Huge Win For California Gun Owners

California liberals got their butts handed to them when a federal judge tossed a new law that was an act of defiance against the U.S. Supreme Court on the Second Amendment.

American Military News reported:

U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney blocked a new California gun control law Wednesday that would have prevented lawful gun owners from carrying concealed weapons in 26 places, including churches, public parks, and playgrounds.

In his ruling announced on Wednesday, Carney described the California gun control law as a violation of the Second Amendment and an act of defiance against the United States Supreme Court.

The restrictive gun control law was signed by California’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in September. After the law was signed, the California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA) submitted a lawsuit to prevent the legislation from being enforced.

To read more, go here. 

RFK Jr. On The Colorado Supreme Court

 

Ready To Go, But...

Everything's ready to go for tomorrow's skeet shoot in Lake Havasu. That is, unless the weather does not want to cooperate.

We're supposed to get rain today, tonight and maybe tomorrow. That would not be good enough weather to attempt to go shooting. 

Rains Coming?

Above, Sierra this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Heavy Rainfall for Portions of the Southwest; Accumulating Snow for Southern Rockies; Above Normal Temperatures for the East 

It looks like we may be in for some heavy rains in Lake Havasu today. The above headline was from the National Weather Service this morning.

This is the forecast for Lake Havasu:

Overnight

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 61. Light east wind.

Friday

Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 62. East southeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Friday Night

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Steady temperature around 62. North northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Saturday

A chance of showers before 9am, then a slight chance of showers after 11am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 52. Light and variable wind becoming north around 6 mph after midnight.

Hopefully, it won't be raining tomorrow morning when we are supposed to do some skeet shooting. We shall see.

Made It To Havasu

Above, the painting I gave Mitch for his birthday two months ago painted by Asya.

Yesterday, I made it to Lake Havasu, Arizona for the Christmas weekend.

I got into town around 2:00 in the afternoon. I took my time during the drive as it was foggy along the route on Interstate 40, particularly in the Flagstaff area. Other than that, it was an uneventful drive. I made two stops for coffee. One at the Navajo travel center about 40 miles from the New Mexico border and the other at the travel center of Twin Arrows Casino Hotel. I also stopped at a gas station in Seligman for some munchies. 

Above, last night at dinner at The Chair. Note the London Bridge in the background.

I set up the motorhome at my friend Mitch's driveway and we went out to dinner at The Chair restaurant and cantina (formerly known as Blue Chair, but the name was changed due to legal issues) near the London Bridge at the English village. They have good food (I had two fish tacos).

Today will be spent relaxing.

Saturday Rain Forecast For Lake Havasu

Above, the skeet range in Lake Havasu in October. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like we'll be able to do some skeet shooting Saturday morning in Lake Havasu, Arizona.

It is expected to rain there, but mainly during the afternoon. Since the group Mitch Geriminsky shoots with heads out to the range in the morning, it will probably be okay.

From the National Weather Service:

Saturday

Showers likely, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming south southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly clear, with a low around 52.

I am looking forward to use my new Remington shotgun. I have already fired it so I know what to expect. 

Rain, Snow This Weekend

Above, the mesas covered in snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like much of New Mexico will have a white Christmas.

It rained here this afternoon, but that will be tapering off overnight. However, a stronger storm will moving Friday and over the weekend.

According to KRQE:

Rain showers continue to move across New Mexico through Wednesday evening, but will wrap up overnight. A larger storm will bring more widespread rain and snow heading into the weekend.

A broad area of rain is moving across New Mexico Wednesday. The clouds are keeping temperatures a few degrees cooler today too. Snow levels are sitting high though, around 9,500′ today. The rain and mountain snow will continue to push north and east this evening, eventually moving out of the state by early Thursday morning. A quick ridge of high pressure will bring sunnier and drier weather on Thursday, along with warmer temperatures.

Friday morning will be quiet across New Mexico, but our next storm system starts moving in by the afternoon. Rain and mountain snow will begin pushing into western parts of the state Friday afternoon and continue to move eastward into Friday evening. Rain and mountain snow will become more widespread Friday night through Saturday morning, with snow levels dropping across western and northern parts of the state.  

To read more, go here. 

