Hawaii Has Become Too Expensive for Middle-Class Travelers

Above, Diamond Head from Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a good thing that I went to Hawaii back in 2016 before the pandemic and Hawaii vacations skyrocketed in cost.

Hotels and resorts have hiked prices as has the state government with various taxes. We know which political party has total control of the state's government (the same one that messed up California). 

It now appears that Hawaii has become too expensive for middle-class travelers. 

Fodors posted an article on this and it begins with:

There’s no denying it: it’s gotten more expensive to visit Hawai‘i since the pandemic. 

In an op-ed for SFGate, contributing editor Christine Hitt poses that very question, noting that average daily hotel rates statewide have risen 25% since 2019, and on some islands, including Hawai‘i Island (the Big Island) and Kaua‘i, the increases are in excess of 50%. 

The state’s tourism promoters have said this is by design, as the state looks for ways to maintain the economic contribution of visitors to the state’s economy without growing their overall numbers. In 2025, they’ve largely succeeded, with total year-to-date visitor spend showing a healthy increase over 2024, with the total number of visitors remaining relatively flat.

But as Hitt points out, that also leaves travelers fewer options if their budgets are more modest—particularly Hawai‘i residents seeking to vacation on other islands, and native Hawaiians wishing to visit friends and family in Hawai‘i after being driven to the continental U.S. by the islands’ high cost of living. 

 To read more, go here.

The Most Expensive Lever-Action Rifle Costs a Whopping $850

Above, Winchester lever-actions at the Winchester Arms Collectors
 Show in Cody, Wyoming in July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is interesting that interest in lever-action rifles has been surging during these past few years.

Much of it may be the nostalgic factors, but people are finding these rifles fun to shoot. I enjoy shooting my Winchester 94 in .30-30 cal. made in 1962. I was lucky to get it six years ago before prices started to skyrocket.

MSN has posted a slideshow of the most expensive lever-actions.

They begin it with:

When you think about some of the most important rifles, the lever-action rifle is an American staple. A uniquely American rifle, the lever action has become familiar to any Western movie fan. However, before Hollywood, the US military incorporated the lever-action rifle into the Civil War, and American law enforcement also widely used it during the first half of the 20th century. 

Today, you’re more likely to find lever-action rifles in a gun cabinet displayed by collectors than in practical use. The lone exception is at a gun show, where you might have exhibitors and stunt rifle people showing off rifles from back in the day. Data from Gun Genius was used to analyze recent sales and create a list in descending order to look at the most famous lever-action rifles.

To see what they are, go here. 

Cody's Irma Hotel

Above, a gunfight show taking place outside of the Irma Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last summer, friend Mitch Geriminsky and I visited Cody, Wyoming to attend the Winchester Arms Collectors Gun Show and visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

While roaming around Cody, we went to the Irma Hotel for dinner and browsing around. The food was good, by the way!

The hotel was built by Buffalo Bill in 1902.

Above, trophies on walls near the restaurant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From the hotel's website:

Built by Buffalo Bill in 1902, this historic hotel in central Cody is an 8-minute walk from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and 9.8 miles from Buffalo Bill State Park.

Spartan rooms have TVs and coffeemakers; some offer Western-style furnishings and elevated ceilings. Buffalo Bill's private suites is also available.

Free parking is provided. Additional amenities include a restaurant, an Old West-style saloon, a gift shop and a porch.

Above, Mitch and I about to have dinner at the Irma Hotel's restaurant.

From Wikipedia:

The Irma Hotel is a landmark in Cody, Wyoming. It was built by William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the city's co-founder and namesake who named it after his daughter Irma Cody. A focal point is a famous back bar made of cherry that was a gift given by Queen Victoria to Buffalo Bill.

The Irma opened with a party on November 18, 1902, to which Cody invited the press and dignitaries from as far away as Boston. The hotel quickly became the social center of Cody. In the meantime, Buffalo Bill was under pressure from creditors and was forced to sign over the hotel to his wife Louisa in 1913, who was at that time on bad terms with him. After Cody's death in 1917 the hotel was foreclosed upon and sold to Barney Link. Before the end of the year Link's estate sold the property back to Louisa, who kept it until she died in 1925. The new owners, Henry and Pearl Newell, gradually expanded the hotel, building an annex around 1930 on the west side to accommodate automobile-borne visitors. After her husband's death in 1940, Pearl Newell operated the hotel until her own death in 1965. She left the hotel's extensive collection of Buffalo Bill memorabilia to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, and stipulated that proceeds from the estate be used as an endowment for the museum.

A visit to the Irma Hotel is well worth it. During the summer, gunfight shows take place outside of the hotel.

To access the hotel's website, go here. 

