Gun Control Coming If Democrats Win The Arizona Legislature?

Above, yours truly at a Lake Havasu skeet range in December. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

When I was in Lake Havasu, Arizona in October and over the Christmas holiday, I noticed that the city has as many gun stores as the San Fernando Valley has nail salons. At least it seemed that way. While I was in Arizona in October, I bought a shotgun at a great price.

I don't know if it is true for the rest of the state, but the people of Lake Havasu City cherish their second amendment rights. 

Since this is an election year, the worry by some in Arizona is that should the Democrats gain control of the legislature, gun control will soon be shoved their throats. 

One Republican legislator from Prescott Valley is sounding the alarm. He fled Vietnam as a child, so he values the Second Amendment for good reason.

AZCentral has posted an article on what to expect if Democrats take control of the state legislature.

It begins with:

A Prescott Republican lawmaker warned over the weekend that Arizona could see a crackdown on guns should Democrats win control of the Legislature this fall.

He said it like that’s a bad thing.

Rep. Quang Nguyen was attending a gun rights rally on Saturday, just three days after gunmen transformed a Kansas City Chiefs victory parade into a shooting gallery, killing a mother of two and wounding 22 others, more than half of them children.

His comments came just a day after seven people were shot to death in Alabama, including four men at a neighborhood car wash …

… But just hours before two Minneapolis police officers and a firefighter were killed by a man who had barricaded himself inside his home with his wife and seven children.

"I'm telling you right now, if for some reason we lose the House and Senate and the Ninth Floor (Governor’s Office), I guarantee you, you wouldn't be able to walk around with your firearm," Nguyen said, during the 11th Annual Celebrate & Protect Second Amendment Rally at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza. "Your rights to keep and bear arms will be taken away from you in a flash."

To read more, go here. 

Firearms Disclosure Bill Introduced By CA Democrats

The Looney Left Report

As months and years go by, there isn't a time where I regret moving out of California. It has become a one-party state run by insane Democrats. 

They have just introduced a bill that would force homeowners and renters to disclose about the firearms they own.

The Gateway Pundit reported:

For years, California Democrats have been hostile to gun owners. California Democrats frequently attempt to erode Second Amendment rights in the state.

A bill in the Democrat-controlled California State Assembly that was introduced on February 16th, would force homeowners and renters to disclose information about firearms they own. Assembly member Mike Gipson, and State Senator Catherine Blakespear are the two leading California Democrat lawmakers pushing this legislation.

Section 2086 will be an addition to the Insurance Code pertaining to AB-3067.

The questions include information as to the number of firearms in the home, the method of storage, and how many firearms are stored in vehicles on the property. The questions include whether or not the firearms are in locked containers or not.

To read more, go here. 

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 have Barry McGuire and his 1965 hit, "Eve of Destruction". 

From Wikipedia:

Barry McGuire (born October 15, 1935) is an American singer-songwriter primarily known for his 1965 hit "Eve of Destruction". He later pioneered as a singer and songwriter of contemporary Christian music.

Now 88, McGuire is still active.

Green Chile Stew

For the second time, I am making some green chile stew. 

I got all the ingredients in at around 8:00 this morning in the slow cooker. It has been cooking all day. It should be done by around 3:00. It made enough for several meals.

I liked how it came out the last time I made it. 

Cancer Claims Another

Above, Jessica (center) and Mike Hobbie with a cousin two years ago.

Last September, I volunteered to help man an aid station for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Grit Series Marathons in Ridgway, Colorado. It was a fun event whose course took runners through locations used in True Grit (1969). 

After the event and just before leaving, I handed Ethan Wayne a donation to John Wayne Cancer Foundation in the names of Wellington Wilson and Mike Hobbie. Wellington Wilson was a friend since junior high school who passed away from leukemia in 2020. Mike Hobbie was then undergoing a battle with lung cancer during he time of the marathon and he appreciated the donation in his name. His daughter Jessica was my former roommate in Tarzana, California.

Above, Ethan Wayne and yours truly with my donation to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation last September.

Unfortunately, Mike's battle with lung cancer came to an end yesterday morning when he passed away from the disease in Des Moines, Iowa. He was 69.

To reach the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, go here.

Preserving RV Boondocking

Above, boondocking near Kingman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to irresponsible campers, areas in which people can boondock are being closed up.