Getting Ready

Above, after getting The Beast out of the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With a 40° temperature and rain outside, I got The Beast out of the GOCO Beast Barn to prepare it for the trip to Lake Havasu for Christmas weekend.

The original plan was to leave Friday, but there will likely be snowstorms through Flagstaff and I don't trust the other drivers, particularly truckers, through that area. So I will be heading out tomorrow instead.

I was debating on whether or not to bring Sierra, but decided to bring her along.

Northern Arizona Christmas Weekend Weather

 

The above indicates that rain and snow will be hitting northern Arizona this weekend, when I am supposed be going to Lake Havasu for Christmas. It is from the Flagstaff office of the National Weather Service.

I am keeping a close watch. I am most concerned about driving conditions in the Flagstaff area. Its elevation is 7,000 feet. High elevations snow is expected there on Friday.

According to the National Weather Service:

Thursday

Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Light east wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 17 mph.

Thursday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Southeast wind 3 to 5 mph.

Friday

Showers. High near 42. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

I may go a day earlier which the above indicates a "dry period". 

Lake Havasu itself may see showers over the weekend.

White House Directs States To Crack Down On Second Amendment Rights

It is a given that the Biden Administration is anti-Second Amendment and is willing to do anything to curtail our rights.

Now, they are pressuring Democrat-led states to take action on the state level to further infringe on our rights where they failed on the federal level.

NRA-ILA has posted an article on what all that entails.

They start it with:

Recently, we reported on the establishment of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, an effort by the Biden Administration to funnel taxpayer dollars to the partisan project of gun control. Whatever else can be said of the office, it is at least trying to justify its existence by staying busy, to the detriment of law-abiding gun owners. Last week the office convened a meeting with democrat state legislators in an effort to dragoon them into enacting anti-gun policies that have failed to gain traction at the federal level. Even the U.S. Justice Department – supposedly the executive’s guarantor of civil rights – is now drafting constitutionally dubious “model legislation” that states can use to crack down on gun owners.  The effort shows Biden’s weaponization of government for political purposes continues to sink to new lows.

White House propaganda characterized this meeting as part of the “Biden-Harris Administration’s Safer States Initiative.” The details of the initiative can be found in a brochure that lists various actions the White House wants states to take to promote the administration’s goal of normalizing persecution of gun owners. The general thrust of the “initiative” seems to be that anti-gun officials can turn back the U.S. Supreme Court’s development of Second Amendment doctrine and the public’s increasing embrace of the right to keep and bear arms by mass, coordinated action in the opposite direction.

The outline of the administration’s plan for state action is follows:

1.  “Establish a State Office of Gun Violence Prevention”;
2.  “Invest in Evidence-informed Solutions to Prevent and Respond to Gun Violence”;
3.  “Strengthen Support for Survivors and Victims of Gun Violence”;
4.  “Reinforce Responsible Gun Ownership”;
5.  “Strengthen Gun Background Checks”; and
6.  “Hold the Gun Industry Accountable”.

The outline paints a picture of obvious gun control euphemisms interspersed with potential efforts at problem solving. But the details of the plan paint a different story, one replete with the same unconstitutional, failed, or – at best – unproven policies the firearm prohibition lobby has pursued for decades. Little of it has anything to do with crime or safety. Instead, most of it is squarely focused on making life more difficult for anyone who would dare own a gun or operate a firearm-related business.

To read the full article, go here. 

NRA Whittington Center

Above, this year's sticker for donating. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Even though we're six days away from Christmas, our group in Jamestown has been discussing a possible spring or summer trek to the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico for some target shooting.

The NRA Whittington Center is 350 miles from Jamestown. 

According to the NRA Whittington Center website:

The NRA Whittington Center is unlike any place on earth. More than 33,300 acres and 25 ranges are devoted to shooting for any kind of discipline. Plus, we offer exceptional guided and unguided hunts, expert firearms training, lodging, cabins and camping, youth programs, a museum, a Pro Shop, and much more.

Those of us who have RVs (three of us do), we can camp in their campground. Those who don't have an RV, they have cabins available. It looks to be a great place to spend a few days and do some shooting.

I will be contacting them for more information. I have been a donor to the NRA Whittington Center for the past two years. 

For more information, go here.

New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence Under Sheriff Investigation

New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence could be in deep doo-doo over their gun buy-back and other activities.

