A Little Trek To Arizona

Above, inside the humidor of the Tee Pee Trading Post today.

Today, I took a little drive to Lupton, Arizona to the Tee Pee Trading post to pick up a few cigars. They have probably the best selection of cigars in a big humidor in the Four Corners region.

This is the first out-of-state trip for me in 2022.

Lupton is only 40 miles from home with Gallup the half-way point. It is right at the Arizona-New Mexico border.

Following my stop at Tee Pee Trading post, I stopped in Gallup on the way back home to pick up a few groceries. 

It's a good thing I did, a snowstorm is expected in Tuesday night and Wednesday. I have all I need to get me through the storm, should it dump sizable amount of snow.

According to the National Weather Service:

An upper low will produce heavy snow in the southern Rockies. Temperatures will plunge much below normal behind this system.

Since I am in the southern Rockies (or at least the tail end), it is best to be prepared. 

I was talking with the clerk at Tee Pee Trading post and he agreed that this has been a cold winter, even though we've had minimal amounts of snow, with the exception of New Year's day when we got around seven inches. We'll have to wait until Wednesday to see what we get then.

Winter Storm Coming

Above, snow aftermath two years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like we're in for a major winter storm coming in Tuesday-Wednesday.

The National Weather Service posted a Special Weather Statement:

 

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service Albuquerque NM

213 AM MST Mon Jan 31 2022

NMZ201>241-312300-

Northwest Plateau-Chuska Mountains-Far Northwest Highlands-

Northwest Highlands-West Central Plateau-West Central Mountains-

West Central Highlands-Southwest Mountains-

San Francisco River Valley-Tusas Mountains Including Chama-

Jemez Mountains-Glorieta Mesa Including Glorieta Pass-

Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains-

Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains-

East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains-Upper Rio Grande Valley-

Espanola Valley-Santa Fe Metro Area-

Middle Rio Grande Valley/Albuquerque Metro Area-

Lower Rio Grande Valley-

Sandia/Manzano Mountains Including Edgewood-Estancia Valley-

Central Highlands-South Central Highlands-Upper Tularosa Valley-

South Central Mountains-

Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass-

Far Northeast Highlands-Northeast Highlands-Union County-

Harding County-Eastern San Miguel County-Guadalupe County-

Quay County-Curry County-Roosevelt County-De Baca County-

Chaves County Plains-Eastern Lincoln County-

Southwest Chaves County-San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands-

213 AM MST Mon Jan 31 2022

...MAJOR WINTER STORM AND UNSEASONABLY COLD TEMPERATURES TO

IMPACT NORTHERN AND CENTRAL NEW MEXICO TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH

THURSDAY...

An upper level storm system combined with an arctic airmass

scheduled to impact the eastern plains looks to produce the most

widespread and severe winter weather conditions northern and

central New Mexico has experienced this season.

Light to moderate snow will begin across northwest and north

central New Mexico Tuesday night then expand southward Wednesday

and Wednesday night. While forecast models still differ in the

track and timing of the storm system, greatest snow accumulations

currently favor the northern and Sandia and Manzano mountains,

adjacent highlands and locales along the Continental Divide.

Combined with the snow, unseasonably cold temperatures will impact

the region. Highs over eastern New Mexico Wednesday and Thursday will

range from the teens to the mid 30s, with Thursday expected to be

the coldest day. Some of this frigid air may bleed westward into

the Rio Grande Valley and to the Continental Divide on a gusty

east wind by Thursday, when highs in the Albuquerque Metro will

struggle to reach the upper 20s. Dangerously cold wind chills will

also exist Thursday and Friday mornings from the central mountain

chain over the eastern plains.

Long duration sub-freezing temperatures could prolong winter

driving conditions as well as other cold weather hazards into the

weekend for areas that receive heavy snow.

The forecast is as follows:

 Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Light southwest wind becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the morning.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. West wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday Night

A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday

A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9.

Cheap and Affordable Things To Do In Hawaii

Above, hiking at Diamnd Head Trail is number 10 on the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hawaii is known to be expensive, but it doesn't have to be if one knows where to look.