According to RV Travel:

Boondockers prefer camping on public lands without hookups or amenities, moving from place to place. Boondocking is one of the best ways to experience America’s public lands’ natural beauty and diversity, from forests and deserts to mountains and lakes. It also saves money and fosters a sense of adventure and freedom.

However, boondocking is facing a serious challenge. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which manages more than 245 million acres of public lands in the United States, is systematically closing off boondocking access to many areas due to irresponsible and destructive behavior by some campers, like this popular area in Arizona. These thoughtless campers leave trash, overstay the posted limits, vandalize trails and installations, and damage wildlife habitats and the environment. These actions harm the natural resources, create safety and health hazards, increase maintenance costs, and erode public support for boondocking.

However, all is not lost just yet as a possible solution could save boondocking areas. 

A “New CCC”

I would offer a solution to this problem, one that could benefit boondockers, the BLM, and the public: The creation of a “New CCC,” a modern version of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that operated from 1933 to 1942 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The original CCC was a work relief program that gave millions of young men employment on infrastructure and environmental projects during the Great Depression. The CCC planted more than three billion trees, built trails and shelters, fought forest fires, and improved soil and water conservation on public lands. The CCC helped to shape the modern national and state park systems we enjoy today.

To read more, go here.

Truckers Staging Massive Protest In Response To Judge Engoron

The grotesque order of Judge Engoron of $364 million against former President Trump and sons Don Jr. and Eric are spurring truckers into action.

The Gateway Pundit reported:

Truckers to the rescue—again.

Truckers bravely exposed some of the worst COVID shutdowns in the world when they parked their trucks in Ottowa to protest the iron-fisted approach used against citizens by the Justin Trudeau regime. Truckers in the US showed solidarity for their Canadian neighbors and helped block shipping between the US and Canada in Detroit, Michigan. Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who was being considered for Joe Biden’s VP, quickly threatened arrest for truckers who dared to block the Ambassador Bridge.

American truckers are now reportedly threatening to stop deliveries into New York City over the grotesque $364 million judgment against President Trump and his sons Don Jr. and Eric by partisan hack Judge Engoron on Friday.

Aside from first responders, is there another profession in the United States that proudly wears patriotism on its sleeves like the American trucker?

An American trucker who goes by “Chicago Ray” had this to say in a video he shared on social media, where he explained why truckers across America are planning to stop delivering to NYC.

“I’ve been on the radio talking to drivers for the last hour and fifteen minutes, and I’ve talked to at least ten drivers going the other way. I’m heading down from South Wisconsin. And they’re [other truckers] gonna start refusing loads to New York City, starting on Monday for NYC. I talked to about three guys that I work with who texted the boss and told him they’re not going to New York City.

I don’t know how far across the country this is or how many truckers are gonna start denying loads to go to New York City, but I’ll tell you what—you f**k around and find out!”

Okay? We’re tired of you motherf**kin’ leftists f**king around with Donald Trump.

To read more, go here. 

Train Routes Showing Off The Scenic American Backcountry

Above, the Southwest Chief arrives at Gallup Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One mode of travel that I've always found enjoyable and that is train travel.

Whether it is a steam locomotive in San Juan Mountains of Colorado or a cross-country ride aboard the Southwest Chief or a high speed Shinkansen in Japan, they all have been enjoyable.

TheTravel has an article on ten train routes showing off the scenic American backcountry.

They begin with:

Is there anything not to love about train travel? Think about it. The whistles from the steam engines, clickety-clack sounds, and beautiful scenery all make for a fun ride, and someone else is doing the driving.

The world is full of things that instantly gratify people, and certainly, enjoying leisurely travel along one of the scenic sleeper train routes in the US is one of them. So, enjoying a slow ride can be an incredible experience. Whether doing a day trip or a long-distance journey, train rides are the best way to explore an area without rushing.

But which routes should one explore in the Backcountry? Here are the ten train journeys to take in this part of America.

To read more, go here. 

America's Most-Popular Lever-Action Rifles

Above, Winchester 1894 .30-30 made in 1962. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For a few years, I was on the lookout for a Winchester Model 1894 lever-action rifle, particularly one made prior to 1964. 

Then, in April 2019, while browsing through Ron Peterson's Firearms in Albuquerque, I found one that was made in 1962. Without hesitation, I bought it. It was exactly what I was looking for.

There seems to be a resurgence in the popularity of lever-action rifles. There are several of different makes available. 

24/7 Wall St. has posted an article on the most popular lever-action rifles.