The sheriff of San Juan County has begun an investigtion. 

The Piñon Post reported:

San Juan County, NM – In a bid to ensure adherence to state and federal laws governing firearm transactions, Sheriff Shane Ferrari has initiated an investigation into the activities of the “New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence” group led by far-left anti-gun activist Miranda Viscoli. 

The focus of the inquiry is centered on the group’s gun buyback program, specifically evaluating its compliance with New Mexico State Law 30-7-7.1, which pertains to the “Unlawful sale of a firearm without a background check.”

Addressing the media, Sheriff Ferrari emphasized the importance of transparency and clarified the motive behind the investigation. “Before it comes out in the media and gets twisted one way or another, I want to inform you that I am investigating San Juan County citizens’ complaints on ‘New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence’ gun buyback program not complying with New Mexico State Law 30-7-7.1 ‘Unlawful sale of a firearm without a background check.’”

To read more, go here. 

Longtime L.A. DJ Jim Ladd Dies At 75

Above, Jim Ladd.

If one grew up in Los Angeles during the years of "underground radio" and "progressive rock radio", a huge piece of that youth is now gone.

DJ Jim Ladd died yesterday at age 75 from a sudden heart attack.

Ladd was a practicioner of "freeform" radio and played what he wanted thematically, not some pre-programmed canned junk station "suits" wanted. He was a popular DJ on stations KMET and KLOS.

I enjoyed listening to his radio shows during my work night shifts, particularly when he played sets of The Doors and had Doors' keyboardist Ray Manzarak on as a guest.

Deadline reported:

Jim Ladd, the longtime Los Angeles FM deejay known as “The Lonesome L.A. Cowboy” who had hosted a SiriusXM show for 12 years and was the inspiration for Tom Petty‘s album The Last DJ, died Saturday of a heart attack at his L.A. home. He was 75.

His death was announced today by fellow veteran DJ Meg Griffin, who hosted Ladd’s Deep Tracks show in his place today. Griffin said his wife Helene Lodge-Ladd had asked her to announce the news at the start of his show that aired live weekdays from 2-6 p.m. PT. It was Ladd’s first national program.

“I am so sorry for the shock that just hit you as you are listening right now,” Griffin told listeners. “He never stopped caring. He delivered the truth. He lived for the music.”

To read more, go here.

NM Anti-Gun Group Flouting Law They Advocated

The wacko ultra-left group, New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence (NMPGV), who has one of the most idiotic radio ads telling people to "store firearms unloaded and secured with effective, child-resistant gun locks in a locked container out of the reach and sight of children.  Store ammunition in a locked place that is separate from the firearm."

Well, if some home invaders decide to target your home, having your guns unloaded and locked up with ammo stored in a separate locked place won't protect you or your family. What will you do? Tell the home invaders to "old on a minute so I can get my gun out and load it"?

Now, it appears they are flouting the law they had advocated.

From Piñon Post:

In a post made on X, formerly Twitter, the anti-gun group New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence (NMPGV), run by Democrats’ anti-gun darling Miranda Viscoli, announced in so many words that it was breaking the law — then kept on digging itself in a hole when challenged.

“Pictured are unwanted firearms from one household in Farmington, NM.  Our gun buyback was [canceled] by the City, but local residents asked us to show up anyway. So, we spent today dismantling guns house by house,” wrote the group, with a photo accompanying the post. The post immediately sparked a fierce response.

“The @NMStatePolice should investigate a private party going door to door and sawing people’s guns in half without doing a background check as required for a transfer in New Mexico.  The @FBI and @ATFHQ (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) should also look into this since a private group does NOT have the ability to check NCIC to see if they are now in possession of a stolen firearm. So many crimes committed by this anti-gun group” posted state Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park).

To read the full article, go here. 

Doesn't Look Promising

Above, the gun range bag is all packed up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I packed my gun range bag for doing some skeet shooting this coming Saturday in Lake Havasu, Arizona.

However, that was before I checked the ten-day weather forecast with the National Weather Service last evening.

The route to Lake Havasu is on Interstate 40 which goes through Flagstaff. Therein lies the problem.

According to the National Weather Service, snow showers and rain are forecast in Flagstaff starting Tuesday through Saturday. Along with that, gusty winds are also forecast. The plan is to get on the road Friday in the motorhome, which appears to be the worst day with precipitation at 70%.