Elvis Presley and Willys Jeep M38A1

 Here's a clip of Elvis Presley and a Willys Jeep M38A1:

30% Chance of Snow Showers

Above, following a December 2018 snow storm. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to the National Weather Service, our next chance (30%) for snow is this afternoon and tonight.

There is still some snow on the ground from the storm that came a few days ago. 

The forecast for today and tonight:

Today

Scattered snow showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight

Scattered snow showers, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. West wind around 5 mph becoming south after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Why Silver Has Been Surging More Than Gold

Above, a 1923 Peace silver dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With silver surging on the spot market, I am glad that I bought a lot of it while the spot price was in the 20s. Right now, it is around $59/toz.

If one is wondering why silver has hit record highs lately, an article in Bloomberg can provide some insight.

They begin with:

Gold has staged a dramatic rally this year as the US Trump administration’s unorthodox economic policies sent investors and central banks reaching for safe-haven assets. Right now, however, it’s silver that’s stealing the spotlight.

A squeeze in supply of the precious metal had catapulted it to a 100% gain as of early December, while gold was up 60%. Both have been experiencing a surge in demand from investors seeking to hedge against political turbulence, inflation and currency weakness.

Unlike gold, silver isn’t just scarce and beautiful: It also has many useful real-world properties that make it a valuable component in a range of products. With inventories near their lowest on record and investors still scrambling for more, there’s a risk of supply shortages that could impact multiple industries.

 To read more, go here.

What Not To Do In Yellowstone

Over the years, I have been to Yellowstone National Park several times. The first being in 1990 and the last being in 2019.

Above, Yellowstone bison grazing in a meadow next to a river. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While Yellowstone is a national park that should be put on everyone's "bucket list" of things to do, there are a few things there that visitors should avoid doing.

Travel + Leisure has posted an article on six mistakes to avoid in Yellowstone.

They begin it with:

My California cousins may have taken their first steps at Disneyland, but growing up in Montana, my family’s go-to “theme park” was Yellowstone National Park—where the theme wasn’t Mickey Mouse but rather Mother Nature.

More than 30 years later, my home base is still just an hour from the Beartooth Pass, which leads to Yellowstone’s northeast entrance. As both a local and regular parkgoer, a part of me dies inside every time I read about a Yellowstone “touron”—a term now in our vernacular thanks to the popular Instagram account—doing something dumb. Touron offenses run the gamut from getting too close to wildlife to damaging fragile geological sites, and these incidents often put visitors in danger. People have been gored, stranded in their vehicles during winter, and even "dissolved" in hot springs.

Don’t get me wrong: I don’t want people to stop visiting Yellowstone, and I certainly don’t want to be giving hall monitor energy. I just want us to respect the environment and ourselves while enjoying the world’s first national park. For that reason, here are a few common mistakes to avoid during your visit, whether it’s your first or 15th time driving through the Roosevelt Arch. It’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s a good start. And remember, in the wise words of Jellystone’s lovable Yogi, be “smarter than the average bear.”

 To read more, go here.

Ammo Buying Time

Now that we're close to the Winter Solstice, our plinking is done for the year (unless we get a unseasonable heat wave).

This is the season for restocking my ammo box. I have plenty of pistol ammo (.38 Special, .357 Magnum and 9 MM). But I do need to replenish my .30-30 Winchester rifle ammo. I also have plenty .22 Caliber and 12 gauge and 410 shot gauge ammo.

On .30-30 Winchester ammunition, I try to find deals where the price per round is under $1.00. I found some at Outdoor Limited going for 95 cents per round. My only quibble with them is their high shipping cost ($20.00).

Like other things these days, ammunition is not immune to inflationary pressures. So taking time to search for ammunition deals pays off in the end. 

The Top 8 Best Affordable Lever Action Rifles!

 The Top 8 Best Affordable Lever Action Rifles! video by Gun Junkies.

Summary: 

When it comes to rifles, there is something special about lever action rifles. But with increasing prices every year, many shooters are left behind, simply not buying it. Wondering if there are still great lever-action rifles that won’t empty your wallet? Which models give you solid performance without the hefty price tag? Stay with us until the end of this video as we explore the top 8 best affordable lever action rifles you can own without spending big.

Last Night's Snow

Now that the sun is (somewhat) up, I took a look outside at last night's snowfall.

Supposedly, we're to get more from this storm today. There is also another storm coming in around Wednesday/Thursday.

I took a couple of pictures of the front yard a few minutes ago:

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Is Skyrocketing In Value Again

Above, 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some specimens of Kennedy half dollars are skyrocketing in value.

This is especially true with the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar which was minted in 90% silver. Later coins had the silver content lowered to 40% silver. 

