridge Ranch.
I stopped for awhile in Mesa Ridge Ranch where the longhorn cattle are at. At first, they were about 50 yards away, but two came over to check me out and then a mother and calf came over but remained a few yards back.
Idaho has introduced a bill in their legislature calling for a vote in November on designating a "state gun."
One of the firearms listed in the proposal is the venerable Winchester 1894 .30-30.
This got me checking to see if other states have adopted official state guns. As things turn out, 10 have.
According to NRA Family:
Did you know that seven U.S. states have officially designated state rifles, and that three more have officially designated handguns? Read on for 10 states that showcase their Second Amendment pride!
For example, Alaska’s state gun is the pre-1964 Winchester Model 70, adopted in 2014; Arizona’s is the Colt Single Action Army revolver; Texas’ is the Colt Walker revolver; and Utah’s is the M1911 pistol.
Above, yours truly enjoying Jerry's Cafe's air conditioning Friday.
Yesterday, the thermometer in Jamestown, New Mexico reached a high of approximately 81°. This was a far cry from the cold temperatures we were getting the the past several months.
Jamestown wasn't the only place in New Mexico who saw high temperatures.
The Albuquerque Journal reported:
Spring sprang like summer on Friday as heat records were shattered in many parts of New Mexico.
But while some people found ways to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather, state officials are on high alert for heat-related illness among vulnerable populations, elevated wildfire risk in tinder-dry forests and a lack of spring runoff amid record-low snowpack.
Clay Anderson, a forecaster for the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, said the state’s largest city already broke its heat record for the month of March on Thursday with a high of 88 degrees, eclipsing a previous record of 85 degrees, recorded in both 1907 and 1971.
That bar rose again on Friday, to 89 degrees, and is expected to hit 90 Saturday in Albuquerque — which would make it the earliest 90 degree-day recorded in the city. The last such record was set in 1947, when Albuquerque hit 90 on May 3.
Anderson said temperatures in several other areas of the state will also reach record highs in coming days.
The .30-30 Winchester cartridge has been around for over 100 years.
Introduced in 1895, it has filled freezers full of venison since that time. It has also been updated many times since then. Today's .30-30 is not your great-great-granddad's cartridge.
Zac K wrote in TheFirearmsBlog why you should buy a .30-30.
The article begins with:
When I recently wrote an article about the demise of three classic hunting cartridges (the .257 Roberts, the .22 Hornet and the .300 Savage), one commenter said:
“Let’s finally put an end to an over-rated cartridge that has effectively been surpassed by a virtual plethora of better cartridges. Some lever-action rifle makers still chamber this old dog for some puzzling reason when there are so many new & better cartridges that make lever-guns incredibly better. Let’s blow taps on this ancient obsolete cartridge, and throw a last handful of dirt on the grave of the 30-30. RIP.”
I couldn’t disagree more. The .30-30 is better than ever, and I intend to buy another rifle, or rifles, to shoot it. Here’s why, and here’s why you should do the same.
Up until recently, I was thinking about attending this year's Winchester Arms Collectors Association gun show in Cody, Wyoming. I was considering flying there instead of driving.
Well, as things happen, I had to re-roof my house with drained much of my savings. So, I am forced to forego the trip.
However, in someone reading this wants to attend, the Winchester Arms Collectors Association posted this:
10 Legendary Rifles That You Should Never Sell (Collectors Know Why) video by Arms Advisor.
Summary:
At gun shows right now, collectors are quietly buying the same 10 rifles while everyone else walks past them. Prices are about to explode, and smart money is moving before it's too late. Hit subscribe because what I'm revealing could save you thousands. Let's count down these legendary rifles, starting with number 10.
Above, parked near Interstate 15 in Idaho waiting for the solar eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
RV Travel posted a poll asking, "Do you have a favorite RV trip of all time?"
That is a good question. Pretty much all my RV trips have been favorites. Two particularly come to mind: the 2016 trip to Metropolis, Illinois and the 2017 Great American Eclipse trip. I would give the eclipse trip a slight edge as being my favorite as it was without any mishaps. I hit a sharp-edge curb in St. Louis, Missouri and tore up two tires after swerving to avoid a collision with a driver who cut into my lane during the Metropolis trip. The eclipse trip was 100% fun.