The Flagstaff forecast as of this morning:

Wednesday

A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 10am, then a slight chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday Night

A slight chance of rain showers before 8pm, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday

A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 10am, then a chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday

A chance of rain and snow showers before 10am, then rain showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. East wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

If the forecast holds, then I would have to spend Christmas at home. What is most concerning are semi-trucks in the Flagstaff area. There's a history of major snow-related accidents involving semi-trucks in the Flagstaff area. 

It is expected to snow on Friday in Jamestown. 

According to the National Weather Service:

Friday

A slight chance of snow showers before 8am, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers between 8am and 11am, then a chance of rain showers after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

I will be following the forecast over the next several days to see if there are any changes. 

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, we spotlight the 1980s band Scandal. 

From Wikipedia:

Scandal is an American rock band from the 1980s fronted by Patty Smyth. The band scored a hit in the United States with the song "The Warrior", which peaked at No. 7 in 1984.

Scandal was formed in New York City in 1981 by guitarist Zack Smith. The other initial members included: bassist Ivan Elias (1950–1995), guitarist Keith Mack, keyboardist Benjy King (1953–2012), drummer Frankie LaRocka (1954–2005) (later replaced by Thommy Price), and singer Patty Smyth. Bon Jovi lead singer Jon Bon Jovi also briefly played guitar for the band in 1983.

I couldn't decide whether to post their hit "The Warrior" or their other well-known song, "Goodbye To You" from 1982. So, I will post both videos.

I should note that singer Patty Smyth (now Mrs. John McEnroe) detests "The Warrior" video from what I've read.

Pro-Second Amendment Witness About California Gun Laws

Here's an interesting video on gun purchases by women, particularly black women.

At Wednesday's House Judiciary Committee hearing, Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) promoted the rights of women to own guns.

 

The .30-30 Winchester Cartridge

It is interesting that a bullet first created in the late 19th Century is still very populat among hunters and plnkers. 

There are still rifles being made that take the .30-30 Winchester cartridge by such manufacturers as Winchester, Marlin and Henry.

American Hunter takes a look at the .30-30 Winchester cartridge.

They begin with:

It was my first deer season, just barely sixteen years old, and I had sat still where my dad had put me from daybreak until 10 a.m., when I knew Grumpy Pants would come pick me up. I heard him walking down the logging road, and turned to express just how cold I was. To my great surprise, it wasn't dad, it was four does, just strolling along as if there wasn’t a care in the world. I also saw dad about 75 yards behind them; I motioned him to stop, and he indicated to me that I needed to shoot one of the does. I raised the Winchester Model 94 to shoulder, leveled the iron sights on the doe’s shoulder, and squeezed the trigger. My dad actually watched me take my first deer, and I'm really not sure which of us was prouder.

Three decades have passed since that small doe fell to my rifle, and dad and I have done a lot of hunting together, around the country as well as around the globe. Both of us took our first deer with a .30-30 Winchester, and both of us hold that cartridge in a special place. Thirty years after I took that deer, the .30-30 remains in the top ten of Federal’s sales, and new rifles are continually produced for the veteran cartridge. So, I pose to you: why would a cartridge from 1895 still be so popular in this modern era? We have all sorts of cartridges; fast ones, slow ones, fat ones, skinny ones, short ones, long ones, belted ones, rimmed ones and list goes on. Why would a short, slow, rimmed cartridge hang on the way the .30-30 Winchester has? There are several identifiable reasons.

To read more, go here. 

Kenpachiro Satsuma, 1947 - 2023

Above, Kenpachiro Satsuma and yours truly at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel for G-FEST 2000.

Sad news has been reported.

Heisei Godzilla suit actor Kenpachiro Satsuma has passed away today at age 76. He portrayed Godzilla from Return of Godzilla (1994) to Godzilla vs. Destroyah (1995).

 

I met Mr. Satsuma in 2000 at G-FEST 2000 at the Hollywood Roosevel Hotel. 

From Wikipedia:

Kenpachiro Satsuma (薩摩剣八郎, Satsuma Kenpachirō, May 27, 1947 – December 16, 2023), born Yasuaki Maeda (前田靖昭, Maeda Yasuaki) was a Japanese actor and stuntman who portrayed Godzilla in the Heisei films, from 1984 to 1995.

