Power Certainly Helps

Above, the front yard on February 7, 2024. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was nice to be able to wake up to having power to the house after two straight days of power outages. Both outages were due to downed power lines. 

After getting up this morning, I fired up the heater to take the morning chill out. It sure beats sitting in a cold house covered in blankets and waiting for the power to come on. 

The temperature is currently 21° outside. 

I may have to invest in either a wood-burning or pellet-burning stove for future winters. I have a propane heating system, but that relies on electricity to fire it up. 

This week brought two days of rain and snow. The snow total was around two inches altogether. Even though it is meager compared to past year's, at least the ground looks saturated. It sure is a fall cry compared to last winter. We're definitely in a drought.

This has been a dry winter, so far. Even Flagstaff, Arizona hasn't seen much snow this season. Until this past week, Flagstaff saw only just 5.9 inches since Oct. 1. Jamestown, New Mexico is at roughly the same elevation as Flagstaff. 

Our next chance for rain/snow is on Tuesday (30% chance). 

Power Outage 2

Above, in the den earlier this morning under candlelight.

For the second night in a row, we had a power outage. This time, it lasted 12 hours.

It started around 8:00 PM last night and the power only came on about a half hour ago. The power company only found the cause around 6:30 this morning.

Since 3:30, I stayed in the den under blankets with my cat Sierra. I am lucky to have a propane stove and was able to light it with a match to heat up coffee in a pan. Good thing I made a pot last evening. 

After the power came on, I fired up the heater to around 80° to take the chill out. 

By the way, it snowed a little overnight. We have about a half inch of snow on the ground.

Power Outage

Above, the den by candlelight.

Early this morning, I woke up at 1:30 and noticed that there was no power going to my bedside clock.

I got up and checked and found that we had a power outage. I checked my phone for the Jamestown Facebook group page and saw that the outage was community-wide. 

From what was posted, the outage started about an hour before.

I stayed up a bit and lit a couple of candles. So, for a while, the house was like the Old House in Dark Shadows. Barnabas Collins had no electricity installed at the Old House and he just relied on candles. 

Since the heater relied on electricity and it was cold, I went back to bed and got up about 45 minutes ago. I managed to heat up some coffee on the stove (with matches) and poured a cup. About 15 minutes later, the power came back on. 

From what the electric company told others in the community, the outage was due to downed lines and that a crew was headed out for the repairs. 

Level 1 EMERGENCY!! 🚨 14 STATES UNDER WARNING

I don't know how accurate this is, but my "honorary sister" sent this to me. 

As the Boy Scout Motto says, "Be Prepared!"

Monsoon Thunderstorm

Above, outside a few minutes ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I was in Fort Sumner during the last few days, it was forecast to have thundershowers. Well, we did get rain, but no lightning and thunder. It even rained during my drive home yesterday.

That wasn't the case in Jamestown. Overnight, we had some thunder and lightning. According to friends here, it affected the power and Internet. My power is on except for the bathrooms. Internet is working. 

We had some good downpours, enough so that they woke me up. The National Weather Service noted that "strong storms will also be possible Saturday in the Four Corners region." That's us.

According to the National Weather Service:

Overnight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday

Isolated showers before 9am, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 60. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday

Isolated showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday Night

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Is Your Motorhome Ready For An Emergency?

Above, the motorhome came in handy during a power outage that lasted hours. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Is your motorhome ready for an emergency?

That is the topic of an article in RV Travel. Fortunately for me, the only "emergency" I had was when the power went out when I lived in Tarzana, California for several hours. I migrated into the motorhome that I kept parked in my assigned parking space at my apartment complex.

I was able to make coffee and breakfast and relaxed inside until the power came back on. 

When I moved to New Mexico six years ago, I lived in the motorhome as I waited for the moving company to deliver my belongings. That took about 11 days.

I can easily see how motorhomes do come in handy as lifeboats during severe emergency situations. 

The RV Travel article begins with:

Most motorhome owners view their RV as a route to adventure—the open road—free to roam where and when they please. Some take a more practical view and see their RV as a full-time home, whether roaming or stationary. Likely few of us may have considered that our motorhomes are also an asset in the event of a major unforeseen event, such as a natural emergency or other unexpected forms of chaos and uncertainty. The pandemic changed a lot of thinking about preparation for the unexpected. Is your RV ready for an emergency?

To read more, go here. 

Staying Warm In An RV Without Electricity

Above, at Red Rock Park Campground near Gallup, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Only one time I had a problem in keeping warm in my motorhome. That was during an overnight stay at Joshua Tree National Park. I was dry camping with no hookups.

The night got frigid cold and I ran my motorhome's propane heater. That was actually the first time I used it. 

I had plenty of propane, but little did I know, it drew a lot of electricity from the battery and ran it completely down by morning. 

RV Life has an article on how to stay warm in case the RV park's electrical system should suffer a power outage. 

They begin it with:

Spending the winter in your camper can be fun, but you should always be prepared to endure cold weather.

Sure, RV walls offer protection from wind and snow. But drafts and poor insulation can make your vehicle quite chilly. You can run the heater, but unexpected power outages can force you to shut it down. Winter can be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared.