The Travel has posted a list of 10 things to do in Hawaii that won't break the bank (i.e., your wallet). 

I am surprised that the USS Arizona Memorial is not included in the list. Admission to the Memorial is free, but limited to 13,000 tickets per day. Other Pearl Harbor attractions do charge admission, such as the USS Missouri battleship and the USS Bowfin submarine.

They begin with:

Hawaii is known for its picturesque beaches, mesmerizing terrains, and unique culture. But it is becoming more and more expensive to live and travel to than the rest of the states in the country. However, there are always ways to enjoy Hawaii without having to break the bank if every tourist knows where to look. Here is a list of things to do in Hawaii that are budget-friendly for tourists.

To read more, go here. 

Best Trips To Take In Your 60s

Above, the list includes ocean cruises for those in their 60s. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since most of the baby boomer generation are now in their 60s and retired, there are places to go and things to see.

In 2019, Travel + Leisure posted about places for people in their 60s (I don't know how I missed it). It is in the format of a slideshow.

They begin it with:

According to a  derived from the most recent U. S. Census, by age 63 nearly half of United States workers have retired. That leaves quite a few 60-somethings still at work in either full-time or part-time jobs.

Financial situations vary greatly, from limited fixed incomes to affluent retirees and high earners. Most 60-somethings are healthy and mobile, but others have health concerns that may limit travel or at least require consideration when planning.

The good news is that there are travel opportunities to meet almost every need and interest. That means it’s time to start checking off some of those bucket list items. Or just getting away for some rest and relaxation. Others want adventure and exotic faraway places. Some want to explore the lands of their ancestors, and still others are looking at staycations that finally give them time to see the local spots that tourists visit when they come to their cities and towns.

Our list includes a little of everything, from cruises to train trips to bucket list adventures, so we hope a few of these destinations and ideas will inspire you to get out there and see the world.

To see the slideshow, go here.

Oryx Meatloaf Tonight

Above, yours truly with Martin Link. Photo by Russell Azbill.

This evening, we braved the cold outdoor temperatures to attend our monthly supper group dinner at Gallup author/historian Martin Link's home.

The main course tonight was oryx meatloaf. Not bad!

This is an oryx (antelope):

I got back home about 45 minutes ago.  

POTUS Is the One Behind Skyrocketing Meat Prices

Above, cattle ranchers aren't to blame for high prices of steaks, Joe Biden is. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since my heart episode three and a half years ago, I have drastically cut back on red meats, i.e., beef. I think I've only had one steak last year. 

Maybe it's just as well, from my standpoint anyway, since beef prices have skyrocketed over the past year. His Fraudulency Joe Biden blames this on a "lack of competition" of meat packers.

The Western Journal has an interesting article on how a rancher and economists exposed Biden as the cause.

Some snippets:

Under the first year of Biden’s administration, Americans have been paying much more for steak dinners, fried chicken and other American culinary staples. Why? Because, according to CNBC, meat prices have risen drastically over the past year, with chicken prices up 8.8 percent, pork prices up 14 percent and beef prices up a whopping 20 percent.

In order to combat these rising prices, on Jan. 3 the Biden administration announced an aggressive $1 billion plan to tackle the issue. The plan seems to place the blame for high prices on big business and the failures of free-market capitalism.

A number of economists, experts and even one rancher currently serving in Congress disagree with this assessment, however. In their view, the blame for higher meat prices can be placed squarely on the shoulders of Biden’s government.

Suggesting a lack of competition has caused rising prices is ridiculous, in one economist’s view, considering that the current level of competition has existed for decades.

James Mitchell, the assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness at the University of Arkansas — spoke with CNN Business regarding the issue and Biden’s proposed solution.

Mitchell explained that the real causes for the price hikes are labor shortages, supply chain issues and costly regulations, all of which have become trademarks under the Biden administration.

To read the full article, go here.

