4.1 Quake Hits Mount Taylor Area

Above, the blue dot marks where Jamestown is located.

Yesterday morning, while at my desk doing some blogging, I thought I felt a slight shaking sensation. That only lasted seconds before I dismissed it.

Later, I discovered that there was a 4.1 earthquake centered near Mount Taylor which is about 21 miles from Grants. 

Since Grants is about 44 miles from Jamestown, that is likely why the shaker was light. It was non-concerning since it was so light because, after all, I've experienced much worse with the Northridge Earthquake in 1994 being the most intense.

I go to Grants on occasion for doctor appointments or to Loeffler's Guns Etc.

Historically, the Grants area is known for volcanic activity, especially from Mount Taylor. There are lava formations along Interestate 40 just east of Grants.

I guess it was making this ex-Californian feel right at home.

Cardiologist Appointment Yesterday

Above, at El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant at Grants. 

Yesterday, I went to Grants (about 45 miles east) for my annual check-up with my cardiologist.

The drive wasn't bad. It did rain (a downpour) near Thoreau, but that only lasted a couple of minutes. 

At the doctors, I was weighed (149 lbs.) and had a cardiogram done. I also had my blood pressure checked (111/71). So far, so good. The doctor told me that he reviewed all the tests (lexiscan, stress test, etc.) I took last year and I came out better than expected and for my age. 

We decided that rather than coming in once every year, I would come in six months. This is nothing bad, but since I am getting older, it is best that I get examined so that if anything develops, we catch it earlier rather than later. He asked if this is a problem, I told him that since I am retired, it is fine with me. So, my next appointment will be in December. 

He noted that since I gave up cigarette smoking ten years ago, I am still alive and kicking. He said if I still smoked cigarettes, I would likely not be here. He wasn't concerned about the cigars. I told him I came down with bronchitis back then and used that as an opportunity to quit. 

Above, the chile relleno plate at El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in Grants. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We discussed my activities and showed him photos of the Jeep. I told him we have OHV roads in nearby Six Mile Canyon and I enjoy driving them. This is a lot better than sitting in a rocking chair.

After the exam and everything was done, I headed out to the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in town. It was a bit of an effort getting there as there was roadwork being done and I had to take numerous detours. 

One I got there, I had the chile relleno plate. Following dinner, I headed back to Jamestown. 

After getting home, we had a good downpour, which gave my trees a good soaking. We needed this. Monsoon season is definitely here. 

A Year Ago

Until Facebook told me, I didn't realize that it was a year ago yesterday that I went over to Grants to pick up my Winchester Model 12 12 gauge shotgun (made in 1919).

I ordered it through Guns.com and had them send it to Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants to pick up. I had to do this before the seven-day waiting period law went into effect the following month.

Despite its age, the shotgun still shoots fine. 

Here I am at Loeffler's last year picking it up:

 

Cardiac Tests

Above, a jackalope on display at the Bluewater Outpost. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I had to drive to Grants to have an echocardiogram done.

What's an echocardiogram? 

Basically:

 An echocardiogram, commonly referred to as an echo, is a non-invasive imaging test that uses ultrasound technology to create detailed pictures of the heart. It provides valuable information about the heart's structure, function, and blood flow. 

It didn't take long and since I got there early and another patient cancelled, I was out by my appointment time. 

It was just as well, with a storm approaching, I figured I would head back home before it hit. I intended to have dinner at Rosie's Cafe, but it was closed (they close at 2:00 PM). So I got on the road and stopped at Bowlin's Bluewater Outpost to get a burger at the Dairy Queen there. 

That didn't take too long and I was back on the road and home by 3:30. 

Two weeks from now, I have to go into Albuquerque and have a lexiscan done. 

What's a lexiscan?

This is it in a nutshell:

Lexiscan is a medication used in cardiac nuclear stress tests to simulate the effects of exercise on the heart. It is administered intravenously to dilate the coronary arteries and increase blood flow to the heart. This allows doctors to assess the heart's function and detect any potential blockages or abnormalities. 

