Elmer Fudd Attack At Wedding

 

I haven't laughed out loud in years. This was great. 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/oztBAPL9jM

— Wholesome Side of 𝕏 (@itsme_urstruly) January 29, 2026

How Much Is A Winchester Model 94 Worth?

Above, buying the Winchester 94 in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my Winchester 94 carbine .30-30 in 2019 I was on the lookout for a pre-1964 rifle. I was in Albuquerque to catch an early morning flight to Fort Lauderdale to take a cruise to Key West and Havana. 

To give myself something to do, I headed to Ron Peterson Firearms to browse around. While there, I spotted a Winchester 94 made in 1962 on a display shelf. It was in good condition. I verified its age with the serial number. After checking it over, I put it on layaway and picked it up after returning from the cruise. The sale price was $495. 

It is now my favorite rifle. 

I am lucky to have purchased the rifle when I did before the price of pre-1964 Winchester 94s skyrocketed. 

For those wanting to purchase a Winchester 94, Cash For Arms website lists the various models of pre and post-1964 rifles and what one can expect to pay today.

They start it with:

What is the current value of a Winchester Model 94 today? A used Prewar Winchester Model 94 is worth $590 to $3,220, and a used modern Model 94 is worth $260 to $800. A new modern Winchester Model 94 starts at $1,199.99 at retail.

The gun is a classic lever-action rifle introduced in 1894. It’s often compared to the classic Marlin 336 for similar features and handling.

If you’re looking to sell or find the value of your Winchester Model 94, this guide covers the key factors that affect pricing and gives realistic market ranges for both new and used rifles.

To read more, go here. 

WORLD RECORD Winchester 1894!

Here's a record-breaking auction of a Winchester 1894 rifle. 

Anybody have spare cash if it comes up for auction again?

WORLD RECORD Winchester 1894! video by Rock Island Auction Company. 

Summary: 

It is now the highest amount achieved for one of America's most popular and produced rifles! 

This John Ulrich masterpiece Model 1894 includes the Master Engraver's No. 2 factory pattern engraving and gold inlay, along with a bevy of deluxe special order features.

This National Park Is the No. 1 RV Destination For 2026

Above, Trailer Village at the Grand Canyon caters to RVs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have been to several national parks

I have just made day trips to some of them and I have stayed at several, either in a lodge cabin, tent or recreational vehicle. 

Travel + Leisure has posted an article on the most popular RV national park destination.

They begin it with:

Traveling by RV (which is short for “Recreational Vehicle” if you ever wondered) may once have been considered a niche preference of retirees, but today it’s one of the fastest-growing ways Americans of all ages are hitting the road. For many travelers, RV travel offers the romance of the open highway paired with the convenience of never needing to book a hotel or unpack more than once. Nowhere has this style of travel been more popular than at America’s national parks.

According to RVshare, the largest online community for RV owners and renters, the way in which people are approaching RV travel is evolving, and the company’s 2026 Travel Trend Report offers a snapshot into how RVers are planning their trips, and where they are going. The report, which the site has been running annually for the past seven years, surveyed 1,000 adults 18 and over who traveled for pleasure.

This year’s findings show that RV travelers are increasingly returning to tried-and-true routes, and, just like last year’s findings, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona remains the #1 RV destination.

Above, a bull elk wanders in Trailer Village at the Grand Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I stayed at Grand Canyon National Park's Trailer Village at the South Rim back in 2017. It is the one campground at the park that is for recreational vehicles as they have full hook-up sites. 

To read the full article, go here.

Can You Buy Silver Bars and Coins From A Bank?

Above, a 2023 American silver eagle proof set. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With silver now at $119/troy ounce at Comex, it is tempting people to sell. However, there are those who still want to buy silver.

A question arises: Can you buy silver bars and coins from a bank?

CBS News posted an article answering that question.

They begin it with:

With inflation pressures still impacting purchasing power and economic uncertainty prompting investors to reassess their portfolios, precious metals have resurged as a popular hedge strategy. And, while gold has been having a moment over the past year, silver prices have climbed notably in tandem, outpacing gold's upward trajectory and attracting both seasoned investors and newcomers looking to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds. For many investors exploring this asset class, a seemingly logical first stop would be their local bank branch.