NMSSA Gun Legislative Alert

 

On Monday, the House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear HB9, the firearm owner liability bill. The bill creates criminal penalties for a gun owner if their firearm is accessed by a minor without the gun owners permission. Besides being unnecessary, as an adult can already be charged with a crime if they place a minor in a harmful situation through New Mexico's child endangerment laws, the bill would make it easy to target gun owners through civil fines. In the bill, a petition for a civil fine of $1,000 can be brought against an offending gun owner by anyone who is the parent or guardian of a minor. The committee meeting is scheduled to start at 1:30pm, the bill is the last on the agenda for the day. Here is the link to testify before the committee.  Today, HB68 was heard before the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee. It is an "omnibus" crime bill with multiple proposed changes to New Mexico Criminal Law. Today, the bill was amended to remove the proposed changes to firearm possession in "school zones." This is a positive change we had lobbied for. There are still some parts of the bill where we would like to see changes made, but the school zone language was our primary concern. The bill passed the committee 3-2 and now heads to House Judiciary Committee. We are closely tracking HB156, the proposed ban on firearm magazines that hold more than 15 rounds. We will send an alert as soon as we have any details on when the bill may be heard. It is currently in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee. Below is the contact information for both the House Judiciary Committee and the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee. Additionally, here is a form email we developed with our partners at Better Together NM you can use to email your representatives to ask them to oppose HB9 and HB156. House Judiciary Committee, they will hear HB9 on Monday. We are OPPOSED to the bill. Representative Gail Chasey - (D) (505) 986-4411 gail@gailchasey.com Representative Micaela Lara Cadena - (D) (505) 986-4210 micaela.cadena@nmlegis.gov Representative Eliseo Lee Alcon - (D) (505) 986-4416 eliseo.alcon@nmlegis.gov Representative Christine Chandler - (D) (505) 986-4420 christine.chandler@nmlegis.gov Representative Zachary J. Cook - (R) (505) 986-4221 zachary.cook@nmlegis.gov Representative Brian Egolf - (D) (505) 986-4782 brian.egolf@nmlegis.gov Representative Daymon Ely - (D) (505) 986-4243 daymon.ely@nmlegis.gov Representative Georgene Louis - (D) (505) 986-4329 georgene.louis@nmlegis.gov Representative Matthew McQueen - (D) (505) 986-4423 matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov Representative Greg Nibert - (R) (505) 986-4211 greg.nibert@nmlegis.gov Representative William "Bill" R. Rehm - (R) (505) 986-4214 bill.rehm@nmlegis.gov Representative James G. Townsend - (R) (505) 986-4758 townsend@pvtn.net  House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, this is where HB156 currently is. We are OPPOSED to the bill. Joanne Ferrary (D) joanne.ferrary@nmlegis.gov (505) 986-4844 Andrea Romero (D)  andrea@andrearomero.com (505) 986-4243 Liz Thompson (D) liz.thomson@nmlegis.gov (505) 986-4425 Stefani Lord (R) stefani.lord@nmlegis.gov (505) 986-4453 Randall Pettigrew (R) randall.pettigrew@nmlegis.gov (505) 986-4467

Hordes of Campers To Hit The Road In 2022

Above, the Cortez, Colorado KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like 2022 will be another record year for RV and other types of camping.

People who headed out for camping last year are most likely to so again this year, according to a study.

RV Travel reported:

It looks like campgrounds will remain crowded in 2022, according to Kampgrounds of America’s Monthly Research Report for January.

The monthly report looks at camping trends via input from campers throughout North America. The report includes feedback from all camper sources, not just KOA campers.

The January KOA Monthly Research Report projects that 70% of those who camped in 2021 plan to do so again in 2022. With most campers (22%) booking their trips three to five months in advance, the outlook is for another year of growth in the camping industry. 

“Camping has become the preferred way to enjoy the outdoors over the past year, and our research indicates that will continue,” said Whitney Scott, chief marketing officer of Kampgrounds of America. “It’s encouraging to see intent to camp remaining strong in 2022 with both veteran and new camping markets.”

To read the full article, go here. 