They begin it with:

A uniquely American rifle, the lever-action was invented in the United States, where it has remained popular for over 150 years. While never officially adopted by the U.S. military as a standard issue firearm, lever-actions were widely used during the Civil War and by American law enforcement in the early- to mid-twentieth century. Today, lever-action rifles are common in gun cabinets across the country.

Lever-actions tend to be shorter in length than other rifles, making them lighter and ideal for densely forested areas. While they also tend to be faster firing than bolt-action rifles, lever-actions are also more mechanically complex, making them harder to clean and arguably less accurate.

While lever-actions have some inherent advantages and disadvantages, they are an iconic firearm, and several models rank among the best selling rifles in the United States.

Using a report from Gun Genius, which analyzed sales data from the online firearm marketplace GunBroker.com, 24/7 Wall St. identified the 10 most popular lever-action rifles in America. Rifles are ranked on sales volume in the 2023 calendar year, though exact sales figures were not provided. Supplemental data on domestic manufacturing locations and production volume in 2021 are from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

To read more, go here. 

Brian Wilson's Family Files For Conservatorship

Above, Brian Wilson paid a visit to Hawthorne High School a few years ago.

When Brian Wilson's wife Melinda passed away recently, my immediate thoughts were who is going to fill the void she left for his and their children's care.

The answer has now been announced. 

According to Fox News:

Brian Wilson's family filed to place the musician under a conservatorship after The Beach Boys co-founder was diagnosed with dementia, Fox News Digital can confirm.

The diagnosis, coupled with the recent passing of Brian's wife, Melinda Wilson, led his family and doctors to make the decision.

"Following the passing of Brian’s beloved wife Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, Gloria Ramos and Brian’s doctors (and consistent with family processes put in place by Brian and Melinda), we are confirming that longtime Wilson family representatives LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers will serve as Brian’s co-conservators of the person," the family said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"This decision was made to ensure that there will be no extreme changes to the household and Brian and the children living at home will be taken care of and remain in the home where they are cared for by Gloria Ramos and the wonderful team at the house who have been in place for many years helping take care of the family," the statement continued. "Brian will be able to enjoy all of his family and friends and continue to work on current projects as well as participate in any activities he chooses."

I used to work at the gated community where the Wilson Family resides and would see either Brian or Melinda every so often either entering or leaving the community. 

For an interesting look at how Melinda saved Brian Wilson, see the movie, Love & Mercy.

To read more, go here.

Exposing GARBAGE Workmanship In The RV Industry

I've seen it all now.

RV Travel has posted an article and video on a "COVID Camper" that has parts and systems held together with... get this, zip ties! 

I am so glad I bought my Winnebago when I did (back in 2015) as I have had no issues with it.

The article begins with:

Depending on how recently you have shopped for a new RV, you may or may not be shocked at the video below from RV Tips & Travels, one of our readers’ favorite RV YouTube channels. In it, they expose some of the astoundingly poor workmanship in the RV industry that has sadly become all too common.

RV build quality has been a major concern for a long time, but it got worse due to the work shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this shortage, RV manufacturers were forced to hire inexperienced builders. The term “COVID camper” was born from the lack of build quality during this time. But as you’ll see in this video, it’s NOT getting any better.

I have long had the belief that buying a good-quality used RV is far better than many of the new RVs currently on the market. For me, this video only reinforced that opinion.

Even more shocking than the garbage workmanship in the RV industry is the fact that they don’t even seem all that concerned about hiding it. It was on public display at the Florida RV SuperShow, where this video was filmed.

 

To read more, go here.

Kiyosaki: Federal Reserve "A Criminal Organization"

For those of us who follow investing and monetary policy, the following is something that is not really new. Someone with balls enough saying so out loud is a bit new.

From CoinGape:

Renowned investor and author Robert Kiyosaki has sparked controversy with his recent declaration that the Federal Reserve is a “criminal organization.” Expressing strong criticism, Kiyosaki noted that trusting Bitcoin (BTC), gold, and silver is better than having faith in the Fed.

Robert Kiyosaki Slams The Federal Reserve

Kiyosaki holds the Federal Reserve responsible for economic turmoil. In a bold statement, the ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ author criticized the Fed for fostering wealth inequality. Moreover, he emphasized that the Fed is accountable for impoverishing the middle and lower classes and favoring wealthy banking elites through its policies.

Furthermore, Kiyosaki urged the public to scrutinize the actions of the Federal Reserve rather than blindly following its directives. In addition, he expressed support for alternative stores of value such as gold, silver, and Bitcoin. He has repeatedly emphasized the reliability of these assets, especially Bitcoin compared to traditional fiat currencies controlled by central banks.