But the process of acquiring physical silver isn't quite as straightforward as withdrawing cash from your bank account or opening a certificate of deposit (CD). While banks serve as trusted financial intermediaries for countless transactions, their role in the precious metals market tends to differ. That can come as a surprise to investors who are expecting to walk into their banking institution and purchase silver bars alongside their routine banking services. So, before you head to your bank, it's worth knowing whether you can actually buy physical silver this way.

To read more, go here. 

Winchester's USA 250th Anniversary Commemorative Ammunition

 

It seems not too long ago that the United States celebrated the Bicentennial, the 200th anniversary of the nation's founding.

This year, we're starting to celebrate the 250th year anniversary. To commemorate the anniversary, Winchester has introduced their special ammunition packaging.

According to Shooting Sports USA (NRA):

The United States turns 250 this year and Winchester showed up to SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas last week with a tribute you can hold and display. The company’s USA 250th Anniversary Commemorative Ammunition series isn’t just a label swap. It’s a set of five keepsake packages that pull from the company’s vault of art to celebrate the workers who built the nation and the shooters who carried its story forward.

On first view at SHOT Show, the boxes looked and felt premium. One sample had a reinforced build and magnets tucked into the lid so it snapped shut with a satisfying click. It’s the kind of functional upgrade that makes you want to open it again, then keep it on the shelf.

Winchester first teased the lineup in 2025, but this was the moment to see the production art up close. Colors pop without shouting. Line work feels lifted from poster archives, then tuned for modern print. The result is ammo packaging that reads like a mini gallery show and doubles as a time capsule for the quarter-millennial celebration rolling through 2026.

Before we know it, we'll be celebrating the nation's 300th anniversary. I doubt not too many of us will be around then, though. 

To read more, go here.

Tombstone Film Fest Features Q & A With John Wayne's Daughter

The Tombstone Film Festival this year will feature a screening on January 31 of John Wayne's last movie, The Shootist (1976).

Following the screening, a Question & Answer session with daughter Marisa Wayne will take place.

According to the Arizona Daily Star:

The Tombstone Film Festival is returning for its fourth annual celebration starting Jan. 29, bringing Western films to the famous Wild West town.

This year’s festival features 10 short films and two full-length feature films, including a 50th anniversary screening of John Wayne’s final film, “The Shootist.” The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Wayne’s daughter, Marisa Wayne.

The 2026 festival also introduces a new segment called the pitch competition, where aspiring filmmakers pitch a film for a chance to receive $20,000 to bring it to life.

The festival is being held at Schieffelin Hall in Tombstone throughout the weekend, wrapping up with an award ceremony on the evening of Feb. 1.

To read more, go here. 

How Much Can I Sell My 1-Ounce of Silver Now?

Above, silver Britannia coins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few minutes ago, I took a look at the current spot price of silver. At Comex, it sits at $114 per troy once.

Many of use had purchased silver over the years when the price was low. It is now tempting to sell at the current spot price. The question is: can you?

CBS News posted an article on how much can one sell their one ounce of silver. 

The article starts with:

Silver has been on a remarkable run recently, with prices climbing dramatically over the past year as investors seek out safe-haven assets amid economic uncertainty. The precious metal has outpaced gold on its uphill ascent and has even surpassed many traditional investments, drawing attention from both longtime precious metal enthusiasts and newcomers looking to capitalize on the rally. This surge has pushed silver to record-high price levels, creating a compelling environment for anyone holding physical silver.

The recent price trajectory also reflects broader market dynamics, including persistent inflation concerns, geopolitical tensions and growing industrial demand, all of which have contributed to silver's strength. Unlike gold, which primarily serves as a store of value, silver's dual role as both an investment and an industrial commodity has amplified its price movements. And, as economic uncertainty continues to drive investors toward tangible assets, silver has emerged as an increasingly attractive option for portfolio diversification.