In 1971, the mint removed silver from minting which continues to this day, making the coins in clad copper-nickel composition. 

According to La Gradia:

In the world of collecting, numismatics often carries an extra level of excitement, especially when it comes to coins. This is evident in the interest shown in each and every unique coin that has ever been in circulation in the United States. Such is the case with the Kennedy half dollar, which commemorates his assassination in 1963. A year after his death, it was put into circulation, and those coins minted between 1964 and 1970 have become collectible items with a value of $15,000. It is still in circulation today, but between 1975 and 1976 there was a design variation celebrating the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence.

No, not all examples of this coin have the same value, as the earlier ones have a composition of 90% silver, which was later reduced to 40%. In 1971, the Mint removed the silver and replaced it with clad copper-nickel, reason why the first ones can cost up to $15,000 and the ones produced after may only cost around $5.

To read more, go here. 

USD/JPY Extends Toward ¥157

Now that we're in a new month, it is time to take a little peek at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen. This should be of particular interest to those planning on taking a vacation trip to Japan this month.

According to Trading News:

USD/JPY Extends Toward ¥157 as Japan’s Finance Minister Warns of “Non-Fundamental” FX Swings and Markets Eye Intervention

The USD/JPY pair traded close to ¥156.70 after Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated that recent yen volatility “is not moving based on fundamentals.” Speaking on Fuji TV, Katayama emphasized that stability reflecting economic reality is essential, signaling Tokyo’s rising discomfort with the yen’s slide. The remark followed a sharp monthly depreciation that erased earlier gains and positioned the yen near its weakest level since the summer, as traders priced in persistent policy divergence between the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan (BoJ).

To read more, go here. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

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. 

To kick off the month of December, we have two music videos from Michelle Branch, "Everywhere" and "Game of Love" (with Carlos Santana). 

From Wikipedia:

Michelle Jacquet Branch (born July 2, 1983) is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. She won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals with Santana for their 2002 single, "The Game of Love".

As a solo recording artist, Branch's first album Broken Bracelet came out in 2000. After signing to Madonna's Maverick record label the next year, her second album The Spirit Room followed and contained the singles "Everywhere" and "All You Wanted". Her third album Hotel Paper was released in 2003. Two years later, she formed the country music duo the Wreckers with Jessica Harp, and produced the Grammy-nominated single "Leave the Pieces". The Wreckers disbanded in 2007 to pursue their respective solo careers. Since then, she has released extended plays in 2010 and 2011, and a fourth solo album, Hopeless Romantic in 2017. Her fifth studio album, The Trouble with Fever, was released in 2022.

 

Snow!

Finally, we have some actual measurable snow.

I took a look (and a couple of pictures) outside and it appears we've received about an inch to an inch and a half of the white stuff.

This will make the drive eight miles today to the post office in Continental Divide to mail my bills and pick up my mail. 

Looks like I'll have to get my snow shovel out of the garage.

Here's today's snow (so far):

 

Background Checks for Online Gun Purchases Explained

Above, picking up my Winchester Model 12 shotgun at Loeffler's Guns Etc. 

Thinking about buying a gun online but never done so before?

Well, you're in luck! Guns.com can sell you a gun online, but there are still procedures to endure (they vary by state, by the way).

I bought my Winchester Model 12 shotgun through Guns.com last year. I had them send it to my favored FFL dealer in Grants, New Mexico, Loeffler's Guns Etc. After it arrived, I went there, went through the background check and walked out with my shotgun.

Guns.com has a page explaining the process.

They begin it with:

Buying a gun online is not only easy and convenient, but it's also safe and legal in all 50 states. While the process is a little different than walking into your local gun store, you’ll still have to pass a background check for your new purchase. If it’s your first time buying a gun online, you may be wondering what to expect and how mandatory gun background checks work when you buy online. 

Buying a firearm from Guns.com is actually better than walking into your local gun store and browsing the current stock. We’re not limited by storefront size, so it’s more efficient to browse our virtually unlimited inventory from the comfort of your own home (or office – don’t worry, we won’t tell the boss). The background check process is the same once you purchase a firearm or win one in an auction. Here’s how to complete it, step by step. 

To read more, go here. 

Is A Mobile RV Repair Service Right For You?

Above, the door lock assembly that needed replacement last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I've only had to use a mobile RV repair service twice. Both times it was necessary was while I was in Lake Havasu, Arizona.

The first time was in July 2019 (the trip that I had my heart attack in Wells, Nevada). One of the roof vent covers broke apart from weathering. I called a local mobile RV repairer and he came and fixed it in a jiffy as a rain storm was about to hit in a few hours.

The second time was last year, also in Lake Havasu, when the house door lock assembly broke due to the door being slammed by high winds. The same mobile repairer came and fixed that, but I had to stay a couple of extra days as the part had to be ordered. 