Spice Company's 'Republicans Are Racist' Promotion Backfires Spectacularly

Looney Left Report

I've seen many insane things done or said by the radical left wing, but the following takes the cake (well, at least for the end of January).

The Blaze reported:

A Milwaukee-based spice company is pleading with customers to buy gift cards after a recent promotion declaring that "Republicans are racist" backfired spectacularly.

Penzey's Spices used Martin Luther King Jr. Day to peddle their goods and besmirch Republicans. The spice company held a "Republicans are Racist Weekend" sale, which they promised to "cheese off racists." The spice company also offered Black Lives Matter stickers with every purchase during MLK weekend.

The company's owner sent an email to their customers that stated, "Remember how Republicans did all they could to derail that success by trying to drown out BLM’s message with shouts of all lives matter, and blue lives matter, and lying about the leaders of BLM being Marxists and Communists?"

In a 2015 interview, Black Lives Matter Global Network co-founder Patrisse Cullors openly admitted that she and fellow BLM co-founder Alicia Garza are "trained Marxists."

With idiots like Penzey's Spices around spreading lies, small wonder that this country has become so polarized.

To read the full article, go here. 

Countries Requiring COVID-19 Boosters

International travel (well, travel in general) is dicey right now at best.

Last year, we were told that two vaccine jabs would fully vaccinate us from COVID-19. Now they're saying that boosters are needed.

Some countries are now requiring booster shots for travelers in order for them to be fully vaccinated and allowed in.

TravelPulse has a list of countries requiring boosters.

They begin with:

Remember when we thought getting two COVID-19 jabs would render us safe and free to travel the world again? Not so, it seems. As the pandemic wears on and the virus mutates in ways no one could predict, the situation calls for more.

At least, that seems to be the belief among several foreign countries that have in recent weeks begun requiring international visitors to show proof of a booster shot in addition to their original COVID-19 vaccine series. Travelers with upcoming plans may find that the definition of “fully vaccinated” has suddenly been altered.

To read more, go here. 

Travel + Leisure: Delta Airlines Reviews

Above, our Delta jet at the Twin Falls, Idaho tarmac after our arrival. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the past few years, I have flown on Delta Airlines a few times. As far as I can recall, I haven't had any problems with them except when it was weather-related, which affected all airlines.

Travel + Leisure has posted reviews on Delta by travelers, which are interesting to read.

The article begins with:

Since its humble beginnings as a crop-dusting outfit founded in Macon, Georgia in 1925, Delta has grown into one of the largest airlines on the planet. In a typical year, the carrier flies as many as 200 million passengers to 300 destinations in over 50 countries around the globe on its fleet of nearly 800 aircraft.

Delta also partners with other international carriers like Air France-KLM, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic. The airline has major hubs in Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York City, Salt Lake City, and Seattle, so chances are you might be flying with Delta sometime soon. If so, here's everything you need to know about Delta Air Lines before booking, including feedback based on passenger reviews.

 To read the full article, go here.

Finding A Good RV Service Department

Above, La Mesa RV in San Diego. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the things that RV owners need is a good service department for those times when something in the rig goes haywire.

Luckily for me, I bought my RV at La Mesa RV in San Diego which, as it fortunately turns out, has a dealership in Albuquerque. For the times I needed work done, they performed just fine as did their San Diego location when I had some recall work done.

For normal maintenance things (tune-ups, oil changes, trip checks, etc.), I have a mechanic in Gallup.

RV Travel has an article on finding a good service department that includes a list of things to look for.

They begin with:

We all have our “must-have” lists when purchasing a big-ticket item. We use these lists because they help narrow down our choices when, say, buying an RV. You may not want the same features on your RV that I do. That’s okay. Everyone is different. But one feature that all RV owners will undoubtedly want (and need eventually) is a good service department. Is that “must-have” on your list? It should be!

To read the full article, go here. 

Cold Night Tonight

Above, the snow from two nights ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's a good thing that I don't have to go outside tonight, it is going be a cold night.

According to the National Weather Service, it is going to get down to 10° overnight.

There's a slight chance of snow showers on Tuesday, but that's only 20%. Of course, that can always change. The snow we got (about 2") the other day has mostly disappeared.

