Shut-In Day

Above, the deck with its dusting of snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It wasn't much, but considering that the forecast was a 20% chance of snow or snow showers, we got a little dusting of snow today.

The temperatures didn't climb out of the 20s today and tonight is going to get down to single digits. Tomorrow is supposed to be clear and into (hopefully) the 40s.

Above, tonight's temperatures.

I spent most of the day listening to the radio and reading the Roswell UFO book. I decided not to shut off the holding tank heaters to The Beast to go down to the Flying J to check the mailbox. It can wait until tomorrow.

Above, the garage and front yard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sad news was reported today. Stan Lee passed away at age 95. The news was not totally unexpected as he had been ill for this past year. Still, 95 is a good run and it goes to show that keeping active and pursuing interests will give one a longer life span. R.I.P. I had been a panelist twice at his Comikaze Expos, but I never had the good fortune of meeting him.

As I am finishing this, the clouds are breaking up and the sun is coming out.

Snow Showers

Above, the yard is starting to turn white. Note the temperature is at 25°. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While reading the latest UFO/Roswell book, UFO Crash At Roswell, I glanced out the window and saw that it was snowing. It was actually light snow or snow showers.

So I grabbed by camera (always the shutter-bug) and snapped some photos.

High Today Will Be 27°

Above, the current temperature outside. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to The Weather Channel, it is not going to go above 27° today.

The chart below, it indicates that the highest it will get is 27°. Then at 5:00 PM, the temperature starts dropping to 25° and then down into the teens.

6 Best Presidential Presidential Libraries and Museums

Above, the main lobby of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

History has always been one of my passions. When traveling, I generally look for places of historial significance.

Do It Yourself RV has an interesting article on six best places of presidential interest. Some are presidential libraries and museums and some are homes. Of the six items listed, I've been to three of them.

You don't need an RV to go to any of them, but it sure does help having one!

They begin their article with:

One of the greatest things about traveling the country—whether in an RV or otherwise—is the opportunity to see all of the amazing historic sites our nation has to offer. Sure, our country may be young. However, we’ve had a lot going on in our short history, and it is fascinating to witness the sites where incredible historic events took place. 

My family and I love exploring historic places and history museums of all kinds. We’re especially fond of two types of historic learning opportunities: living history museums and presidential sites. Today we’re going to talk about the latter. 

From libraries and homes to museums and national parks, there are dozens of super cool presidential sites across the US. These are all awesome ways to look back on some of the most influential people in our country’s history.  The give us a chance to learn more about how they thought and what they believed. 

Of course, some of the historic sites are better than others. Therefore, if you have only a limited amount of time, you will need to pick and choose. Below I’ve compiled a list of our top 6 favorite presidential sites in the US. If you’re limited on time, pick one of these and rest easy knowing you absolutely cannot go wrong with any option on this list.

Above, Air Force One at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Lake Havasu Events

Above, a Lake Havasu sunset. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Three events are coming up at Lake Havasu, Arizona in a couple of months that are of interest to RVers.

One of the more interesting is Buses By The Bridge, where vintage Volkswagen bus campers gather for a rally.

RV Life has an article of this and two other events coming up in January-February.

They begin with:

Much like Quartzsite, Lake Havasu City in Western Arizona is a haven for snowbirds in the winter. This city along the Colorado River has year-round sunshine and endless ways to get outdoors. You can find lots of local shops to browse, restaurants to choose from, and RV resorts with 5-star amenities. The city also claims home to the iconic London Bridge, relocated from England, which now connects the mainland to an island on the river. 

The area hosts over 300 events throughout the year, including a few RV rallies coming up soon in Lake Havasu State Park. Make sure you add these events to your calendar for January-February 2019!

To see what the other two events are, go here. 

Woolsey Fire Donations

I received the following email from Los Angeles City Councilman Bob Blumenfield. If anyone is affected by the Woolsey Fire, it may be a help to you.

⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝

Armand -- The Woolsey Fire has continued to rage and our brave firefighters are doing everything they can to contain the fire and protect homes and lives. My team has been working closely with aid organizations and first responders on the ground to stay up-to-date with the status of the fire, and provide whatever is needed for those who had to evacuate their homes and for our firefighters and police who are on the front lines. When we alerted our community that I was opening our District Office as a temporary drop off and distribution center for donations, I didn’t know just how many folks would come. Over the last three days, our office has welcomed hundreds and hundreds of generous people who came from as far away as Fullerton, Marina Del Rey, Santa Clarita, and Simi Valley, as well as just down the street in my district. They brought thousands of donations and volunteered their time to help sort, organize and dispatch supplies to people and animals in need. Together we have collected tens of thousands of pounds of animal food, pallets upon pallets of diapers, hygiene products, energy bars, water and so much more. Thanks to many of your efforts, emergency shelters have what they need and we have successfully stocked and organized our emergency warehouses with additional supplies to meet the needs that develop over these next few days and weeks. For now, please stay safe. Red flag parking regulations will continue to be in effect. We will be regularly posting updates on my social media pages and so too will LAFD. Please do not bring us more donations at this time as we are at full capacity and have shifted our work towards organizing and shipping off supplies. If you would like to be of help, we have great partners looking for people to donate funds rather than goods to help out with the evacuation and recovery processes. This includes, LAFD Foundation Red Cross Los Angeles The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation Salvation Army California Wildfire Relief Fund United Way of Greater LA Disaster Relief Fund In recognition of Veterans Day, our office will be officially closed tomorrow, 11/12 and will reopen Tuesday, 11/13. My team and I will still be monitoring the shelters and doing other critical follow ups. I know this is a trying time and many of us are exhausted after these last few days, but we have never been stronger as a community. I am immensely proud of the community and honored to be your Councilmember. If my staff or I can be of help to you during this fire emergency or any time, please don’t hesitate to call my District Office at (818) 774-4330. Councilmember Bob Blumenfield http://blumenfield.lacity.org/

Winter RV Camping: Portable Space Heaters

Above, the Comfort Zone ceramic convection heater in The Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Three years ago, I was camping in Joshua Tree National Park. The nighttime temperatures dropped down into the 30s and I had to use my RV built-in propane heater to keep warm.

The heater, I found, kept me warm, but it was at a cost. It ate up propane and battery electric power (I was dry camping, so no hook-ups).

Above, The Beast at Goulding's Lodge Campground at Monument Valley. It got down into the 20s there,
but the ceramic convection heater I bought in Topeka, Kansas kept me warm. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A year later, I was camping at a RV resort in Topeka, Kansas and the temperatures there (and later at Monument Valley) dropped down to the 30s and below. Fortunately, I was near a Walmart in Topeka and bought a Comfort Zone ceramic convection heater for about $20. It worked great and I still use it. In fact, I bought two more of them for the house (one for my bedroom and one for the living room or den). They arrived in the mail yesterday.

As it happens, Do It Yourself RV has an article on three types of space heaters that will make winter camping much more comfortable.

They begin with:

Don't get left out in the cold this winter! Stay warm and cozy in your RV with these three portable space heaters that are guaranteed to take the chill out. 

The cold hard fact is that RVs and winter weather are not ideal companions. With little insulation and plenty of opportunities for chilly air to leak in, it can be difficult to keep an RV comfortably warm when the temperatures drop. That’s where portable space heaters come in handy. 

No matter how many times you vow to “follow the warm weather” while RVing, the truth is that you’re going to run into cold weather eventually. 

It could be a freak cold snap, the necessity of traveling through cold northern states to get to warmer states, camping at high elevations where the nights are almost always cold, living in your RV while working in a cold climate, camping in the spring and fall when temperatures go up and down—or maybe you just like to spend time in colder places.

To read more, go here.

Hawaii On Pace To 10 Million Visitors

Above, a hilltop view of Diamond Head and the hotels of Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Despite setbacks from a hurricane, storms and volcanic eruptions, Hawaii is on pace to set a new record in visitors.

Travel Weekly reported:

Despite numerous bumps in the road in 2018 that could have derailed Hawaii's momentum, the state appears on track to surpass 10 million annual visitors for the first time. 

According to recently released data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Aloha State has welcomed nearly 7.5 million visitors through the first three quarters of the year, a 6.5% increase over the same period in 2017. If year-over-year figures were to remain flat over the final quarter, the state would hit nearly 9.9 million visitors, a record, based on arrivals for the final three months of 2017. If the trend of more than 6% growth in visitation continues through the end of the year, the projected total would be over 10 million. Visitor spending is also up through the first three quarters of 2018, reaching a total of $13.62 billion, a roughly 10% increase.

To read more, go here. 

Elvis Presley To Be Awarded Medal of Freedom By President Trump

Above, President Nixon and Elvis Presley in the Oval Office in 1971. White House photo.

Elvis Presley will be among those who will be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Trump.

Deadline Hollywood reported:

The White House announced Sunday the seven individuals who will be honored by Donald Trump with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The honorees include icon Elvis Presley, baseball legend Babe Ruth, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, NFL hall of famer Roger Staubach, Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan C. Page, Senator Orrin G. Hatch, and doctor and humanitarian Miriam Adelson. They will be honored by Trump on November 16.

To read more, go here. 

Democrats Plan To Keep Ruth Bader Ginsburg Alive

Ruth VADER Ginsburg is what they mean.

Here We Go Again!

