Burned A Few Calories

Above, a "trail" to The Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while ago, I finished doing some snow shoveling. It was 20° out.

Part of the deck, the front yard walkways and a "trail" to The Beast got shoveled. That was a lot of snow. I took my time as I would get a little winded and I have to be careful as people have been known to suffer heart attacks while shoveling snow.

Above, the top portion of the big chunk of petrified
wood peeks out of the snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

But, the task is done. So all I have to do is to drive The Beast out (and hopefully not get stuck) and go to the Flying J.

Above, the "trail" from The Beast to the house. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yep, I burned a few calories doing this.

Digging Out

Above, The Beast yesterday during my walk. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today is going to be interesting.

Since I didn't go down to the Flying J to check my mail, I have to do so today (along with meeting up with the gang at Denny's). Since the storm of yesterday dumped almost a foot of snow, I am a little concerned that The Beast might get stuck while pulling out of the driveway. The residents further up the hill got around 15 inches yesterday.

That has never been a problem before, but the storm left the most snow since I've lived here.

Today is nice and clear out, but the temperature will be round 30° at most. It is around 18° now. I have to do some shoveling a little later.

Fingers crossed!

NM Luna County Now A "Second Amendment Sanctuary County"

More New Mexico counties are declaring that they are a "Second Amendment Sanctuary County"

The latest one is Luna County.

After The Storm

Finally, about an hour ago, the clouds over Jamestown started to break up and the snow stopped.

The storm moved to the east and now Albuquerque is getting it.

I went out and shoved a little bit on the deck so can get a good view of the mesas across the valley and photograph them.

Above, before heading outside, a shot of a relaxed Sierra. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a path shoved on the deck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the mesas across the valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the side yard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the driveway, Beast and mesas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

New Mexico Shooting Sports Association Bulletin

Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel "Manny" Gonzales has joined the majority of Sheriffs and NMSSA in opposing the Bloomberg backed gun bills. Sheriff Gonzales says "I do not support, aid nor condone any effort or legislation that will infringe the right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms" and now, we need the Bernalillo County Commission to listen! To date, they have not supported an effort that so many other New Mexico counties have already passed, making their county a sanctuary for the Second Amendment. The county commission of the state's largest county needs to listen to the people and their Sheriff: DO NOT INFRINGE ON OUR RIGHTS! Take action and tell the Bernalillo County Commission to follow the advise of Sheriff Gonzales: 1. Sign the Petition and share it with friends and family!    2. Call and email the County Commissioners:  District One: Debbie O' Malley  (505) 468-7027 District1@bernco.gov District Two: Stephen Michael Quezada  (505) 468-7448 District2@bernco.gov District Three: Maggie Heart Stebbins  (505) 468-7108 District3@bernco.gov District Four: Lonnie Talbert  (505) 468-7010 District4@bernco.gov District Five: Charlene Pyskoty  (505) 468-7212 District5@bernco.gov 3. Join the fight. Join NMSSA! We need your support to keep this fight going. We have accomplished so much with your help, but there is more work to be done.  They cannot ignore us if we present real facts, tell our stories of why the right to self protection is important to us, and if we are persistent in our efforts. Help make the difference by completing those three steps today! Onward, Zac Fort

Snow Walking

Above, the house and deck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I needed some exercise (plus, I was bored), I took a walk to the road in front of the property.

Walking in snow will definitely give one some cardio exercise. I came back a little winded.

It was about 9-10 inches deep in spots, but the average was around 7-8 inches. It will likely take a while for this snow to melt. It is too deep for me to attempt a drive to the Flying J to check the mailbox, so it'll have to wait until tomorrow.

Of course, I had my camera with me and here are some photos:

Above, the front of the house. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the snow-covered Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Larry's dog Neeko out in the yard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn and Barking Spider Acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Barking Spider Road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the house and GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the road and house. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

NM Roosevelt County A "Second Amendment Sanctuary County"

Another one!