RV Travel posted an article on whether a mobile RV repair service is right for you.

It begins with:

Imagine you’re enjoying an RV getaway. You’ve parked your rig in a quiet campground and enjoyed several days of relaxation. Alas! Like “all good things,” the time has rolled around for you to roll out. You push the button to bring in your slide-out, and instead of the reassuring rumble of the slide coming in, you get a “crunch!” and the slide won’t budge. Your relaxation has ended—there’s no way you can head out with an extended slide-out. Is a mobile RV repair service right for you?

In this case, a mobile RV repair service may be the ONLY solution to your problem. But there are other times when having the repair tech come to you will beat having to take your rig to the shop. For full-time RVers, who don’t have any other “home,” being able to stay settled in the comfort of your rig is a blessing.

But there are some things a mobile tech may be great for, and others not. What are those? And how do you find a mobile RV repair service tech? How much will they charge? Let’s tackle those questions.

To read more, go here.

Are RVers Responsible For Poor Quality RVs?

Above, my 2015 Minnie Winnie at the Moab (Utah) KOA in July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have stated on this blog that my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I bought it new in 2015 and only had minor issues on rare occasions.

Today, people have been noticing the lack of quality control of new recreational vehicles. It was made even more evident since the pandemic of 2020. 

RV Travel has posted an article asking if RVers are responsible for poor quality RVs. 

They begin it with:

Over the years, we’ve heard from countless frustrated RVers. The story goes something like, “I bought a brand-new RV and hardly got to use it the first year. It spent most of the time getting repairs made, right from the start!”

The rants about nearly every RV manufacturer are myriad. Yes, even RV dealers admit the quality of RVs they’re selling is often lousy, and they point the finger back at the manufacturers.

But hang on, are RVers responsible, in part, for the junk being dumped on the market today?

To read more, go here. 

What Happens To Retired Cruise Ships?

Above, Majesty of the Seas at Havana Port in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2019, a friend and I took a cruise to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba aboard Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas.

The following year, Majesty of the Seas was sold to Seajet in Greece. This took place when the worldwide pandemic hit. Majesty has been sitting and deteriorating ever since.

Some may ask, What happens to cruise ships after they're retired?

To answer that question Yahoo! Life posted an article.

It begins with:

Cruise ships are so massive that some of them are actually bigger than aircraft carriers. But like any other vessel on the ocean, they don't last forever. When their eventual end comes, cruise lines sometimes sell retiring ships to other companies, who repurpose them in various ways. This was the case with the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth 2, which are now floating hotels in California and Dubai, respectively.

Sometimes, cruise ships are rebranded and continue sailing the world after they're sold. For example, Margaritaville at Sea's newest addition, the Beachcomber, was actually purchased from Costa Cruises. In fact, this is the third ship the Jimmy Buffet-inspired cruise line has bought from Costa. However, the Majesty of the Seas, once one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships, didn't get a new lease on life. It was sold to Greek ferry company Seajets in 2020. For years, the deteriorating ship has been docked, with no signs of sailing again.

If there is no demand for a ship to be repurposed, it may be scrapped. This was the fate for several Carnival cruise ships over the years, including the Ecstasy, the Fantasy, and the Sensation, among others. The decision to scrap a cruise ship is typically made for a variety of reasons, which can include renovation costs. Essentially, any money spent to modernize an older, outdated ship could ultimately result in a net loss. Some of these ships eventually end up in the largest cruise ship graveyard in the world.

To read more, go here. 

Wonderful Museums: Gun Museum Cody

Above, one of the displays at the Cody Firearms Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming received a good write-up at Wonderful Museums.

If gives a detailed description on what visitors would see at the museum. I went there last July and toured it twice. 

The article begins with:

The first time I really got a deep, almost visceral understanding of the sheer historical weight and engineering genius behind firearms wasn’t from a dusty old book or a grainy documentary. No, it was when I finally made the pilgrimage to the famed gun museum Cody, officially known as the Cody Firearms Museum, nestled within the magnificent Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. For years, I’d heard whispers, seen glimpses in magazines, and always felt this nagging curiosity about what truly made this place the “Smithsonian of firearms.” My perception, like many folks’, was probably a mix of intrigue and perhaps a touch of apprehension, fueled by a general lack of understanding about the historical context of these instruments. I wanted to move beyond the headlines and the polarized debates, to actually see and feel the history, the artistry, and the profound impact firearms have had on human endeavor. And let me tell you, what I found there didn’t just meet my expectations; it shattered them, offering an unparalleled journey into the very soul of America’s industrial and cultural story.