Above, the temperature a few minutes ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Another day, but still the same cold temperatures are in Jamestown, New Mexico.

I took a gander at my yard thermometer a little while ago and it reads about 25° outside. This cold snap is expected to be the norm for the next few days. At least I'm not in eastern New Mexico as winter snow warnings have been issued. The western part of the state is dry, at least for now.

A neighbor had a photo taken a year ago posted showing clear skies, the mesas and his barbecue with a couple of steaks on the grill. It was obviously a much warmer day than this year.

Roswell Alien Amber Ale

While waiting for my flight at the Albuquerque International Sunport, I decided to relax over an ale at the Rio Grande Brew Pub & Grill in the airport's terminal.

Above, my plane at the gate at the Albuquerque Int. Sunport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I spotted the draft beer spigot dispenser handle for Roswell Alien Amber Ale by the Sierra Blanca Brewing Company (Rio Grande) in Moriarty, NM, so I decided to try it.

I have to say that the ale is a very good one.

Above, the draft beer spigots. Roswell Alien Amber Ale is easy to spot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's a little about the Roswell Alien Amber Ale:

The Roswell Alien Amber Ale was first brewed in 1997 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the alleged UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico (at this time, Sierra Blanca was located in Carrizozo, New Mexico, about 70 miles from Roswell). The brewery uses nine different types of barley to create this smooth, malty ale and it has become the most popular of Sierra Blanca’s offerings. From its full mouthfeel and biscuity flavor, to its rich, creamy texture, the Roswell Alien Amber is a refreshing, sessionable beer you’re sure to enjoy!

If you happen to be in New Mexico, give Roswell Alien Amber Ale a try!

Aerial Views Near Las Vegas

Above, in the distance (the bright light) is the Ivanpah solar generating plant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While flying to Las Vegas McCarran Airport, I saw a couple of interesting things.

First, in the distance, was a view of the Ivanpah (CA) Solar Electric Generating System's solar thermal plant across the California-Nevada border near Primm, Nevada.

Above and below, this may (or may not) be Mt. Potosi. It
is part of this mountain range. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Next, was the mountain range to the west of Las Vegas. One of the peaks is Mt. Potosi, where actress Carole Lombard and 21 others aboard a TWA DC-3 were killed when the plane slammed into the mountain in January 1942 after take-off. (An interesting book on the crash, Fireball, is one I recommend.)

I don't know if we passed over or next to Mt. Potosi, but I took photos of what may be the peak. It was the highest peak in the general area. Mt. Potosi is about 8,000 feet high.

My Poor Mini Jade

This morning, I discovered that the subfreezing temperatures damaged my mini jade plant that I keep on the deck outside.

After reading about what to do with plants damaged by subfreezing temperatures, I bought it inside where it will stay to revive. I placed it where it will get lots of light. Since it wasn't totally damaged, it should recover. Once we get back into the warmer months, it will go back out (if it has healed).

According to SF Gate:

Tropical and subtropical plants such as jade plant (Crassula argentea) don't possess the tolerance to survive extreme temperature drops, and suffer severe injury and even death if exposed to a hard frost. Jade plant grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, where it requires daytime temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and nighttime temperatures between 50 and 55 degrees. The survivability of a jade plant left outside during an unexpected frost largely depends on the duration of exposure to freezing temperatures. Exercise patience and care when helping a frost-injured jade plant. 

If desired, you can leave the damaged jade plant parts untouched, allowing them to fall off naturally after the plant heals. This is actually the preferred method of frost damage care for outdoor plants because the damaged plant material provides protection to the rest of the plant.

To read more, go here. 

"Godzilla vs. Kong" Starts Production This Week

Godzilla vs. Kong is beginning production this week, according to an article from Pursue News.

They wrote:

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures’ Godzilla vs. Kong director Adam Wingard has confirmed production on the film will officially begin this week in Atlanta. 

Wingard took it to his private Instagram account to announce the production start through a storyboard picture featuring Godzilla’s befuddled reaction. He mentioned that filming will finally begin this week after a year’s worth of pre-production. 

Interestingly, in another post, Wingard revealed that the fan-favorite Kong will be getting a slight upgrade in Godzilla vs. Kong. He shared a teaser photo showing a sketch of Kong with a warning that reads “DANGER AREA OFF LIMITS.” Later on, Wingard left a comment on the picture hinting Kong’s makeover.

To read more, go here. 

Weren't We Supposed To Have Autumn First?

After getting up this morning, I headed to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee.

I stopped in the living room to take a look outside and check the temperature on my thermometer and this is what I saw:

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

It looks like I won't be going outside for a while.

Sean Connery At Hell's Kitchen

When I took this photo of Chef Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen Tuesday night, I didn't notice something about the shot.