To read more, go here. 

NMSSA: The 2024 NM Legislative Session is Over

 

Today at noon, the 2024 New Mexico Legislative Session officially came to a close. Here is a quick recap of what passed, what didn't, and what might happen next. Two bills passed the legislature and are waiting for the governor's signature: HB129, the 7-day firearm purchase waiting period bill, and SB5, the polling place gun restriction bill. Both bills have exemptions for concealed carry permit holders. For the waiting period bill, this means that someone with a current New Mexico concealed carry permit won't have to wait 7 days to take their new firearm home with them - purchasing a firearm will be the same as before. For the polling place gun restriction bill, open carrying of firearms within 100ft of a polling place is banned, but someone with a current New Mexico concealed carry permit can still carry a concealed firearm with them to a polling place. So what didn't pass? Everything else. The semiautomatic firearm and magazine ban, the under-21 semiautomatic firearm ban, the firearm industry liability bill, the red flag expansion bill, the proposed constitutional changes, the bill that could give taxpayer dollars to anti-gun groups, and the gun and ammo tax bill all failed to pass this session. Additionally, the gun safe tax credit bills also failed to pass. Just hours after the conclusion of the session, because so many of the gun control bills she desperately wanted failed to pass, the governor said she is considering calling a special session to rehear those bills. In 2021, the governor called a special session shortly after the conclusion of the regular session to focus on cannabis legalization. If we are going to have a special session this year, we expect that it will happen soon. Our next priority is making sure we are ready if it happens.

Roswell UFO Festival July 5th - 7th

Above, a display of aliens and flying saucer at the Roswell
 International UFO Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It must be that time again in New Mexico.

I received the first email from the organizers of AlienFest, the downtown mainstreet portion of the 2024 UFO Festival in Roswell, New Mexico. I attended the 2018 UFO Festival and had a great time.

Above, street vendors set up on Main Street. Note the street light globe at right. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This year, the UFO Festival will be held on July 5th-7th, 2024.

For information on the UFO Festival, go here.

For information on AlienFest, go here.

National Park Service Puts Crater Lake Concessionaire On Notice For Possible Termination

Above, Crater Lake's Rim Village cafe and gift shop in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Aramark, the concessionaire for Crater Lake National Park, may get the boot over management issues that have increased over the past five years.

I last visited Crater Lake National Park in 2017.

According to The Oregonian:

The National Park Service has threatened to terminate its contract with international hospitality company Aramark at Crater Lake National Park, following a rash of management issues at the Oregon destination over the last five years.

Crater Lake Hospitality, a subsidiary of Philadelphia-based Aramark, is contracted to run concessions at Crater Lake and the Oregon Caves National Monument through 2030. However, a park service spokesperson confirmed Wednesday that the federal agency will terminate the contract unless the company “shows cause as to why NPS should not do so,” said David Szymanskim, Pacific West regional director for the agency.

Park officials did not offer a timeline for the company to respond, and did not say how a termination would affect park operations like Crater Lake Lodge and boat tours. Szymanskim declined to say how Aramark was informed or exactly what was communicated, but agency guidelines require written notice.

The announcement comes just two months after Sen. Ron Wyden issued a public letter to the National Park Service, raising a litany of “serious concerns” about Crater Lake Hospitality and asking the federal agency to “take immediate action to prevent concessionaire mismanagement from continuing to threaten Crater Lake National Park, its visitors, or the employees who live and work there.”  

Former employees have complained of unsanitary and unsafe housing and working conditions, payroll issues that led to withheld paychecks and allegations of sexual assault – claims backed up by annual National Park Service reviews of Aramark’s operations at Crater Lake, police reports, and complaints to the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries, all provided to The Oregonian/OregonLive through public records requests.

To read the full article, go here. 

Booking Campsites Is Not As Hard Now

Above, Tucson Lazydays KOA last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the pandemic, more people have purchased RVs and are hitting the road in record numbers. Yet, despite this, booking campsites is not as hard now.

RV Travel takes a look at this in an article.

They begin it with:

Back in 2022, people were screaming. If you wanted to go camping, they said, good luck trying to find a spot. A new survey says things have loosened up. Booking campsites is not nearly as hard as it was then, even though the number of RVers booking sites has increased significantly.