The Cody Firearms Museum is, without a doubt, the world’s most comprehensive collection of American firearms, presenting an exhaustive chronological and technological journey through the evolution of personal weaponry. It stands as an indispensable resource for historians, enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the intricate relationship between firearms, innovation, and the shaping of nations, particularly the United States. Its significance extends far beyond mere display; it serves as a critical repository for understanding industrial design, military strategy, and the everyday lives of people from the colonial era to the modern age, all within the robust framework of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

Above, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Son of Frankenstein: 20 Weird Facts You Never Knew!

Son of Frankenstein (1939): 20 Weird Facts You Never Knew! video by Iconic TV Rewind.

Summary:

Discover 20 weird and disturbing facts about Son of Frankenstein (1939)—one of the most iconic films in the entire Universal Monsters franchise. In this deep-dive horror documentary, we reveal shocking behind-the-scenes secrets, rare Karloff and Lugosi stories, brutal makeup truths, lost color test footage, grueling production chaos, and the hidden history that shaped this legendary Frankenstein sequel. Whether you're a fan of classic horror movies, Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, or vintage Hollywood filmmaking, this video uncovers the wild and unsettling mysteries that Universal tried to bury. Perfect for fans of old monster films, Universal’s Frankenstein trilogy, horror film history, and the darker side of 1930s cinema.

In this video, we explore everything from Karloff wearing full Monster makeup to his daughter’s birth… to Lugosi’s exploitation by Universal… to massive script rewrites done minutes before filming. You’ll hear how Son of Frankenstein nearly collapsed under studio pressure, how lost footage mysteriously vanished, how child actor Donnie Dunagan became the youngest Marine drill instructor, and how this film became the longest—and one of the most expensive—classic horror productions of its era.

If you love learning shocking Hollywood secrets, rare Universal Monsters trivia, and hidden stories from the golden age of horror, you’re in the right place.

Silver Price Soars To Record Level

Silver has soared to record levels at week's end. How much higher it may go is anyone's guess.

Right now, it is around $57/toz at Comex.

According to Mining.com:

Silver soared to an all-time high on Friday following an outage on the Comex due to what the exchange operator CME calls a “cooling system failure”.

Spot prices rose 4% to a new record of $55.66 per oz., surpassing its peak set last month during a historic squeeze in the London market. Three-month futures also jumped 5%, trading within a similar range. 

 To read more, go here.

Black Friday and "Black Friday" (1940)

If one is dense or just happened to forget, today is Black Friday. This is the day that Christmas shopping starts with deals (supposedly) to cause people to part with their money.

Some people will avoid fighting traffic and parking hassles and just treat today as a normal day. For them, here is a treat.

Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi starred in Universal's Black Friday (1940). But Stanley Ridges gives a great performance and outshines both Karloff and Lugosi.

Here's the complete movie (on YouTube):

Cold Weather Camping Tips and Hazards

Above, at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Winter camping is something that I've rarely done. 

The first time I've camped in cold weather was ten years ago while at Joshua Tree National Park. It got very cold after sundown. I had my propane heater on overnight. Early the next morning, I still had plenty of propane, but the heater's fan drained the house battery. I ended up leaving the park early.

RV Travel has posted an article on cold weather camping tips and safety hazards to avoid. It ends with a video.

It begins with:

When temperatures drop and leaves turn, plenty of RV owners start thinking about winter camping. Some do it by choice, others because they have no better housing option. Either way, cold camping can be rough on both people and rigs if they go in unprepared.

The video guide at the end of this post from Josh the RV Nerd at Bish’s RV walks through real-world tips to stay safer, protect the RV, and avoid some very expensive and dangerous mistakes. 

To read more and see the video, go here. 

You Shouldn’t Mount a Scope on These Rifles

Above, the Winchester 94 is included in the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The question on whether or not to mount a scope on any given rifle is up to the owner and what his/her needs are. 

Some rifles may have scope mounting rails on them, but it doesn't really mean one should do so.

MSN posted a slideshow article on what rifles shouldn't have a scope mounted. Their source was The Avid Outdoorsman.

They begin their slideshow article with:

Just because a rifle has rails doesn’t mean it’s begging for glass. Some platforms work better with irons, and others flat-out lose their handling or purpose once you bolt on a scope. Whether it’s weight, looks, or just how the gun was built to be used, not every rifle needs to be dialed in at 300 yards. Here’s a list of rifles that are usually better left as-is—no optics needed.

To read more, go here. 

Trump’s Second Term Delivers For Gun Owners

The Trump Administration is a 180° change from His Fraudulency Joe Biden's Administration, especially when it comes to the Second Amendment.

President Trump has undone much of what Biden did to attack our Second Amendment rights.

America's 1st Freedom (NRA) lays it all out in a new article.