Since it is a morning appointment, I will go into Albuquerque the day before and stay at an RV park and stay there for a night after the procedure.. I can't have anything with caffeine 12 hours before and can't eat during that time. Lovely.

More Snow Coming

It appears we may be getting more snow this week. I sure hope so, we definitely need it!

From KOAT Channel 7:

Gallup, Grants and Jamestown are in the dark blue area.

Annual Cardiologist Check-up

Above, at the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant on Thursday.

A couple of days ago, I had my annual check-up with my cardiologist.

He was pleased that I lost weight and am keeping active (I told him about last year's travels, including jet skiing in the Bahamas) and recreational Jeep drives.

Everything came out okay for the most part, but his only concern was the rise in my blood pressure. He said most of the time higher blood pressure comes with age.

So now, in addition to the medications that I have been taking for the past seven years, I also now have to take a blood pressure medication. He wants to see me in six months to see how that's working out. I picked up the medication yesterday and will start it this morning.

It was a longer doctor visit than I expected, so I didn't head over to Loeffler's Guns Etc. I went directly to the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in Grants. 

Grants Today

Above, Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today seems like today's weather will be decent enough for my drive to Grants today. I have an appointment with my cardiologist there for my annual check-up.

The temperature will be around 54° with 15 mph winds. 

Since it will be an afternoon appointment, I will likely have dinner at a Mexican restaurant, El Cafecito, in town. 

I may also stop in at Loeffler's Guns Etc. while in town to browse around. It is one of the better gun stores in the region.

Expected Snowfall

Fingers are crossed in New Mexico this week as a possible snowstorm will be moving into the state. The storm is expected to hit Wednesday-Thursday this week.

The map below from the National Weather Service shows how much snow is expected around the state. The Jamestown/Gallup area may see around 2.2 inches. Nearby Grants (about 35 miles east of Jamestown) will see a little higher amount at 2.7 inches.

As I've mentioned previously, this has been a dry winter and we can use the water.

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement:

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service Albuquerque NM

217 AM MST Mon Jan 27 2025

NMZ201>241-272200-

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-

217 AM MST Mon Jan 27 2025

...WINTER STORM TO BRING MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW TO PORTIONS OF

NORTHERN AND CENTRAL NM WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY...

A winter storm spreading over northern and central NM Wednesday is

expected to peak in coverage and intensity late Wednesday through

Wednesday night and Thursday morning, before exiting NM Thursday

night. Generalized snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches are favored

for areas along the Continental Divide and highlands adjacent to

the northern mountains. Higher amounts of 4 to 12 inches will

favor the northern mountains and highlands above 7,500 feet. Minor

to moderate impacts will result from this for these areas,

favoring the I-25 corridor from Raton to Santa Fe, northern

mountain passes and along I-40 through the Continental Divide and

central highlands east of Albuquerque. Currently a dusting to

couple of inches are favored within the Albuquerque metro area.

Little to to no snow is favored for lower elevation areas south of

U.S. Highway 60 including Socorro and Roswell.

There is still considerable room for the forecast to change

between now and Wednesday, specifically regarding snow amounts in

the middle elevations between 5,500 to 8,000 feet. This includes

Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Stay up-to-date on the latest forecast

information. Have alternative plans for travel and outdoor

activities to prepare for this period of inclement winter weather.

Winter safety and preparatory information and tips can be found

at https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-before.

Snow... Maybe?

Above, five years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is snowing east of Grants (around 50 miles east of Jamestown) in the Sky City/Dancing Eagle area.

The forecast for Jamestown by the National Weather Service:

Today

A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight

A slight chance of snow showers before 2am, then a chance of flurries after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 8. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Hope this pans out. We need the water. It is dry here.

UPDATE: 

IT'S NOW SNOWING!

Picked Up The Winchester Shotgun

Yesterday, the gunsmith called me and said the Winchester Model 12 shotgun was ready for pick-up.

As it turned out, there was nothing wrong with the shotgun itself, but as it is a take-down model, the two halves of it weren't connected right, particularly the magazine. 