And, if you purchased silver coins months or years ago, this rally represents a significant gain on paper. But if you're holding a 1-ounce silver coin you want to sell, it's important to know that what you'll receive won't be equal to today's spot price. Numerous elements determine the real cash value you'll walk away with. So, how much can you sell a 1-ounce coin for right now? That's what we'll outline below.

To read further, go here. 

2nd Amendment Is Meaningless If the Government Can Kill You For Exercising It

The fatal shooting of Minneapolis protestor Alex Pretti by ICE has divided (to a large degree) Second Amendment rights groups and the DOJ/ICE/Trump Administration. 

The shooting of Pretti seems at first glance to be unjustified as videos of the shooting indicate he did not make any threatening moves with his pistol. Videos show that he was taken to the ground, had his pistol removed from his person and then was shot to death. The item in his right hand in the above video was a phone.

Final judgement of the incident is pending an investigation that is now underway.

The Cato Institute has posted an article on the shooting. 

It starts off with:

What a difference four days can make. Last Tuesday, a top DOJ lawyer argued in the Supreme Court that people have a right to carry guns in public. By Saturday, another DOJ official warned: “If you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you.” The government went from championing gun rights to defending ICE agents’ fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. Only restraints on the use of force can stop officials from turning the Second Amendment into an excuse to kill civilians.

Facts are still emerging about the Minneapolis shooting of Mr. Pretti by immigration agents, but videos show that they took him to the ground and appear to have removed a pistol from his waistband, then shot him to death. Mr. Pretti had a gun-carry permit.

Government officials rushed to defend the shooting. High-ranking DOJ prosecutor Bill Essayli wrote, “If you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you.” FBI Director Kash Patel declared, “You cannot bring a firearm, loaded, with multiple magazines to any sort of protest that you want. It’s that simple.”

Second Amendment advocates responded quickly. The NRA condemned Mr. Essayli for “making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens.” Gun Owners of America demanded respect for “Americans’ right to bear arms while protesting.” Former NRA representative Dana Loesch asked Mr. Essayli, “Do you believe that mere legal possession within the vicinity of [an officer]…merits use of force as a response?” Congressman Thomas Massie (R‑KY) wrote, “Carrying a firearm is not a death sentence.”

To read the full article, go here. 

Guns Used by America’s Most Notorious Outlaws

Above, the Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's a little something for you crime and history buffs.

It is a collection of guns used by America's most notorious outlaws. AOL posted 15 of them.

They start with:

One of America’s best-known obsessions is guns. Even though gun crimes are horrible, there have been moments in time when famous outlaws gained massive public attention, and many of them were closely associated with a particular firearm used in their crime sprees. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most famous outlaws and the guns they used.

To read more, go here. 

Where To Eat When You're Visiting Elvis Presley's Graceland

Above, Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I visited Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion in 2016, the Elvis Presley's Memphis Museum complex was still under construction.

I stayed at the Graceland RV Park & Campground across the street from the mansion and I cooked my own meals at my RV. 

But those who now visit Graceland can find several restaurants in the vicinity to dine at.

MSN has posted a slideshow of eateries.

They begin it with:

You can't call yourself a true Elvis Presley fan unless you've been to Graceland. This 120-acre institution in Memphis was once Presley's private home and is now a major tourist attraction. Presley bought the mansion in 1957 when he was just 22 years old and it was his home base until his death in 1977. Today, visitors can tour the mansion, see Presley's former jets, and view exhibits and artifacts at Elvis Presley's Memphis museum and entertainment complex. There are also plenty of restaurants on and off the grounds where you can fuel up before or after all that exploring.

If you want to feast like the King of Rock and Roll did, you'll find several dining venues on the Graceland grounds. You can grab some of Presley's favorite Southern comfort foods like grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches and meatloaf along with Memphis-style barbecue, sweet treats, and coffee. The Guest House at Graceland also has inviting spots where you can grab cocktails and tasty bites. Head off the estate and you'll find more enticing eateries within walking distance. If you're planning a pilgrimage to Presley's former home, this is where and what to eat when you're visiting Graceland.

To see the slideshow, go here. 