It begins with:

Promises made, promises kept. It’s the phrase President Donald Trump’s White House uses to emphasize this administration’s commitment to delivering on the agenda the American people endorsed at the ballot box. And unlike the case with so many cheap-talking politicians, the Trump administration has plenty of accomplishments to point to. This is especially true when it comes to President Trump’s promise to protect Americans’ Second Amendment rights.

Speaking at the 2024 NRA Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas, President Trump told NRA members, “Let there be no doubt, the survival of our Second Amendment is very much on the ballot.” The president went on to explain, “In my second term, we will roll back every Biden attack on the Second Amendment.” President Trump’s Make America Great Again platform made clear that his party would “Defend our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, and our fundamental freedoms, including … the right to keep and bear arms.”

Upon taking office on January 20, President Trump got to work on keeping his word.

To read more, go here. 

Gallup Errand Done

Above, yesterday's breakfast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With Tuesday's traffic jam due to a semi truck accident at Coolidge, I delayed my errands to yesterday.

I decided to try out the breakfast menu at Jerry's Café in Gallup. I tried the Chile Relleno con Huevos. As usual, the chile relleno was good as was the rest of it (hash browns, scrambled eggs and beans). This was the first time I went there for breakfast. It was busy when I got there and it took about 15 minutes to be seated.

Above, Jerry's breakfast menu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Afterwards, I headed over to Home Depot to pick up some trash bags. I bought a 200-count box. That should last for about a year. 

From there, I headed to the market to pick up some wine for tonight's dinner at the Lucier's and some other groceries. (I bought some pinot noir, chardonnay and a riesling.)

Above, the Robert Mondavi pinot noir (2023) I bought yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After unloading the car once I got home, I then headed to the post office in Continental Divide to pick up my mail.  

That was enough running around for one day.

The MOST Popular .410 Shotguns In America!

The MOST Popular .410 Shotguns In America!, video by Gun Junkies.

Summary:

The .410 bore might be the smallest shotgun gauge, but don't let that fool you—these compact powerhouses pack serious performance for everything from turkey hunting to home defense. Today we're counting down America's ten most popular .410 shotguns, covering everything from budget-friendly break-actions to premium over-unders. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting out, there's something here for everyone.

Another Semi Crash

 

Yesterday, I was planning to go into Gallup to pick up some groceries for home and for Thanksgiving Day. During our group's morning coffee at Denny's, we noticed that eastbound I-40 traffic was slowing and eventually stopped. 

Before we departed Denny's, I checked my phone for the traffic report and it said that the highway would be closed for two hours due to an accident in the Coolidge area. Well, as it turned out, the highway eastbound was closed a lot longer than two hours and vehicles were backed up to the McGaffey exit. The snarl stretched into the late afternoon.

I still could have gone into Gallup, as the westbound lane were clear. Getting back home is another story. So I decided to wait until today before going into Gallup. 

Later, I saw some details on the traffic snarl. 

This is from the McKinley County Sheriff:

One lane is open. Traffic is slow in the area.

I40, eastbound near the 41.5 MM (just east of Flying J), will be closed for about 2 hours. Crews are working in the area to clean up debris from a semi crash that occurred earlier. Back up starts near the 39 MM, by Flying J. Please seek an alternate route.

It never fails. Most accidents on Interstate 40 always seem to involve semi trucks.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Tree A Lot Healthier

Above, the blue spruce pine today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was going to go to Gallup today to pick up some wine for Thursday's Thanksgiving Day dinner at the Lucier's. At present, it doesn't look I will be doing so. The eastbound lines are backed up due to an accident up at Continental Divide on Interstate 40 involving (what else?) a semi truck.

I may still go later today if the traffic clears up. Getting to Gallup is no problem, but getting back home would be quite another story.

However, some good news. My blue spruce pine tree in the front yard is looking much better. I sprayed some 38 Plus on it a few weeks ago for the mites the arborist found on it. Well, I checked the tree and there are no more brown pine needles or branches. It is looking a lot healthier.

Holiday Nursery in Gallup recommends a second spray around tax time (April 15). 

I am very pleased that it is looking a lot better.

Pre 64 Winchester - Does It Really Matter

Pre 64 Winchester - Does It Really Matter, video by Target Suite.

Summary: 

Does pre 64 really matter when it comes to Winchester Model 94's? 

We'll compare a 1971 vintage Model 94 with a 1955 vintage ( Pre-64) Model 94 part by part and offer up an opinion.

Elvis Judge Forced To Resign

Image credit: St. Charles County Circuit Court/Missouri.gov

Missouri Judge Matthew Thornhill has resigned for wearing an Elvis Presley wig and played Elvis music in court.