Tomorrow will be warmer than it was today.

The forecast for the coming week:

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 10. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 49. East wind around 5 mph.

Saturday Night

Increasing clouds, with a low around 24. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday

Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 45. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest after midnight.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 50.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 46.

Tuesday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.

Wednesday

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 36.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 14.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 37.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 40.

NASA Finds Over 5,000 Potential Alien Worlds

Above, yours truly with a couple of strange visitors from another planet in Roswell, New Mexico.

We are not alone. 

Well, maybe, maybe not. But the idea that there may be some life-sustaining planets out in the universe is tantalizing to consider.

NASA has found over 5,000 potential alien worlds, some of which, as a Newsweek article says, are weird.

They begin with:

The number of exoplanet candidates detected by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) recently surpassed 5,000, and Newsweek has collected some of the weird and exciting worlds that have been discovered over the years.

The TESS mission, launched in 2018 and led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), helps scientists to discover distant worlds outside of our solar system.

These worlds, called exoplanets, can be discovered whenever they pass in front of their stars along the telescope's line of sight. When this happens, the star's brightness appears to dip repeatedly.

Keep watching the skies!

To read the full article, go here. 

Flying The Lisa Marie

Above, Elvis Presley's Lisa Marie jet. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the many things visitors to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee can tour is Elvis Presley's private jet, the Lisa Marie. 

The jet sits at the campus on Elvis Presley Blvd. that includes the mansion, the Elvis Presley's Memphis complex, the Graceland RV Park and the Guest House at Graceland. I last visited Graceland six years ago, while the Elvis Presley's Memphis complex was nearing completion.

The Express (U.K.) posted an article by one of Presley's family members who recounts his trips aboard the Lisa Marie.

The article begins with:

ELVIS PRESLEY named his lavish private jet after his daughter Lisa Marie and used the plane to travel across the USA on his extensive tours. Now a family member has shared their amazing memories of flying on board with The King, describing the aircraft as "like a whole apartment floating through the air."

Elvis Presley fans visiting Graceland today can tour not only the mansion but also his private plane. The King purchased the Convair 880 jet from Delta Airlines in April 1975 for an unbelievable sum of $250,000 ($1.3 million today). This came to a whopping total of $600,000 ($3.1 million today) when the refurbishing was completed by the same team who had recently customised Air Force One. Naming the rebooted aircraft the Lisa Marie after his only child, The King had a penthouse bedroom fitted in the back with a custom-made queen size bed and executive ensuite bathroom – complete with a gold-plated sink and taps, plus a hairstyling chair.

To read the full article, go here.

2nd Amendment Group Sues San Jose Over Gun Bill

It was inevitable that the city of San Jose, California would be sued over their sweeping new gun bill, but sued they were.

Yahoo News reported:

A gun rights group has filed a lawsuit against the City of San Jose, California, after the city passed a gun bill it argues will reduce firearms-related incidents.

"The City of San Jose has taken the unprecedented step of requiring virtually all gun owners within its city limits to pay unspecified sums of money to private insurance companies and an unspecified fee to an unidentified government-chosen non-profit simply to exercise their constitutional right to own a gun," reads a lawsuit filed by the National Association for Gun Rights Tuesday.

At issue is bill passed Tuesday by the City of San Jose that will require gun owners to purchase liability insurance and pay "use fees" that the city plans to invest in "evidence-based initiatives to reduce gun harm."

To read more, go here.

Made My Day

Above, the photo Asya put in her original post.

This morning, I received a text from Asya in St. Petersburg, Russia that can only make one's day. 

Apparently, Asya posted a photo of herself in the western-style jacket (she picked it out) I sent her for Christmas on her Instagram page. Well, it received one response that was very sweet (obviously from a lady). 

Since I don't use Instagram, I had to re-type what Asya sent me with names redacted (respecting the privacy of the parties):

I want one! He sent it to you from the US? How sweet!  He's sounds like he's a catch and keeper! 