Norwegian Updates Air Program With New Rules

Above, the Norwegian Sky at the Miami cruise terminal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When Mitch Geriminsky and I went to Miami, Florida to embark on our cruise to the Bahamas two years ago, we arrived early in the morning of the day of departure. To say the least, I was leery over this. We had booked a shuttle from the airport to the cruise terminal, but the shuttle never showed up and the shuttle company didn't answer their phone. We ended up getting a ride to the terminal with Uber.

When we went on our Cuba cruise in 2019, I arrived a day early and stayed at a Fort Lauderdale Motel 6. No problems.

Norwegian Cruise Line recommends that cruise passengers arrive a day earlier so not to miss their cruise ship. This is a wise policy as anything can happen before reaching the cruise terminal.

According to Cruise Hive:

Norwegian Cruise Line has updated its NCL Air policy, effective immediately, requiring all airfare bookings through the NCL Air program to schedule guests to arrive at least one day ahead of their cruise ship’s departure date, regardless of homeport or sailing date.

The policy change takes effect from January 26, 2026, and now applies to all new reservations, including air arrangements, as well as any existing reservations that may be repriced from this date forward.

To read more, go here. 

Aging Often Means Losing Those Around Us

Above, yours truly at a 2021 clamp-out with Glenn Thornhill (left) and Gary Julian
(right) in Quartzsite, Arizona. Fortunately both are still reasonably in good health.

The one unfortunate part of aging is that we see people we have known for years fall by the wayside. 

Abe Hoffman, who passed away last week from a sudden onset of leukemia, I knew since the mid-1980s. We camped together through 40 years of E Clampus Vitus clamp-outs. 

While talking with another longtime friend, Glenn Thornhill, about Abe's passing yesterday, he informed me that one of the guys we've hung out with since college, Mike Collins, passed away a few months ago. This was the first I heard of his passing. He was an avid model railroad buff. 

Psychology Today posted an article on aging which often means losing those around us. While many of us age "gracefully", some people we have known since the days of our youth aren't so lucky. This is something that is expected as we get older. Several people I've known for decades have passed. 

The article begins with:

When Nora Ephron’s son, Jacob Bernstein, wrote about her passing in The New York Times, he said,

“The thing is, you can’t really turn a fatal illness into a joke. It is almost the only disclosure that turns you into the victim rather than the hero of your story.”

He goes on to say that for his mom, tragedy was a pit of clichés that filled her books. While I normally try to take a light approach to topics I cover here in (R)Aging with Grace, this is one where it feels disingenuous to go there, as I am now in my 70s. My third trimester of life has so far been without incident, but all those routine tests and doctor appointments have me breathing a sigh of relief each time I get a “full speed ahead.”

We can look at aging in two ways: 1. Aging sucks, 2. Aging is a privilege. A paradox of living is that striving to age healthfully can lead to increased longevity, meaning you'll have more experiences with death the older you get. As we age, so do the people around us. This is just as much a part of the “aging is a privilege” perspective as any of the rest of it.

Living longer has both joys and consequences. We will lose friends and loved ones to accidents, illnesses, and, as we reach our later years, old age—though we desperately want to know the “whys” of old age losses, seeking answers on how to avoid them.

 To read the full article, go here.

2026 Western Lever Gun Championship

This looks like something worth attending even as a spectator. This will be held at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico.

For more information, go here.

Abe Hoffman, R.I.P.

Above, XNGH Abe Hoffman.

E Clampus Vitus has lost a great member.

XNGH* Abe Hoffman of Platrix Chapter No. 2 has passed away or, as the Order states, "Gone To The Golden Hills". This was announced by Glenn Thornhill. 

Abe was 87.

He wrote: 

It is with great sadness that I must report that Platrix XNGH Abe Hoffman has gone to the Golden Hills. Slippery Gulch shall miss his hail…

He was Humbug of Platrix back when we erected the Godzilla, King of the Monsters! plaque at Frank Del Olmo Elementary School (originally known as Belmont Elementary School) in Los Angeles. He was a retired high school teacher. He authored several books on western U.S. history.