According to Straight Arrow News:

A Missouri judge has been forced to step down after presiding over his courtroom in an Elvis Presley costume. The judge struck a deal to avoid a disciplinary hearing. 

In court documents, Missouri’s judicial disciplinary board said Circuit Judge Matthew Thornhill of suburban St. Louis dressed up as Presley on several occasions and played music during court proceedings. The documents included several photos of Thornhill dressed as Elvis in court.

Thornhill, a former prosecutor who was first elected as a judge in 2006, expressed regret for his actions in a letter to the Missouri Supreme Court.

“It was my intention … to add levity at times when I thought it would help relax litigants,” he said. “I now recognize that this could affect the integrity and solemnity of the proceedings.”

Like the article's headline reads, "At Least He Didn't Sing Jailhouse Rock". 

To read the full story, go here.

Buying The Rockies

Last evening, I was watching Buying Alaska. When the last episode ended, it switched to another show by the same producers, Buying The Rockies.

It is the same format as Buying Alaska, but the focus was on the Rocky Mountains that stretch from Montana down to New Mexico. The episodes I saw were in Colorado.

According to IMDb;

Follow unconventional house-hunters as they set out to buy their piece of the American in dream in log cabins amidst the Rocky Mountains.

Here's a snippet of an episode I watched last evening:

7 Overlooked Towns In California's Sierra Nevada Worth Visiting

Above, camping in Brown's Town Campground in Bishop in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's one thing that Californians should add to their "bucket list" of things to do, that is to explore the Sierra Nevada area of the state.

A lot of history can still be gleaned from exploring towns that thrived during the Gold Rush years. World Atlas has posted a list of seven of them. 

I have been to most of them, mainly through chapter events of E Clampus Vitus (of which I am a member) that sprung up during the Gold Rush in many of these towns.  

World Atlas begins their list with:

The Sierra Nevada stretches more than 400 miles and is home to dozens of small towns, three national parks, and numerous wilderness areas. Some of the towns are better known and more travelled than others, but those that are overlooked shine in their own right. You will find history, nature, culture, and recreation in each of them. If you truly want to experience the soul of California's Sierra Nevada, these seven towns deserve a spot on your travel list.

To read more, go here. 

Why Is the 30-30 Still With Us? (Video)

Why Is the 30-30 Still With Us? video by Ron Spomer Outdoors from 2021.

Summary:

In this video, I do an in-depth review of the Lever Action 30-30 Winchester. Don't laugh this dog hunts!

Classic Rock Music Monday

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. 

To start off the week and finish off November, we have U2 with their 1983 hit, "New Year's Day" from their War album.

From Wikipedia: 

U2 are an Irish rock band formed in Dublin in 1976. The group comprises Bono (lead vocals), the Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion). Initially rooted in post-punk, U2's musical style has evolved throughout their career, yet has maintained an anthemic quality built on Bono's expressive vocals and the Edge's chiming, effects-based guitar sounds. Bono's lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal and sociopolitical themes. Popular for their live performances, the group have staged several elaborate tours over their career. 

Cooking A Thanksgiving Turkey in a RV... For The First Time

 Cooking A Thanksgiving Turkey in a RV... For The First Time

Jeep Memes

 

Pre 64 and Post 64 Model 94 1894 Winchesters

Pre 64 and Post 64 Model 94 1894 Winchesters video by Gun&ShotTV. 

Summary: 

Here is a brief rundown of the differences between pre and post 64 model 94 Winchesters.  While the guns did get cheapened up in 1964 by the 70's Winchester had fixed many of the issues leading to a decent value if you find one used.

Not all post 64 Winchesters are terrible. After the switch to shitty stamped parts for the lifter and loading gate the backlash was pretty bad. Winchester then switched back to better quality parts than what many people assume all post 64 Winchesters have. I've got a model 94 my dad bought new at Kmart that was MFD in 1976 that is actually a very nice rifle. The only real drawback is the receivers post 64 were made of sintered metal until 1977 so they don't take a blue very well and look a bit off. The tang on my 94 had the bluing wear off and has a bit of pitting. From 1977-1982 they went back to forged receivers with decent parts and the traditional action with top eject. So I would say level of quality  

    Pre 64  

    77-82 Forged receiver, decent parts, Top eject  

    82-92 Side eject but no lawyer safety  

    ?-77 decent parts but sintered receiver  

    64-?? Shitty stamped parts, crappy roll pins, Sintered receivers  

But even the shittiest win 94 can have the parts replaced and should shoot fine if you want one and it's under $250 it's still a deal.

First Snow

Finally, we received our first snow of the season. It came overnight. 

It wasn't much, maybe a trace. I was able to see it once the sun came up.

I did manage to take this photo of it:

 

Poll: How Comfortable Are You Driving At Night/In the Dark?