Another New Mexico county has just declared itself a "Second Amendment Sanctuary County".

Getting Deeper...

The accumulation of snow is getting deeper.

To me, it looks like the snow on the ground is round 8 or 9 inches deep. I stepped out on the porch to take a few photos.

Larry, one of my neighbors, was out having a smoke and his chow, Neeko, was out in the yard. He said Walmart is closed until around noon and Home Depot finally got a truckload of wood pellets for pellet heaters last night. They were sold out a day ago.

Some of the "oldtimers" here say that this snow was like the "good 'ol days".

It was snowing while I was out on the porch.

Some photos:

Snow In West Hollywood

Fox 11 News reported:

LOS ANGELES (FOX 11) - Snow was reported around Los Angeles on Thursday in areas such as West Hollywood, Malibu, Northridge and Pasadena.  

According to the National Weather Service, there have been multiple reports of small hail, graupel, and even a few snowflakes down to around 1500`. NWS said that this is expected to continue through the afternoon then start winding down in the evening as the air mass stabilizes.

The Snowstorm Has Arrived

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

The pathways I shoveled two days ago (the snow was three inches deep) are now erased as the new storm has arrived in Jamestown, New Mexico and it continues to dump more snow.

Above, the side yard getting more snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This has been an unusual storm as it dumped snow (sometimes it stuck, sometimes it didn't) in areas in Southern California that don't usually get snow. Those areas include, Agoura, Malibu(!), West Hollywood, Fontana and other places. Even Las Vegas got some.

The Los Angeles Times reported:

Snow fell in Malibu, Pasadena, West Hollywood, Northridge, San Bernardino, Thousand Oaks and other unexpected places.

Above, today's snow map from AccuWeather.

It looks like I'll just be sticking around home today.

NM City of Estancia Now A "Second Amendment Sanctuary City"

Another New Mexico city has declared itself a "Second Amendment Sanctuary City".

From the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association:

The Town of Estancia also passed a resolution tonight to be a "Sanctuary" for our Second-Amendment rights! This momentum is incredible, we need everyone who lives in a county or municipality who hasn't passed one of these resolutions to call their elected officials and tell them to support our Second-Amendment rights!

NM Sandoval County A "Second Amendment Sanctuary County"

Another New Mexico County has joined the fight for Second Amendment rights.

From the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association:

Hundreds of Second-Amendment supporters showed up again tonight, this time to watch the Sandoval County Commission support the Second-Amendment!

New Mexico Enemy of Constitutional Rights: Joy Garrett

Democrat State Representative Joy Garrett (505) 986-4249 joy.garrett@nmlegis.gov from District 29 on Albuquerque's west side.

- Doesn't believe on due process before firearm confiscation, co-sponsor of HB83
- Voted to criminalize private firearm sales
- Took thousands from Michael Bloomberg

Source: New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

2 Kinds of Political Women

Bosque Farms (NM) Becomes A "Second Amendment Sanctuary City"

Now, New Mexico cities are starting to join in the fight for Second Amendment rights.

From the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association:

From State Representative Kelly Fajardo, Bosque Farms has become a "Sanctuary City" for the Second-Amendment!

NM Grant County New A "Second Amendment Sanctuary County"

Another New Mexico county has stepped forward for Second Amendment constitutional rights by declaring itself a "Second Amendment Sanctuary City".

That county is Grant County.

A Big One Is Coming...

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

It won't be too long before the latest winter storm hits northwest New Mexico.

The main body of the storm is now over Arizona, but it will get here.

The storm is dumping snow in Southern California in the San Gabriel Mountains and foothill communities such as Redlands, Fontana, Cajon Pass, Alta Loma and other places.

We're expected to get several inches of powder (see below) on top of what we already have (about 2-3 inches).