An "honorable mention" is the trip to Yellowstone National Park with my daughter. That was a good trip.
Above, the Great American Eclipse in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Following the eclipse, I visited Crater Lake National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. All of the campgrounds were nice.
Above, in Devastated Area in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
The poll begins with:
Think back over alllll the miles you’ve traveled in your RV. The places you’ve seen, the campgrounds you’ve stayed in, the little moments that stuck with you long after the trip ended. For today’s poll, we want to know if you have a favorite RV trip of all time.
For some of you, the answer is an easy yes. One trip rises above the rest—maybe it was the destination, the people you were with, or just how everything seemed to fall into place. Perfect weather, great campsites, unforgettable views… the kind of trip you’re still talking about years later.
To read more and participate in the poll, go here.
Above, Fukuoka Tower in Kyushu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
For years, Japan has endeavored to increase tourism to the country. Now that they have (with the Japanese yen adding a big incentive), they can't seem to handle the influx in foreign visitors.
This influx presents two differing patterns.
It is interesting to note that first-time visitors prefer visiting familiar cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. But, experienced Japan visitors are looking for something new and venturing out in the countryside.
Travel and Tour World has posted an article on this.
They begin it with:
Japan’s tourism sector is entering a new phase in 2026. Travel behaviour is changing quickly. Visitors are no longer following the same fixed routes. Instead, they are making choices based on experience and familiarity. This shift is creating two distinct travel patterns.
Industry observations show that first-time visitors prefer famous cities. Meanwhile, repeat travellers are exploring beyond them. This change is influencing how travel companies design packages. It is also shaping how destinations promote themselves.
Tourism planners now focus on offering both classic and unique experiences. This balanced approach helps attract a wider range of global travellers.
Above, the Durango train departing the Durango Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Today's high temperature is forecast to reach 80°. That's according to the National Weather Service.
The temperature is expected to reach 80° or more this weekend as well. I guess Spring came a little bit early this year.
Also, the National Weather Service posted the following:
Early Spring Heat Wave in the Southwest U.S.; Critical Fire Weather in the Central Rockies and Plains
An unusual early Spring heat wave will continue much above-normal temperatures over the Southwest U.S. through early next week. Many locations are likely to set records for the highest-ever March temperature. Periods of critical fire weather will persist from the central Rockies to the central Plains through Saturday as gusty winds and low relative humidity continue.
Although we need more precipitation, the warmer temperatures are welcome as we've had to bundle up all Winter.
As for the coming summer, as the new roof expense put a big crimp in my finances, I may just take short and local vacation trips. Durango, Colorado is at the top of my list. It is only a few hours away.
The Cartridge That Made History! video by Ron Spomer Outdoors.
Summary:
Few cartridges have shaped American hunting like the .30-30 Winchester. Introduced in the late 1800s, it quickly became one of the most popular deer hunting cartridges ever created.
In this episode of Cartridge of the Week, Ron Spomer explores the history, design, and real-world performance of the .30-30 Win and why it has remained a favorite for generations of hunters.
We cover:
How the .30-30 changed sporting rifles
Its role in the rise of lever-action hunting rifles
Above, the Winchester 94 I bought in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
When I bought my Winchester 94 in .30-30 caliber manufactured in 1962, I wandered in an Albuquerque gun store to browse around (and for something to do). I had wanted a Winchester 94 for some time.
I found it on a rack and checked it out, confirming that it was a pre-1964. The price was under $500. I put it on layaway as I was leaving for a cruise the next day. I picked it up when I returned. It is my favorite rifle.
Today, used Winchester 94s that are pre-64 command prices of $800 and up. I was lucky to buy mine when I did.
Little did I know that there is a resurgence in popularity for lever-action rifles.
Bushcraft Base Camp posted an article on the 10 modern lever-guns that are staging a comeback. They are updated versions of classic designs.
They begin it with:
Lever-action rifles were once considered old-fashioned, but in recent years they have returned to popularity with modern improvements. Shooters now want firearms that combine classic design with updated materials, better sights, and stronger calibers. Manufacturers responded by releasing new lever-action rifles that are lighter, more accurate, and easier to mount optics on than older models. These rifles are now used not only for hunting but also for range shooting, home defense, and even tactical setups. Many modern versions include threaded barrels, synthetic stocks, and rails for accessories, showing how the design has evolved. The following lever-action guns are getting attention again because they prove the old system still works very well in today’s shooting world.