Above, about to head home from Albuquerque International Sunport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Night driving is one thing that some people don't mind and some people avoid it like the plague.

For me, I have no problem with driving my motorhome at night. The headlights are nice and bright and I can see quite well. 

RV Travel has posted a poll asking people, How comfortable are you driving at night.in the dark? 

It begins with:

This time of year, it’s easy to find yourself behind the wheel after dark. Some of you may be more comfortable driving after dark than others, so for today’s poll, we want to know: How comfortable are you driving at night, in the dark?

For some, night driving feels totally natural. Fewer cars on the road, cooler temperatures, and a peaceful stretch of highway can make those after-dark miles feel almost relaxing. If your eyes adjust well and you’re confident with your headlights, reflective road signs, and nighttime visibility, you might even prefer it to daytime traffic.

But many RVers will tell you a different story. Night driving—especially with a big rig—can feel stressful. Glare from oncoming headlights, dark rural roads, wildlife darting out of nowhere, or the simple strain of seeing detail in low light can make nighttime travel feel risky. Add in aging eyes or fatigue, and it’s no wonder so many people choose to park well before dusk.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here.

Possible Precipitation and JFK Assassination Anniversary

Above, the recreated sniper's nest in the former Texas School Book
 Depository building at the Sixth Floor Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Our next chance for snow showers is coming tonight. At least, that's according to the National Weather Service. They say we have an 80% chance of precipitation (rain and snow showers). We'll see. 

The storm that showed up on Thursday did give us some rain, but no snow. 

Here is the forecast by the National Weather Service:

Today

Increasing clouds, with a high near 56. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Rain showers likely between 8pm and 2am, then rain, possibly mixed with snow showers. Low around 35. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Sunday

Rain likely, possibly mixed with snow showers before 8am, then rain showers likely between 8am and 2pm, then rain and snow showers likely after 2pm. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Today is noteworthy as the 62nd anniversary of the JFK assassination in Dallas, Texas. For those who are interested in the assassination or are just history buffs, a visit to the former Texas School Book Depository should be put on one's "bucket list" of things to do. I visited it four years ago. 

The building now houses the Sixth Floor Museum with plenty of exhibits on the assassination, including the corner window that was Lee Harvey Oswald's sniper's next. 

For information on the Sixth Floor Museum, go here.

Top 25 Gun Magazines In 2025

At present, I subscribe to two firearms magazines: American Rifleman (comes with my NRA membership) and Guns & Ammo.

If I should happen to see a gun magazine I don't subscribe to that has interesting articles shown on its over, I may buy it. But that hasn't happened since I moved to New Mexico. Magazine racks are somewhat scarce around here except at Safeway and Albertson's supermarkets.

FeedSpot has posted a list of the top 25 gun magazines for 2025. 

They begin with:

The best Gun magazines from thousands of magazines on the web ranked by relevancy, authority, social media followers & freshness.

Here are 25 Best Gun Magazines you should follow in 2025.

To see what they are, go here. 

Poll: Have You Ever Eaten At A Waffle House?

Above, the Waffle House near the Albuquerque Sunport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last month, I stayed the night in Albuquerque near the Albuquerque Sunport as I had an early morning flight to Des Moines, Iowa.

While there, I ate at the local Waffle House near the airport. I went there for dinner and breakfast.

RV Travel has a poll asking, Have You Ever Eaten At A Waffle House?

It begins with:

Think back to your last road trip. Maybe it was late at night, maybe you were hungry, maybe the neon lights were calling… If there’s a Waffle House nearby, maybe we can always find you there. For today’s poll, we want to know: Have you ever eaten at a Waffle House?

For some of you, the answer is an easy yes. Waffle House is a roadside institution, especially in the South. Did you know there are more than 2,100 Waffle House locations across 25 states?

To read more and take part in the poll, go here. 

"Buying Alaska" Snippet

As previously mentioned, I stumbled upon Buying Alaska on the Roku Channel. I had never heard of this show before. 

In each episode, people are taken  potential homes or cabins by realtors in various places in Alaska. The places shown run the gamut from rundown shacks to million dollar mansions. 

I find the shows to be entertaining and informative.

Here's a sample of one such episode:

Just Got Rain Today

Above, the front yard this evening. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, we didn't get any snow today in Jamestown, but we did get some rain. Even that is welcome.

I had to go to Thoreau (about 14 miles east) to pick up some groceries and have an early dinner at Lil's Cafe. On the way, I did get some snow shower pelting in Coolidge, but that only lasted a minute or so.

I understand that another storm is coming in on Saturday. Maybe we'll get our first snow then. According to the National Weather Service, there's a 70% chance of rain/snow.