Asya replied:

Yes, he did!  It felt so touching.. Definitely one of the most attentive and chival gentlemen who I ve ever known. Such gestures makes you believe in men and humanity. 

And, for her, well-deserved, I might add. 

This is a great way to start a Friday morning! We sure can use more of this these days.

A Travel Expert's Guide To Visiting Japan In Autumn

Above, Nakamise Street in Asakusa with autumn colors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My favorite times for visiting Japan are in the spring or autumn. The weather is generally comfortable without the stifling heat of summer. I was last in Japan during the autumn of 2015.

Right now, the borders of Japan are closed to foreign visitors, but sooner or later (hopefully sooner), it will reopen again. So this time can be used to plan out a trip for when tourists are allowed back in.

PR Newswire has an article from Australia on a travel expert's guide to visiting Japan in the autumn.

They begin it with:

MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Japan is a wildly popular travel destination – tourists typically tend to flock there by the thousands each winter for the snow season and every spring to see the famous cherry blossom trees in full bloom. However, many travel experts are increasingly recommending autumn as the prime time to visit Japan. Inspiring Vacations – expert in all things travel, from the best tours Egypt to Asia and everywhere in between – weighs in on why autumn in Japan isn't to be missed.

To read more, go here. 

Latest Prices On Used RVs

Above, camping on the Keene Ranch near Tehachapi, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there's anyone out there who is reading this and are contemplating buying or selling a used RV, then the following is something they should read.

RV Travel has posted an article on current used RV prices. As those who follow this blog and RV-oriented websites know, there's a current boom in RV sales. Thanks to this boom, many manufacturers have backlogs of orders. If one cannot wait to get a new RV, perhaps buying a used one is the way to go.

They begin with:

While RV manufacturers and dealers are cheering, prices are worrisome for those buying RVs. There’s been a lot of interest in used RVs, and the prices for months have been in the stratosphere. If you’re buying or selling a used RV, you’ll want to know just what’s happening. Here’s the latest information from market watcher Black Book.

 To read more, go here.

5.5 Million Americans Became First-Time Gun Owners in 2021

Above, the Albuquerque Cabela's firearms department. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With big city Democrats wanting to defund the police, lax prosecutions and rampant crime, it is no wonder that more Americans are buying guns. That is also playing a big part in the current shortage of ammunition.

2021 continued the firearm buying frenzy.

According to The Blaze:

The firearm buying frenzy continued into 2021 as nearly 5.5 million Americans became first-time gun owners, reports the Washington Examiner. Notably, sales expanded among women, black, Asian, and Hispanic Americans.

The president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Joe Bartozzi, said, “The surveys revealed that new gun owners are continuing to embrace their Second Amendment rights, and nearly half of them are seeking out professional training.”

He continued, “These trends show that not only is there still a strong interest in gun ownership but also that these new gun owners are interested in learning more about the safe and responsible handling, use, and storage of firearms.”

To read more, go here. 

Buy or Sell Your RV This Winter

Above, attending an RV show like the California RV Show is a good place to start. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those thinking of buying or selling an RV, RV Life says now (the dead of winter) is the time to do so and they give various reasons for each.

As for me, I have no plans to ever sell my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R (dubbed "The Beast"). It suits all my needs just fine. I don't need a larger rig or a smaller one. It is just the right size. 

But there are others who are thinking of buying or selling.

RV Life begins their article with:

It may be freezing outside with snow accumulating in your driveway, so you may not be thinking about RVing at the moment, but you should know that there’s no better time to buy or sell your RV than right now, even in the dead of winter! 

If you’ve been thinking that you may be ready to sell your RV, then this is the best time to get it cleaned up and listed for sale. Or, perhaps you’ve been thinking of buying an RV and starting on a whole new life adventure. Shopping for exactly what you are looking for is easier when you have plenty of time to focus on the process, and get the help you need.  

To read more, go here. 

California City Passes First Gun Law Requiring Annual Fees, Liability Insurance

Looney Left Report

My "honorary sister" passed on the following story to me.

Even before reading it, I had a feeling that it had to be about a Northern California city (not that cities in Southern California are any better, at least not anymore).