The Doppler map from AccuWeather now shows:

According to the National Weather Service:

This Afternoon

Snow showers likely. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. South wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Tonight

Snow showers. Low around 24. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Friday

Snow showers. High near 31. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Friday Night

A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 14. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

NM Catron County Now A "Second Amendment Sanctuary County"

"Flipping the bird at Santa Fe" continues as another New Mexico County has declared itself a "Second Amendment Sanctuary County".

This time it's Catron County!

NM Chaves County Now A "Second Amendment Sanctuary County"

Another New Mexico county has flipped the state legislature the bird by voting to declare as a "Second Amendment Sanctuary County".

This time it's Chaves County.

New Mexico Enemy of Constitutional Rights: Liz Thomson

Democrat State Representative Liz Thomson (505) 986-4425 liz.thomson@nmlegis.gov from District 24 in Albuquerque's Northeast Heights.

- Abused her position as committee chair to refuse to hear bills that focus on criminals instead of guns
- Voted to criminalize private firearm sales
- Voted to confiscate firearms without due process
- Voted for the "Criminal Protection Act"
- Took thousands from Michael Bloomberg

Source: New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

Nixon Meets Mao 47 Years Ago

Above, Mao Zedong greets President Nixon on February 21, 1972.

At the time, I was in my senior year at Hawthorne High School (he high school of the Beach Boys) when President Richard Nixon made his historic trip to China in 1972. 

Today marks 47 years since Nixon met Mao Zedong during the trip. Despite that, I remember it well. I had an Asian studies class at school, so this trip to China couldn't have been more timely. We followed the news as the trip unfolded.

Here's what the Nixon Foundation posted about the sudden meeting:

One of the most incredible moments in the presidency of Richard Nixon was his unanticipated meeting with Chairman Mao Zedong, barely four hours after his arrival in Beijing on February 21st, 1972. President Nixon wrote in his memoirs, “I was getting ready to take a shower when Kissinger burst in with the news that Chairman Mao wanted to meet me.” When White House Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler heard about the sudden meeting, he bit off half of his tangerine, peel and all, in shock. By modern standards, the circumstances of the meeting were somewhat intimidating: only three Americans, the President, Henry Kissinger, and National Security Advisor Winston Lord, were present, while Red Army soldiers stood guard outside. 

Chinese officials were also surprised at Mao’s sudden invitation, since he was in such poor health. According to translator Tang Wensheng, “Chairman Mao had been unconscious nine days before the meeting,” and as soon as the meeting ended, he “sank back feebly in his chair, with a big oxygen mask on his pale face.”  

The conversation, supposed to last only ten minutes, lasted sixty five. 

To read more, go here. 

New Mexico Counties Take Action Against Gun Control Bills

The Democrats took over the governor's office and the New Mexico legislature. Their victories were fueled by outside money by radical liberal groups and Michael Bloomberg.

That election, as it is said, has consequences and the Democrats are overreaching (as they usually do when they seize power) by trampling on constitutional rights in passing gun control bills.

However, the New Mexico Sheriffs' Association is having none of it and neither are many counties in the state. They are giving the Democrats a taste of their own medicine by declaring themselves "Second Amendment Sanctuary Counties".

The only counties not taking part are ones with metropolitan areas.

Why are they doing this? KOAT Action News has an article on the reasons.

They begin with:

CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. — Several counties in New Mexico are attempting to pass resolutions to become Second Amendment Sanctuary counties. 

The proposals come as several gun-control proposals make their way through the Legislature.  

Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace is on the board of the New Mexico Sheriffs’ Association. He, along with 28 other sheriffs, are trying to pass or have passed resolutions to not require their deputies to enforce the gun bills that are before state lawmakers. 

“We have 29 sheriffs stand up and speak in (the) Legislature, saying we don't support these bills. It's not what we want. They don't help us in our day-to-day jobs,” Mace said.
Mace said many of the proposals are unenforceable, unconstitutional and do not help protect the people in his community. 

“You simply cannot legislate the evil out of people's hearts and minds,” said Mace.  