Don’t be a victim of a winter campground power outage. This article explains:

To read more, go here. 

New Mexico Utilities Forced To Buy Out-Of-State Power

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and her toadies on the Public Regulation Commission are trying to decimate New Mexico's utility companies, forcing them to buy out-of-state power. This is all under New Mexico's "Green New Deal" (Energy Transition Act).

This will turn into the same debacle as California's energy problems under Gov. Gavin Newsom. Citizens of New Mexico will have to endure brownouts and higher energy costs if they succeed.

The Piñon Post reported:

New Mexico’s Green New Deal (Energy Transition Act) is continuing to harm New Mexico by creating a vast power shortage. Utilities are buckling for a full-blown power catastrophe next summer as they are forced to “transition” to solar and other “renewable” energy sources. 

During a special Public Regulation Commission meeting Thursday, Public Service Co. of New Mexico (PNM) said it is being forced to PNM executives said the utility will fill “quite a hole” next summer due to “green” replacements taking longer to materialize as the San Juan Generating Station is set to close next week.

According to PNM spokesman Ray Sandoval, PNM “generally has a 2,000-megawatt system with about 500 megawatts provided by the San Juan Generating Station.” 

With the closure of the San Juan Generating Station, it has purged countless jobs, with only around 80 employees able to retire. “For the rest of the employees, though, they’re going to have to go find some other form of employment,” said plant manager Omni Warner. 

If Lujan Grisham is re-elected, she will be able to appoint more leftists to the Public Regulation Commission. 

To read more, go here.

Another Power Outage

Above, yours truly during the outage. It was more comfortable outside than indoors.

The oh-so-reliable Continental Divide Electric Co-op did it again, or at least their equipment did (or didn't).

At around 2:30 yesterday afternoon, we had another power outage that lasted hours. Some has said that thing kind of thing is to be "expected" in rural areas. I really don't buy that.

Above, Roger's campfire. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I was unable to start my propane stove unless I use match to light it, I decided to join Russell Azbill for dinner at Denny's at the Flying J. The Flying J has a separate power circuit and had power. I had Russell pick me up as I couldn't get the Mustang out of the garage as there was no power for the door opener and the threat of rain made using the Jeep not an option as it is not exactly the most waterproof vehicle I have.

We got to Denny's at about 4:45 and, minutes later, residents at out subdivision reported that power had been restored. So, we were able to return home and have power. 

Above, Roger and Victor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before the power went out, I couldn't get access to the Internet. I don't know if the two were related, but it wouldn't work on my phone or on my computer. I did get access while at Denny's through their WiFi. I joked to Russell that I should have gone to G-FEST (which was going on this weekend) so I wouldn't have to deal with this. (I am shooting for next year to attend G-FEST.) 

After getting home, Roger, one of my friends in Jamestown, invited the gang to his home for a relaxing campfire sit-down. I went up for a while. 

Hopefully, today will be problem-free. 

Rain and Power Outage

Above, during my check of Barking Spider Road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since around 11:00 last night until 9:41 this morning, the Jamestown, New Mexico area had been without power.

According to neighbors who contacted the power company, it was due to some problem at one of the substations. It was possibly caused by the rain we received over the past 12 hours, some of which were downpours (we needed those, anyway). We got about a half an inch of rain, according to friend Victor.

Above, we got a good soaking overnight and this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since it was not a good idea to open the refrigerator and I needed to take my meds with food, I headed down to Denny's at the Flying J for breakfast. They are on a different power grid than we are.

Anyway, the power is back on and we got some much needed rainfall. 

I checked Barking Spider Road to see if any of it was washed out and it made it through in fine shape.  

Happy Father's Day, everyone!

Power Outage: Doing Today What I Couldn't Do Yesterday

Above, doing today what I couldn't do yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to the five-hours power outage we had yesterday, I am getting stuff done today what I intended to do yesterday.

The outage affected Jamestown, Iyanbito and Church Rock, New Mexico.

The power outage began while I was in the shower. That was no big deal. But afterwards, I had to shave in somewhat darkened conditions. I couldn't use the Mustang since the garage door opener for it was inoperable. So I used the Jeep. The garage door on the Jeep side of the garage is opened manually.

The only thing different I had to do, since there was no power to use the microwave to heat coffee, I migrated for a while to The Beast and used its generator to power my coffeemaker (five-cup) inside. What was left after having a couple of cups, was to bring the rest to the house and whenever I wanted to heat some up, use the stove. Since that's a propane stove, with no power the electronic burner lighting system wouldn't start the burners. So I had to go "old school" and use a match.

Today, I am just about done doing laundry. After that, I will likely take the Jeep out for a drive. 

Power Restored To Tusayan and Grand Canyon

Above, Grand Canyon Village had its power restored early Saturday morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The winter storm that hit New Mexico on Friday knocked out power at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and the nearby town of Tusayan. Residents and visitors to those areas struggled to stay warm without power.

The good news is: power has been restored to both.

According to the Grand Canyon News:

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. — A Thanksgiving holiday storm dropped more than a foot of snow at the Grand Canyon, knocking out power overnight at the South Rim and the community of Tusayan. 