Sure enough, it was about a Northern California city.

Fox News reported:

A California city has passed the first-of-its-kind gun law that will require gun owners to purchase liability insurance and pay an annual fee on their weapons. 

San Jose city council members voted to approve the new law, which requires gun owners to pay about
$25 a year as well as administrative costs to the city. Gun owners also must pay for liability insurance, which covers losses or damages resulting from "any negligent or accidental use of the firearm," within six months of acquiring a weapon.  

The new plan has no set deadline to go into effect, but opponents have already sought an injunction. The Firearm Policy Coalition says the law is "burdensome, unconstitutional, and prohibited by California law" for gun-owning citizens, ABC 7 reported. 

This is obviously an unconstitutional law.

To read more, go here.

Gun Legislative Alert By The NMSSA

 

There are two legislative updates New Mexico gun owners need to be aware of and act on now. First, HB9, the mandatory storage bill was added to tomorrow's House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee schedule at the last minute. The bill would impose fines and criminal penalties on a gun owner whose firearm is accessed by a minor without the owner's consent. There are no exemptions for storing a firearm in a safe or by lock. Even if you are careful about how you store your firearms, you could still be charged with a crime in the bill. Further, anyone who is the parent of a child can attempt to enforce a $1,000 court fine for a minor accessing your firearms. We do not believe the bill has any public safety benefit, and our position to to OPPOSE the bill. Here is the link to testify before the committee tomorrow. The committee meeting will start at 1:30pm, and HB9 is the last bill on the agenda. Second, today HB156 was filed today. It would make it a felony to posses a firearm magazine in New Mexico that holds more than 15 rounds. The bill's author, Representative Caballero, added in an appropriation for the enforcement of the proposed law so the bill wouldn't have to be called upon by the governor. That bill is also in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee. Both HB9 and HB156 are in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, below is the contact information for the members of that committee. We urge you to reach out to the committee members and ask them to OPPOSE both bills. Joanne Ferrary (D) joanne.ferrary@nmlegis.gov (505) 986-4844 Andrea Romero (D)  andrea@andrearomero.com (email listed on the legislature website) (505) 986-4243 Liz Thompson (D) liz.thomson@nmlegis.gov (505) 986-4425 Stefani Lord (R) stefani.lord@nmlegis.gov (505) 986-4453 Randall Pettigrew (R) randall.pettigrew@nmlegis.gov (505) 986-4467

They Called This Storm Right

Above, the deck and front yard this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Albuquerque Journal posted the following on Monday night.

They wrote:

A cold front moving into New Mexico on Tuesday night is expected to send temperatures plummeting and increase snow chances before the state warms up toward the end of the week.

“Colorado is going to be getting the majority of the precipitation (Tuesday), but we will start to see parts of the Four Corners and northern New Mexico get in on that precipitation overnight,” said Scott Overpeck, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Albuquerque.

Tuesday in Albuquerque is expected to reach 54 degrees.

Albuquerque has a 40% chance of precipitation on Tuesday. Rain is possible before 11 p.m., and then could change to a mix of rain and snow.

Wind gusts could reach 35 mph in the city Tuesday night.

Peak snowfall from the storm is expected on Wednesday morning from 2 to 11 a.m.

From what I saw outside this morning, it looks like the Albuquerque Journal got it right.

To read more, go here. 

Why You Should Book Your Summer RV Trip Now

Above, The Beast at the Cedar City, Utah KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now is the time to book your summer RV vacation trip now.

At least that's what an article in Travel + Leisure is saying in a new article posted yesterday.

They wrote:

Today is National Plan for Vacation Day, which really should be a federal holiday allowing us all the time and energy to plan the epic getaways we deserve. But don't worry if you don't have an entire day to plan, because RVShare has an excellent trip option all planned out for you.

According to RVShare's annual trend report, both domestic travel and travel via RV are likely to remain popular choices for vacations throughout the year. As the company's data shows, more than half of likely 2022 travelers (54 percent) say national and state parks, as well as nature reserves, are important factors when deciding what type of vacation to choose in 2022.