#1 Best Lever Action Hunting Rifles 2026 – SHOT Show Picks, .308 Power & Classic Legends video by Alpha GunReview.
Summary:
Looking for the best lever action hunting rifles 2026? This SHOT Show inspired list breaks down the most powerful, reliable, and modern lever guns — from .30-30 classics to .308 hunting rifles dominating today’s hunts.
From the G-Force Huckleberry .357 to the Henry Long Ranger .308, we compare classic icons and modern tactical builds to find out what really works in 2026. Whether you're hunting deer, elk, or big game, these rifles deliver speed, power, and proven performance.
Above, the Jeep inside national forest property off of Mustang Road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Yesterday was perfect. It was about 70° outside, so it was neither cold nor hot. It was a good day for some more Jeepin'.
I took a drive up the hill from home and reached Mustang Road, an east-west side street. It tapered off as a hilly dirt road.
I drove it for a bit and reached a barbed wire fence that had a sign indicating that it was national forest property on the other side. There was an opening in the fence at that point, so I drove in.
Above, the national forest property beyond the fence opening. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Up ahead was a square area (photo above) that had some sort of border that was of sheet metal. It may have been some sort of corral at one time. It looked as if it hadn't been used for a long time. I drove around it for a while then headed back out though the opening I came in. I think this is a part of the Six Mile Canyon area of the Cibola National Forest. This was the first time I had driven in it. As the canyon was still closed to vehicles, I didn't feel it was prudent to continue driving in it. I could have gotten a citation from a patrolling ranger.
Still it was fun driving in an area I hadn't been in before.
Above, after getting home, I fired up the mini bike. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
After getting home, I fired up the mini bike. It had been over a month since I last did so. It took a while to start, but it eventually fired up.
Years ago, my dad's 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air station wagon was stolen. Inside was a semi-automatic pistol.
The car was later recovered (and the thief was arrested), but the gun was missing from it. This happened in Los Angeles back in the 1970s.
According to a post by AOL, California comes in at 48th place where the most guns are stolen in America. New Mexico comes in at 11th place.
If you are wondering where your state ranks in stolen guns, the aforementioned AOL post is where to go to find out.
They begin with:
Each year, hundreds of thousands of firearms are reported stolen from homes, vehicles, and businesses across the United States. While gun theft can happen anywhere, certain states consistently report higher numbers of stolen firearms than others. These incidents represent not only financial losses for owners but also broader public safety concerns, as stolen weapons can later appear in illegal markets or be used in crimes.
Examining where firearm theft occurs most frequently can reveal patterns in crime trends, storage practices, and regional risk factors. Understanding these patterns can help inform prevention efforts and encourage safer firearm storage.
In this slideshow, History Computer looks at the states where the most guns are stolen, using federal data to rank states by the population-adjusted average number of firearms stolen annually.
We're now at Stage One fire restrictions in McKinley County unincorporated areas. I am in one.
It is a good thing that I cut the brush from the back yard. It had gotten overgrown. I was thinking over the years that I would need brush clearing tools as I could not tell if there were big rocks or the ground wasn't level.
As it turned out, my zero-turn mower did the job just fine. The inspector from the insurance company didn't have any problem with the yard, but they did with the roof. So that was remedied last week.
I've noticed other neighbors have been cutting down trees and brush over the past few weeks in the subdivision.
We're considered to be in drought conditions here. It has been a drier than usual winter.
As yesterday was St. Patrick's Day, I kept with my own tradition and watched The Quiet Man (1952) starring John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Barry Fitzgerald and Victor McLaglen during dinner.
Before doing so, I took a Jeep drive around our subdivision and then over to the neighboring subdivision, Mesa Ridge Ranch to see the longhorn cattle.
Sure enough, they were gathered around fifty yards from the fence. I took several photos of them.
After watching The Quiet Man over dinner, I got into the Jeep again and drove over to the gate to Six Mile Canyon. There was a Class B camper parked near the corral there. I didn't see anyone there. I took a drive along the fence line from there. I took a photo of myself with the Jeep.
When I was done, I headed back home for the night. My phone's battery was near zero, so I'd better get home and plug it into the charger.
It is supposed to be 77° today, which will make for another good driving day.