The next day, we were driving by it again and I noticed Sean Connery as James Bond from Diamonds Are Forever (shot in Las Vegas in 1971, by the way). I checked my camera and there he was in the photo. It must be for a Diamonds Are Forever-themed game in Caesar's Palace.

Above, the full shot of Hell's Kitchen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a cropped enlargement of Sean Connery
 from the photo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last Day In Las Vegas

Above, the MGM Grand Hotel during our drive to the Wynn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My last day in Las Vegas was spent just doing stuff on whims.

First, we had breakfast at a Blueberry Hill Family Restaurant. For good food at reasonable prices, this is the place to go to.

Above, inside the Wynn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, we decided to go over to the Wynn hotel. It is one of the more exclusive hotels in Las Vegas and it is rather opulent in decor and casino (in regard to minimum bets). We wandered around for a while and then decided to head to downtown again to the Fremont Experience.

Above, the Wynn's casino. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Things were a little more mellow at Fremont Experience during the day. There wasn't as many wacky or scantily clad people there.

Above, Max and Mitch at the Wynn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We walked around a bit and then sat at the outdoor tables at Starbucks and just people-watched. While there, I decided to get my boots shined inside the next-door Golden Nugget.

Above, Christmas decorations at the Wynn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The shoe-shine guy told me he has worked there since 1961. He did a good job and while I was sitting there, a couple of people heading to the men's room gave me "Nice boots!" compliments.

Above, the Wynn's waterfall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After a while, I had to get over to the airport to catch my flight to Albuquerque (via Los Angeles). The days went by fast, but I had a good time.

Above, my boots after the shine. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I did manage to lose $70 gambling (roulette). But I am not complaining. I sat at the table for about an hour and had fun (minimum bets were $5). I started with $100 and left with $30. I even got a complimentary cocktail while there. One thing I learned ages ago: Don't gamble more than what one can afford to lose.

Above, Mitch clowning at Starbucks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Even Colder Weather: 13° Tonight!

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

Since I haven't been home for the past three days, I didn't check the weather forecasts for Jamestown.

Until now.

It is going to be quite cold this weekend.

According to the National Weather Service:

This AfternoonSunny, with a high near 49. North wind around 15 mph.
TonightMostly clear, with a low around 13. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight.
FridaySunny, with a high near 47. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 23. South wind around 5 mph.
SaturdaySunny, with a high near 53. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Saturday NightClear, with a low around 29.
Veterans DaySunny, with a high near 47.
Sunday NightMostly clear, with a low around 20.
MondaySunny, with a high near 40.
Monday NightMostly clear, with a low around 17.

Adam West Lives On As A Slot Machine

During our trip to Las Vegas, we visited several casinos. They included Wynn's, Binion's, Excalibur, and Golden Nugget.

Most of the slot machines were the same, no matter which casino we were at. I noticed that there were some with movie or television show themes such as The Godfather, The Walking Dead, Batman (Adam West version), Wonder Woman (Lynda Carter version), Big Bang Theory and others.

I managed to take photos of a couple of super-hero themed ones:

Above, the Adam West Batman slot machines at Binion's Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Lynda Carter Wonder Woman slot machines at Excalibur. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Dick's Last Resort, Las Vegas

Above, Mitch in his Dick's Last Resort hat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After resting up from our little trek to Hoover Dam on Tuesday, we went to Dick's Last Resort in the Excalibur Hotel.

Above, the utensil wrapper sleeve. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Until this trip to Las Vegas, I've never heard of Dick's Last Resort.

Above, Max ordering his dinner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's what Wikipedia says about it:

Dick's Last Resort is a bar and restaurant chain in The United States, known for its intentional employment of an obnoxious staff. The chain consists of seven restaurants. The restaurant has its origins in the owners' original opening of a "fine-dining" establishment. The establishment was a failure, which resulted in bankruptcy. Rather than continue with the upscale restaurant motif, the owners retooled their efforts and decided to "go sloppy". The end result was a success, leading to the creation of six additional locations.

Above, my hat as written by our waitress. 

Well, Dick's lived up to the above description and we gave as good as we got. It was a lot of fun and the food was good (which is a plus). I stayed to my diet, I had salmon.

Above, Max waiting for his dinner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more about Dick's Last Resort, go here. 

Roswell Readin' Material

Now that cold temperatures are upon us in New Mexico, I ordered a book to keep myself occupied while indoors.

It is the 1991 edition of UFO Crash At Roswell by Kevin D. Randle and Donald R. Schmitt. I heard about the book in a YouTube video on the Roswell crash and decided to order it.

The book arrived while I was in Las Vegas.

Above, Donald R. Schmitt at the International UFO Museum and
 Research Center in Roswell last July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.