To read more, go here. 

RV Manufacturers Set New Record In 2021

Well, it's official. The recreational vehicle manufacturers set a new record in 2021.

RV Travel reported:

The RV Industry Association made it official Tuesday. The overall RV factory shipments for 2021 did in fact set a record of 600,240 units. That passed the previous record set in 2017 of 504,599, an increase of 19%.

“For decades, the RV industry has been growing with more and more people turning to RVs as the perfect way to experience the great outdoors. While the demand for RVs has been amplified over the past two years, the pandemic also created several obstacles and challenges for our industry,” said RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby. “But through their hard work and innovation, our manufacturers and suppliers are rising to meet these challenges, building a record 600,000 RVs this past year, sending more RVs to dealer lots across North America than ever before, and allowing more people to experience the joys of RVing.”

To read more, go here. 

Antiques Roadshow Coming To New Mexico In June

One of the few shows on television I'll bother watching these days is Antiques Roadshow on PBS on Monday nights.

Which brings me to an article that caught my attention this morning.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reported:

The PBS show Antiques Roadshow announced this week it will be visiting Museum Hill in Santa Fe on June 14, offering expert appraisals of antiques.

That show will produce three episodes from the all-day event, which will air in 2023.

Admission to the Antiques Roadshow event is free, but those hoping to attend must apply for a ticket by March 21 at pbs.org/roadshowtickets. Ticket applicants later will be selected in a random drawing.

 To read more, go here.

Today's Snow

Above, this morning's snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Just as WeatherBug and the National Weather Service said, we've got snow in Jamestown, New Mexico.

I got up a little while ago (I went to bed early) and saw that it is snowing outside and it looks like about one inch to two inches deep.

Currently, it is about 28° outside.

The forecast now from the National Weather Service is:

Overnight

Isolated snow showers before 5am, then a chance of snow after 5am. Cloudy, with a low around 17. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before 8am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 40. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

According to
WeatherBug, we have a 19% chance of snow for today. 

Competing Bills In New Mexico To End Social Security Income Taxes

Above, the New Mexico State Capitol, the Roundhouse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are competing bills in the New Mexico state legislature that would do away with income taxes on Social Security in the current session.

GoBankingRates has an article on these bills.

They start it with:

The battle over Social Security income taxes is playing out in the Land of Enchantment, as lawmakers in New Mexico consider doing away with the state’s taxes on Social Security benefits.

In New Mexico, personal income taxes apply to Social Security benefits on all but lower-income residents, U.S. News & World Report noted. Individuals earning up to $25,000 and joint tax filers earning up to $32,000 get a full exemption.

But legislators in the state have introduced competing bills to end the tax on Social Security benefits. Gov. Lujan Grisham last week threw her weight behind a bill from state Sen. Michael Padilla to enact a full and immediate tax exemption for Social Security income.

A separate bill from Sens. Bill Tallman and Martin Hickey would end taxes on Social Security income for everyone except higher-income households. A third bill, backed by gubernatorial candidate Rep. Rebecca Dow, would phase out state taxes on Social Security income gradually between 2022 and 2026.

New Mexico is one of 13 states that have some kind of tax on Social Security benefits, KRQE reported, citing comments from Dow. Critics say the tax hurts the state’s ability to attract more retirees, which is one reason there is bipartisan support to get rid of it.

It appears likely that one of these bills will pass and be signed by the governor. 

What would really help seniors is reducing or eliminating property taxes.

To read more, go here. 

Readin' Material For Snow Day

Above, readin' material from the mailbox today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since it is supposed to snow tonight (60% chance) and tomorrow (30% chance), it is a good thing that I received some readin' material in the mailbox today.

It'll probably be too cold to be outside tomorrow, so it is just as well I have things to read while holed up indoors.

Above, The Beast back in the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While down at the Flying J to get the mail, I also put some gasoline in The Beast so I don't have to spend as much the next time I use it.

After returning home from the Flying J, I put The Beast inside the GOCO Beast Barn. I will fire up the Jeep sometime this afternoon.