95 million campers in 2023

App promoter The Dyrt released its 2024 Camping Report, with statistics based on surveys of three different interest groups. The first, 7,000 members of its camper community. The other two, a representative sample of 1,000 U.S. residents, and finally, camping property managers across all 50 states.

Last year, says The Dyrt, almost 95 million Americans went camping. Of that number, 5.5 million went on their first camping adventure. Turning back the dial, the survey shows the number of new campers since 2021 is now up to 20 million. So, you wonder, how does this make booking campsites any easier?

To read more, go here. 

NMSSA Legislative Update 2/14

 

The clock on the 2024 New Mexico Legislative Session is quickly counting down to sine die. Here is the latest on where anti-gun bills stand. Late Monday night, the concurrence vote for HB129, the 7-day firearm purchase waiting period bill, passed on the same lines as the original vote in the House. The bill contains an exception for New Mexico concealed carry permit holders who will not have to wait 7 days to take their firearm home with them. The bill now heads to the governor's desk. Last night, SB5, the polling place gun ban, was debated on the House Floor. Representative Rehm proposed an amendment to exempt New Mexico concealed carry permit holders with their lawfully concealed firearms from the ban. After much debate, the amendment was adopted by a vote of 35-34. After further debate, the bill was passed by the same margin of 35-34. One Democrat voted for both the amendment and the final passage of the bill. You can see the final vote here. Because it was amended, it now heads back to the Senate side for concurrence. The bill's author, Senator Wirth, was previously adamant that he didn't want an exemption for concealed carry in the bill. Whether the bill is concurred by the Senate, or amended back to its original form is something we will be carefully watching in the closing hours of this session. No other gun control bills have moved since this weekend. It is always possible they could try to ram something through right at the end, but there isn't a lot of time to do it. Nevertheless, we will keep fighting these bills until the end.

2024 Kaiser Willys Jeep Catalog

The 2024 Kaiser Willys Jeep Auto Supply catalog arrived in today's mail.

Looking through it, I spotted my 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1 on page 8 in the top right corner. I was able to immediately spot it by the garage in the background. This is the second time the Jeep made it into the catalog. It is from last year's Fall Photo Contest.

I scanned the front cover and the page (page 8) featuring the Jeep:

Above, my Jeep is at the top right corner.

Above, full page 8.

5 Tips For National Park RV Visits

Above, Trailer Village at Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The days are starting to get longer, which means that spring is just around the corner along with camping season.

Spring is a good time to visit a national park as the weather is starting to warm up and the crowds of summer haven't started flocking to them.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article with five tips for visiting national parks in an RV.

They begin it with:

Exploring the nation’s stunning national parks is one of the most rewarding experiences for RV enthusiasts. Whether you’re marveling at breathtaking canyons or relaxing on pristine beaches, visiting national parks offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Each park presents a unique adventure, ensuring that no matter which one you choose, you’re in for a spectacular journey.

This is especially true if you happen to travel by RV, which allows you to camp in or very near the amazing views offered by these parks. Not only that but choosing to travel by RV also saves you money, meaning you can see more of the incredible parks out there!

All that said, there are a few things you should know before you hit the road to see the national parks in your RV. Below are our top tips for any future national parks RV trips you might plan.

To read more, go here. 

Dry Week Ahead

It looks like we're going to have dryer weather this coming week.

This is certainly welcome after all the snows we received last week. 

According to the National Weather Service, Jamestown, New Mexico is looking like this:

 Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 24. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 46. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 22. South wind around 5 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 54. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 25.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 50.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Washington's Birthday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

Governor Receives First and Likely Only Anti-gun Bill

It looks like New Mexico's gun owners dodged a major bullet during this year's legislative session.

The Piñon Post reported:

An anti-gun bill creating a mandatory seven-day waiting period for firearm transactions in New Mexico is now awaiting the governor’s approval following its passage in the state legislature after extensive discussions on Monday evening.

This bill is among several firearm-related measures proposed by the governor at the start of the legislative session. Other pending proposals on the House floor include the bill to attack firearms manufacturers and sellers, stringent updates to the red flag law, a prohibition on semi-automatic firearms, and an increase in the minimum age for purchasing firearms to 21, stripping 18-20-year-olds of their constitutional rights, and a bill to ban “high capacity” magazines on firearms. With these bills currently at the midpoint of the legislative process, it is unlikely any other anti-gun bills may pass.

If what the Piñon Post wrote is correct, things could have been a lot worse for gun owners. After having experienced California's 10-day waiting period, I find waiting seven days a piece of cake.