Born in Kagoshima Prefecture, Satsuma began his acting career in the 1960s with small roles in samurai films. In 1971 he was offered the role of the smog monster antagonist Hedorah in Godzilla vs. Hedorah, opposite Haruo Nakajima as Godzilla. He went on to play Gigan in two further Godzilla films. When Nakajima retired from the Godzilla role in 1972, substitutes were hired between 1973 and 1975 until Satsuma took over permanently in 1984. His portrayal took the character away from the humour of the character's portrayals over the past decades, returning to the more animalistic Godzilla persona of the original 1954 film.

While filming Godzilla movies, Satsuma would regularly pass out on the set due to lack of oxygen while wearing the poorly ventilated and rubber suits; this was especially a problem during production of Godzilla vs. Destoroyah, in which the steam effect on the suit (meant to represent Godzilla undergoing a nuclear meltdown) was achieved using pure carbon dioxide.

 

Above, two Godzillas, Kenpachiro Satsuma and Haruo Nakajima at the
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel for G-FEST 2000. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

7 Tips For Camping With A Cat

Above, Sierra in the motorhome at Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first camping trip in the motorhome for my cat Sierra was when she was about 8 months old. We went to Yosemite National Park. She took to it fine.

The only thing she did was howl for about 30 minutes after putting her inside. After that, nothing. She has the freedom to wander around. Usually, she just naps in my bed while we're driving.

She came along during my three-week trip to Metropolis, Illinois in November 2016. She was over year old by then and had been on several trips previously.

RV Travel has posted an article (with video) with seven tips for camping with a cat. 

They begin it with:

In the video below, we join Ashley, aka The Tennessee Wanderer, for some handy tips about camping with a cat. Ashley and her cat, Rupert, (and a dog too) travel in a tiny restored fiberglass U-Haul trailer. If she can make camping with a cat work in that tiny space, I think anyone can. In the video, she shares some things that worked for her and some that didn’t.

 To read more and view the video, go here.

Dinner At Fire Rock Navajo Casino

Above, last evening's dinner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening, I headed to Cheii Grill at the Fire Rock Navajo Casino outside of Gallup for dinner.

On Fridays, they have a special prime rib dinner. I've been meaning to go there to try it out, but one thing or another would crop up and I couldn't go. 

However, last evening I made it there.

Above, enjoying a glass of merlot with dinner.

I had the Friday night prime rib. It comes with a baked potato, corn on the cob and a dinner roll. I substituted broccoli for the corn and had a glass of merlot wine with it. 

While I was dining, a Navajo rock band began playing (not too loud, thank God). 

Above, the dinnertime entertainment. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After dinner, I wandered around the casino. The blackjack and craps tables were open, but the sole roulette table was closed. I might have played a few rounds of roulette had they been open. I suppose I saved some money.

The dinner was good, so I will likely go there again.

Unveiling the Left's Plans for Civil War 2024

Some interesting food for thought.

From The Patriot Nurse:

Unveiling the Left's Plans for Civil War 2024: How Will You Respond?

Join Patriot Nurse in this critical analysis shedding light on the looming storm heading into the 2024 presidential election in the United States. With recent events in Israel and Gaza rekindling BLM riots and familiar Marxist unrest, a concerning pattern emerges. This insightful discussion delves into the resurgence of chaos orchestrated by these forces and emphasizes the urgent need for preparation. Learn how to safeguard against potential chaos and brace for what may culminate in a civil war. Discover vital insights on how to protect yourself and your loved ones in these uncertain times.

 

Price Gains For Gold and Silver

Above, 2023 Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Silver's spot price has risen to above $24.00/toz. Gold has also seen gains this morning.

According to Kitco News:

(Kitco News) - Gold and silver prices are higher in early U.S. trading Friday. The gold and silver market bulls are still glowing in the aftermath of Wednesday's surprisingly dovish U.S. monetary policy stance by the Federal Reserve. The near-term technical postures for gold and silver have also become more bullish this week, inviting the chart-based speculators to the long sides. February gold was last up $13.10 at $2,058.00. March silver was last up $0.169 at $24.555.