The town of Tusayan declared a state of emergency as residents and tourists scrambled to stay warm without power. 

The town of Tusayan has about 2,500 residents and hundreds of tourists were visiting the park over the holiday. 

The National Park Service said in a Twitter post that APS hoped to restore electricity by 6 p.m. Friday, but power was not restored until 1:45 a.m. Saturday.

To read more, go here. 

Grand Canyon South Rim Without Power

Above, Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim that is currently without power. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After watching several episodes of Dark Shadows (from the DVD Collection 9), I decided to check on what's happening. 

Even though I am a shut-in today due to the snowstorm we're currently experiencing, I glad that I am not at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

ABC 15 Arizona reported:

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, AZ — A winter storm knocked out power overnight at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, forcing residents and tourists alike to scramble to find heat. 

More than a foot of snow has fallen at the South Rim, where there are approximately 2,500 full-time residents. 

National Park Service spokeswoman Lily Daniels said APS hopes to restore electricity by 6 p.m. Friday.

To read more, go here. 

Flying J Still Closed...But They Have Power

Above, the main entrance to the Flying J this afternoon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As the old saying goes, "There's good news and there is bad news!"

The Flying J now has power (I saw the lights on in Denny's restaurant). That's the good news.

The bad news is: the Flying J (including Denny's) is still closed.

The reason: no water pressure. At least that's according to the signs on all of the doors.

Since the post office is inside, we have no access to our mail.

Lovely.

Not Working Out Too Well

Above, back home again. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

"This remodel isn't working out too well. First, it was the pipe break and now this!" - Me to the girls of Denny's.

We all went down to Denny's at the Flying J for our usual coffee/breakfast gathering this morning. But when we got there, we saw yellow tape around the gas pumps, a sign at the main entrance to the Flying J and Denny's was all dark.

The problem? No power.

The girls at Denny's said the power to the travel center went out around 7:00. So, they've been sitting around and waiting for the power to come back on.

We couldn't even get our mail. For safety reasons, no one is allowed in the store and post office. Most likely, the mail probably hasn't been sorted and put into the mail boxes.

Fortunately, we have power in our community. The Flying J must be on a different power grid. I did see blue sky to the west, so it looks like the front is about to move out of the area.

I guess we'll have to go back later. 

Power Outage

Above, an easterly view of I-40 from Fort Wingate Army Depot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last night, I ended up going to bed earlier than planned. We had a power outage in the area that lasted several hours. It started around 10:00.

One of the neighbors reported:

They're reporting the outage is in Gallup, Fort Wingate, Iyanbito, Jamestown, and Continental Divide. They dont know if it is a fuse or a pole is down. Technicians have been dispatched😥 They dont know the cause yet.

The power was back on when I woke up a little while ago. Of course, I had to re-set all my clocks.

What An Evening

Above, cooking beef kabobs in 106 degree heat.

Last evening was rather interesting.

My former roommate and current house guest Jessica and I were going to cook kabobs on the indoor grill for dinner.

About two or three minutes into cooking them, the grill element died. I think the grill was over 31 years old as it may have been a wedding present. So, having an appliance last 31 years is not too bad. I'll have to get another one this coming week.

This forced us to fire up the Weber barbecue outside. Unfortunately, it was 106­ degrees outside. Before firing up the barbecue, I started the generator to The Beast so I could run the air conditioner. After that, I then fired up the barbecue.

Dinner came out good with no problems. After dinner, we decided to head over to Baskin-Robbins 31 Flavors ice cream parlor (only a few blocks away) for some ice cream. While driving there, we saw a huge black plume of smoke coming from the Northridge area.

We arrived at the ice cream store and they had no power, the power went out about ten minutes before, they said. But the ice cream was still cold and they could take cash only due to the power outage. So we bought some ice cream and I checked my Google Chrome feature on my phone and found that a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Station in Northridge had an explosion and fire. In five minutes, the power came back on.

We headed home after eating the ice cream and settled down to watch the 1931 Universal Pictures Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi. Jes had never seen it before. Just when the movie got to the part of Renfield (Dwight Frye) being taken to Castle Dracula by coach, the power went out.

Even though it was around eight o'clock in the evening, it was still hot out. So, we migrated to The Beast and I fired up the generator again to run the air conditioner. The stay was short-lived as the power came back on in the area within 30 minutes.

So, we went back inside and resumed Dracula.

Power Outage and the New Percolator

Above, coffee all ready to drink. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning didn't start off too well.

At around 6:40 to 6:55, an area-wide power outage occurred. Naturally, nobody could reach the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power as the lines were busy.

The outage lasted over an hour. During that time, I got dressed and went to The Beast. I figured that this was a good time to try out the new Stanley percolator. So, I got it set and fired up the burner and made a pot of coffee.

I made a "best guess" on the amount of coffee grounds to put in. Since it is a 6-cup percolator, I figured three. It turned out that I was right as the finished coffee came out great!

Along with myself, our building manager joined me for a cup. He was grateful since he has a long drive to Norco, about 80 miles away.

At least I know the percolator works great and how much coffee grounds to put in. This will work out great while dry camping and at Clamp-outs.