To read the full article, go here.

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 ths week, we have The Troggs with their 1966 hit, "Wild Thing". 

From Wikipedia:

The Troggs (originally called the Troglodytes) are an English garage rock band formed in Andover, Hampshire in May 1964. Their most famous songs include the US chart-topper "Wild Thing", "With a Girl Like You" and "Love Is All Around", all of which sold over 1 million copies and were awarded gold discs. "Wild Thing" is ranked No. 257 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and was an influence on garage rock and punk rock.

What The Heck Happened To The RV Industry?

If one is in the market to buy a new or used RV, watching this video is a real eye-opener. A friend passed it on to me. 

Since the pandemic, quality in manufacturing RVs has gone downhill. Instead of nails, manufacturers are using staples and glue. This is resulting in RVs literally falling apart. Thor Industries seems to be the main culprit, which is not surprising as I have heard they make crappy RVs at different RV forums.

My nine-year-old motorhome is working just fine. No problems.

Monument Valley's North Window and "The Searchers"

Movie locations have held a fascination for me, whether it is Japanese monster locations (I published The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan fourteen years ago) or within the confines of the United States. 

The Facebook page, Film Locations - Then and Now, posted this of Monument Valley. It is of a scene from The Searchers (1956) along with a view from present day.

In October 2022, I took the Sunrise Tour of Monument Valley from Goulding's Lodge. One of our stops was at this location, known as North Window.

The photo below is one that I took of it.

In 2016, I took the afternoon tour. It took us to different locations than the Sunrise Tour. They are both great tours, but I prefer the Sunrise Tour. 

NMSSA Legislative Update 2/10

 

After being delayed a day, HB129, the 7-day firearm purchase waiting period bill, was voted on by the full State Senate today. An amendment was offered on the floor to exempt victims of domestic violence with a court-issued order of protection against a perpetrator in place from having to wait 7 days to receive a firearm, but it was rejected. The bill passed by a vote of 23-18 with four Democrats joining all Republicans in voting against the bill - one Republican was absent. Because the bill went through amendments on the Senate side after passing the House Side, it now will return to the House Floor for a concurrence vote. SB5, the polling place gun ban, passed the House Judiciary Committee on Friday on a party-line vote. The bill bans carrying a firearm, both open and concealed, at and near a polling place. The next stop for the bill is the House Floor for a vote by all members of the House.. This morning, SB204, the parks and playgrounds gun ban, passed the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee on a party-line vote. The bill now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The House Floor is now the key to stopping gun control bills this session. The anti-gun bills that are the furthest along are all located there now. It is imperative that we continue to contact our Representatives and tell them to vote to protect our rights and reject these bills.. We update the recipients of the following pre-written emails as the bills move through the legislature, so please continue to use them to contact legislators: Oppose HB27, Oppose HB114, Oppose HB 127, Oppose HB129, Oppose HB137, and Oppose SB5. Thanks to our partners at Better Together NM who work with us on these alerts.

Got Some Snow Shoveling Done

Above, after snow shoveling. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, we were supposed to have our usual Saturday coffee/breakfast down at Denny's, but I couldn't make it due to the head cold I have. Well, I could have, but I would risk passing it on to the others.

As it turned out, only one showed up. 

Later, I needed to get some bottled water out of the garage. But the walkways needed shoveling (we got around 3" of snow last night). So, I did do some shoveling of the walkways. I managed to get it done before I started gasping for air. 

I got six bottles of water out of the garage and into the house. Once that was done, I poured myself a cup of coffee, which helped clear up my air passages. 

I'll sure be glad when this cold is over and gone.   

John Wayne Cancer Foundation Grit Series Runs

Join the Wayne Family in Pioneertown, CA to run to fight cancer! The response has been overwhelming, secure your spot today! Save $10 if you register before midnight.  Plus, get 15% off with code GRIT15. Check out our 2024 events: Pioneertown, CA - March 23, 2024 (save $10) Newport Coast, CA - May 11, 2024 (save $20) NEW Moab, UT - June 1 (save $20) Ridgway, CO - September 21 (early bird pricing - save $30) Lone Pine, CA - October 19 (early bird pricing - save $30) Fort Worth, TX - November 9 (early bird pricing - save $30) STAY DUSTY PARTNER! The John Wayne Cancer Foundation Team THANK YOU TO OUR NATIONAL SPONSORS                                 THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL SPONSORS