When I got there, he explained everything in detail. Since I knew I wouldn't remember everything (thanks to my "advanced age"), I videoed it. 

Here's the video (maybe it will be of some help to others with the Model 12):

At The Gunsmith's

Above, the Winchester Model 12 shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday had me making a trek over to the gunsmith to see what's causing the shotgun shells from feeding into firing position with my Winchester Model 1912 shotgun. 

Right away, during an initial cursory look, they noticed an issue with the shell carrier. So it appears that I made the right decision to bring it in.

While there, I picked up a new Hoppe's gun cleaning kit. The ones I have date back to the 1980s and while I was cleaning my Winchester 94, a rod end broke off inside the barrel. I had to push it out from the other end. 

Things do get old, for sure.

Brought Home The Winchester 1912 Shotgun

Above, yours truly with the new acquisition at Loeffler's Guns.

This morning, I went to Grants, New Mexico to pick up my new (to me) Winchester Model 1912 12 gauge shotgun with a 30" barrel. 

While at the gun shop to transfer ownership, I looked online for the year of manufacture. By its serial number, the shotgun was made in 1919, 105 years ago.

Above, the Winchester Model 1912 shotgun with a 30" barrel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The bluing is mostly worn off, but it is otherwise in good condition. What would one expect for a shotgun over 100 years old? I will try it out either this coming Thursday or Friday.

By the way, for New Mexico residents, the 7-day waiting period for gun purchases goes into effect on May 15. If one wants to buy a gun and avoid the waiting period, now is the time to do so.

I picked up the below card at the gun store:

Afterwards, I went to Rosie's Mexican food in Grants for a chile relleno plate lunch:

Gallup Area Rodeo Season Just Months Away

Above, from the 2019 Gallup Lions Club Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The most enjoyable time living in New Mexico I have found is rodeo season. 

Since we're only a few months away from rodeo season in the Gallup, New Mexico area, I did some checking on the dates of them.

Above, from the 2019 Best of the Best Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some have not been scheduled as yet. The websites on rodeos in New Mexico have them listed as "TBA" (to be announced).

Some of the prominent ones are the Wild West Days Rodeo in Grants, which usually is held during Independence Day week; Wild Thing Championship Bull Riding; Lions Club Rodeo; Best of the Best Rodeo; and the high school and junior high school rodeos. 

Above, from the 2022 Wild Thing Championship Bull Riding. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial includes a rodeo and this year's will be held August 10-11 at the Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena. 

The Gallup Lions Club Rodeo is scheduled on June 14, 2024 - June 15, 2024 at Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena.

As more rodeos are scheduled, I will post them on this blog.

Cheaper Priced Gas In Albuquerque

Above, $2.89 for unleaded regular at Route 66 Casino Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One pleasant surprise during my trip to Albuquerque to see Godzilla Minus One was that gasoline prices were under $3.00/gallon for regular unleaded.

The prices ranged (that I saw) from $2.89 to $2.81. 

The travel center at Route 66 Casino Hotel off Interstate 40 priced theirs at $2.89/gallon. Prices for gasoline were under $3.00/gallon until (heading west) Grants. Then they were at $3.13/gallon.  

Picked Up The Winchester 1894

Above, the Winchester 1894 after I got home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

About a half hour ago, I returned home from Grants to pick up my Winchester 1894 from the gunsmith at Loeffler's Guns, Etc.

I received a call from them at around 10:00 this morning telling me that the rifle is ready for pick up. Since I had nothing else to do, I jumped in the car and headed over to Grants. 

Above, Loeffler's Guns, Etc. in Grants, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I got there, they told me that all it needed was to be disassembled and deep cleaned. No parts were needed. The cocking and hammer mechanisms are working just fine now. I'm glad they did the deep cleaning anyway, who knows when it last had a thorough cleaning.

It was a nice drive and I would use Loeffler's Guns, Etc. in the future.

Made It To Grants Yesterday

Above, Happy Thanksgiving.