According to the New Mexico Sheriffs’ Association, the 29 counties that are working to become Second Amendment Sanctuary counties or already have passed a resolution are:

• Catron County
• Chavez County
• Cibola County
• Colfax County
• Curry County
• De Baca County
• Eddy County
• Grant County
• Guadalupe County
• Harding County
• Hidalgo County
• Lea County
• Lincoln County
• Luna County
• McKinley County
• Mora County
• Otero County
• Quay County
• Rio Arriba County
• Roosevelt County
• San Miguel County
• San Juan County
• Sandoval County
• Sierra County
• Socorro County
• Taos County
• Torrance County
• Union County
• Valencia County

I live in McKinley County. Hopefully, the county commissioners will pass a "Second Amendment Sanctuary County" resolution there soon.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Cheapo: 10 Free Things To Do In Shibuya

Above, the famous statue of Hachikō at Shibuya Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fans of Japanese monster movies are familiar with the Shibuya section of Tokyo.

It had been featured in such movies as Gamera 3 (1999), Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000) and in the comedy, Lost In Translation (2003). Shibuya earned a spotlight page in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan on page 27.

Shibuya is known as the "mecca" of Tokyo's youth culture, but older folks can also enjoy hanging out there.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on ten free things one can do in Shibuya. But, if one wants to spend some yen while in the area, there are plenty of shops and eateries to choose from.

They begin with:

It may seem like this suburb only loves you for your money, with shiny shops and enticing restaurants beckoning from every nook and cranny. But it is possible to be in the ‘Buya without blowing big bucks. Here are 10 fun ideas for free things to do in Shibuya, so that you can enjoy an inexpensive jaunt to Tokyo’s youth mecca.

Above, a shop in Shibuya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

NM Hidalgo County A "Second Amendment Sanctuary County"

Just when I thought I could "hit the sack" for the night, news of another county in New Mexico that voted to declare itself a "Second Amendment Sanctuary County" came to my attention.

This time it's Hidalgo County.

RV Buying Tips On Finding The Right One

Above, The Beast at La Mesa RV.

When I bought "The Beast" (a 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R), I already narrowed my choices down weeks before.

I decided on Winnebago as they have one of the best reputations for RV manufacturing. Plus, I chose the size and layout ahead of time. The size was easy. At the time, I had a two-vehicle parking space at my Tarzana apartment and anything longer than 23 feet wouldn't allow me to park both the motorhome and my car.

When I decided on the make, model and color scheme, I checked all the local Winnebago dealers and none had what I wanted in stock. Then I took a look online at La Mesa RV in San Diego and they had exactly what I wanted. So, after negotiating on a price, I flew down and picked it up.

Above, the "shake-down" trip to Las Vegas. The Beast at Circus Circus RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Life has an article on "How To Find The Perfect RV". It depends upon what you want and what you consider to be "perfect".

They begin with:

If you have worn out a set of tires driving all over to attend RV shows, collected so many sales brochures that you had to hire a librarian to catalog them, and visited so many RV manufacturers websites that you can’t remember the difference between a Foretravel and a Forester, then you have analysis paralysis and I have a tip for you. 

There is no such thing as the perfect RV—it will always be a compromise. 

If you get one large enough to have all the features you want and storage to take everything with you, it will be too big for some campgrounds and the fuel mileage won’t be ideal. It may not fit your budget either. 

Conversely, if you get a smaller RV that’s easier to drive and park in rural campgrounds, you probably won’t be able to have the desired master bedroom suite, three 55” TVs, 100-gallon freshwater tank, and two bathrooms. 

So how do you decide which RV is right for you? Prioritize your needs into categories such as; “must haves”, “important”, “would be nice, but can survive without it”, etc.

To read more, go here. 

NM Valencia County Now A "Second Amendment Sanctuary County"

Another victory for Second Amendment rights was had today in New Mexico's Valencia County as the county's Board of Commissioners voted to make the county a "Second Amendment Sanctuary County".