Asian and European stock markets were mostly higher overnight. U.S. stock index futures are set to open modestly higher when the New York day session begins. The indexes are near this week's contract highs and highs for the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average set a record high Thursday.

To read more, go here. 

Gun Ownership in America Hits Record High

Above, Ron Peterson Firearms in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Despite efforts by Democrats to destroy the Second Amendment, more Americans are owning guns than ever before.

Ammoland reported:

In an unprecedented surge of gun ownership across the United States, a recent NBC News poll has revealed a wonderful statistic: more than half of American voters, a staggering 52%, report that they or someone in their household owns a gun.

This figure, the highest ever recorded in the history of the NBC News poll dating back to 1999, indicates a significant cultural shift in the American electorate’s attitude toward gun ownership​.

However, this trend isn’t just a flash in the pan. Over the past decade, there has been a consistent increase in gun ownership. Back in 2013, only 42% of Americans reported household gun ownership. This number jumped to 46% in 2019 and has now reached its current peak.​

To read more, go here.

24th Anniversary

Above, my dad and me in 1993.

Today marks 24 years since my dad passed away from lymphoma.

While it seems like only yesterday, 24 years is nearly a quarter century long. That will come next year.

I've noticed a couple of things since I retired. I think of my parents more often. Time seems to go faster after someone passes on. 

I still drive his 1989 Mustang. It was his last car. I have recently found things that he left behind: silver coins in a strongbox and guns in gun cases that I thought were empty. 

On the night he died, I was taking a nap before I had to go to work during the night shift. I suddenly awoke with a gasp. It turned out to be at the same time he passed. Minutes later, my mom called to tell me that he died. I have since read that others have had this happen to them. 

I will later pour myself an "adult beverage" and offer a toast to his memory. 

Essential RV Tools

Above, at Ventura Beach RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have had to make use of tools for minor problems such as tightening screws and other things. I keep a well-stocked tool box in my motorhome's storage compartment and a drill gun inside in a cabinet under the sink.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on what essential tooks every RV owner should carry. Most on the list I have.

They begin with:

Over the years, my family and I have become seasoned travelers in our RVs, encountering a myriad of leaks, malfunctions, and other challenges. Fortunately, the need for professional repairs has been a rarity. We’ve found a reliable educator in ‘YouTube University,’ where a few instructional videos equip us with the knowledge needed to tackle most issues. Armed with our essential toolkit, we’ve successfully resolved these problems ourselves.

Through numerous repairs on our RV journeys, we’ve honed our understanding of the essential tools needed for life on the road. Here’s a curated list of indispensable tools for any RV adventure. Keep these in your storage bay, and you’ll be well-equipped to handle most repair challenges that come your way during your travels.

To read more, go here. 

Today's Snow

The snow on the walkways was about an inch deep, if even that. Still, before it turns to ice (or, even worse, black ice), I went out and shoveled the walkways.

It is currently 32° outside.

I took a few photos while I was outside:

 

Miroku Firearms Mfg. Co. of Japan

It is ironic that the Japanese company Miroku Firearms Mfg. Co. manufactures firearms such as the Winchester 94 lever-action rifle. But the average Japanese citizen cannot own handguns or rifles.

I have been to Japan eight times over the years and it was only recently I learned about Miroku.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs:

Annotation

Japan's strict gun-control laws are unfair and oppressive; although some people assert that Japan's low crime rate is due to gun control, it is actually due to Japan's culture.

Abstract

Other than the police and the military, no one in Japan may purchase a handgun or a rifle. Hunters and target shooters may possess shotguns and airguns under strictly circumscribed conditions. The police check gun licensees' ammunition inventory to make sure there are no shells or pellets unaccounted for. 

Note: The above was published in 1992. However, nothing has changed since then.

From Miroku's website:

Miroku has come along with the history of Japan's hunting gun production.

The founding root of Miroku Firearms Mfg. Co. was 1893 (Meiji 26).

It is the starting point of the Miroku Group and is also the core of the gun business.

The country's No.1 hunting gun manufacturer "Miroku" started from here.

Their products have been praised by gun enthusiasts. They aren't cheap imported "Saturday night specials". 

Their product lines includes B.C. Miroku, Browning, Winchester and miroku OP.

To access the Miroku Firearms Mfg. Co. website, go here.