It looks like Thanksgiving Day tomorrow will have some cool temperatures, around 53° and partly cloudy in Jamestown, New Mexico. We may get more rain and snow showers Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Today

Sunny, with a high near 53. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Thanksgiving Day

Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Light south wind becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday

A 40 percent chance of showers after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. South wind 15 to 20 mph.

Friday Night

A chance of rain showers before 11pm, then rain and snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday

Rain and snow showers likely, mainly before 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Yesterday was not too bad. It was around the 50s. 

I almost didn't go to Grants to drop off my Winchester 1894 rifle at a gunsmith. The Mustang wouldn't start. It might have been due to the freezing temperatures (in the 20s) causing any moisture in the fuel system to freeze. After coffee at Denny's, I got home and it fired up. The temperature was in the upper 40s by then.

Just in case it was due to the cold, I put in a bottle of Heet that dissipates moisture in fuel systems and cleans fuel injectors. I filled up the gas tank and headed to Grants. The Mustang ran fine during the 90-mile round-trip. I had to hold it back on Interstate 40 as it loves the open highway and the speed crept up into the 80s at times. This happens frequently since I got new tires and a wheel alignment. 

After the gunsmith, I went to the Grants Walmart and picked up a few things, including wine for Thanksgiving dinner at the Lucier's. 

3.8 Tremor Near Grants, New Mexico

USGS map.

Grants, New Mexico is about 35 miles east of Jamestown. It sustained an earthquake last evening.

From KRQE:

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – An earthquake was reported in New Mexico around 7 p.m. It was recorded as a 3.8 magnitude.

According to the US Geological Survey, an earthquake took place near Mount Taylor. A map coordinator showed the location is just over 20 miles northeast of Grants.

I had just gotten home about 45 minutes earlier, but I felt no shaking. 

Above, lava (right) as seen near Grants off Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Grants area has a history of volcanic activity with lava fields to east and south of town (from what I could see from Interstate 40). I guess this means that the faults are still active. 

To read more, go here. 

Governor-To-Be At The Flying J

Above, Mark Ronchetti making a purchase at the Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following out usual Saturday morning coffee/breakfast at Denny's in the Jamestown Flying J, I was heading over to the post office to check my mailbox when I ran into GOP gubernatorial nominee Mark Ronchetti. 

He was in line with his daughter at the checkout counter.

I walked up to him and said, "I know you! I have one of your signs in my front yard!" He gave me a big grin and thanked me. I told him, "Good luck!" and shook his hand before I was headed to the post office.

He had concluded a campaign event in Grants a little earlier this morning.

UPDATE (10/30/22):

After leaving the Flying J, Ronchetti attended campaign events in Gallup and Farmington. Those events were well-attended, judging from the photos of them posted on Twitter. Those events and the one earlier in Grants were part of his #RonchettiOnTheRoad RV Tour.

Fast Two Weeks

Above, Jessica at Kiva Café this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last two weeks when my former roommate Jessica was here went very fast. It probably due to us being busy going to Durango and Navajo Lake State Park. She left today for Iowa.

We headed to the Albuquerque Sunport this morning with a stop for breakfast at the Kiva Café in the Grants/Milan area. She enjoyed her meal (chocolate chip pancake) and I enjoyed my enchilada breakfast plate.

We got to the Sunport around 11:00 and she immediately checked in. After out goodbyes, I headed back to Jamestown around noon and reached home around 2:20.

After getting home, I went to get my mail and did some laundry.

It was an enjoyable two-week visit. She's looking forward to returning next summer.

Earthquake In Eddy County New Mexico

Yes, even New Mexico gets earthquakes on occasion. Some parts of the state has a history of volcanoes. Lava fields can be seen along Interstate 40 near Grants and Milan.

A 3.2 quake hit yesterday.

Volcano Discovery posted:

A magnitude 3.2 earthquake near Malaga, Eddy County, New Mexico, USA, was reported only 17 minutes ago by the United States Geological Survey, considered the key international and national agency that monitors seismic activity in the US. The earthquake occurred at a very shallow depth of 4.8 miles beneath the epicenter around noon on Thursday, July 28th, 2022, at 1:03 pm local time.

To read more, go here.