I first met Abe back in 1984 just after joining ECV. We (Abe, Glenn Thornhill and I) always camped together at Platrix clamp-outs along with clamp-outs held by other chapters. He had a great sense of humor and always kept us laughing. 

My late mom found Abe entertaining when we all sat together at the Glenn Thornhill's wedding reception. 

At one of the last Platrix clamp-outs I attended before moving to New Mexico (2017, to be exact), Abe was struggling a little with his tent. I decided to invite him to stay in my RV with Glenn and I. He was very grateful for this gesture. 

Above, Abe and Glenn in my motorhome in 2017 at Tehachapi Loop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

XNGH Gary Julian posted: 

Oh no. Abe and I camped together for so many years. I loved talking with him about the books he wrote on early California and the water wars. I have lost count of all the dinners we had together.

Bless you Abe. See you soon my Brother.

I will always have fond memories of Abe. He will be missed. My condolences to Abe family and friends.  

*Ex Noble Grand Humbug

10 Reliable Lever Action Rifles That NEVER Jam

10 Reliable Lever Action Rifles That NEVER Jam video by GunForge.

Summary:

Are you looking for a rifle that feeds, fires, and ejects every single time? In this episode of Gunforge, we are cutting through the Hollywood myths to bring you the definitive list of the 10 most reliable lever action rifles on the market today.

From the rimfire precision of the Henry Golden Boy to the T-Rex stopping power of the Marlin 1895, we cover the best options for hunting, range days, and self-defense. Whether you are a collector seeking history or a hunter needing a brush gun that hits like a freight train, finding a reliable lever action rifle is crucial. We break down the action strength, reliability, pros and cons, and current pricing for each model.

We also compare legendary actions like the Winchester 1873 toggle link against modern engineering marvels like the Browning BLR. If you want a firearm that stands the test of time and abuse, this list is for you. Join us as we rank the machines that won the West and continue to dominate the woods.

 

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.

Another week is starting up and to give a good start we have Katy Perry with a couple of her hits from around 2010. 

These songs bring me back to the days when I worked at Point Dume in Malibu. One of the places I patrolled was a mobile home park. There were many college-age kids living there and, as one could imagine without any difficulty, a lot of hijinks. The songs definitely fit the Malibu surroundings.

The first song is "California Gurls" and the second is "Teenage Dream". 

10 Eastern Sierra Must-Visit Stops On U.S. 395

Above, yours truly at Devil's Postpile National Monument.

Back in 2016, before California's gasoline prices got outrageous, I took a little jaunt up U.S. 395 in the Eastern Sierra.

I stopped at places like Manzanar National Historic Site, Bishop, Devil's Postpile National Monument and Mammoth Lakes. I also drove along Tioga Pass on Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park. 

There are places that I missed and RV Travel posted an article with video on ten places considered "must-visit" to RVers.

They begin it with:

U.S. Highway 395 in California runs along the Eastern Sierra and is home to arguably some of the most spectacularly beautiful scenery in the entire U.S. In the video below, join outdoor photographer Gabriella Viola on a trip along this famed highway to discover her favorite places and stops along the route.

Encompassing both Mono and Inyo counties, the Eastern Sierra is on the remote eastern side of California’s Sierra Nevada range. Gabriella says this rugged region is home to crystal-clear alpine lakes, granite peaks, hot springs, waterfalls, and much more. Even if you don’t intend to plan a trip, the video, created by a professional outdoor photographer, provides some amazing eye candy.

To read more, go here.

Five Key Things To Know Before You Sell Your Silver

Above, an 1890 Morgan silver dollar (uncirculated). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With silver's spot price reaching $100 per troy ounce, one who has a sizable amount of silver may be tempted to take advantage of the spot price and sell.

I, for one, have plenty of the white metal, but I am staying put. 

Morningstar has posted an article with five key things to know before selling your coins, bars, jewelry or flatware.

They begin it with:

The precious metal has now hit $100 an ounce - and the surge in its price is leading many to consider cashing in on what they have

Silver has reached a record spot price of more than $100 an ounce, and many people are deciding to sell their coins and other silver items.

Is it time to sell your silver?

That's the question some may be asking in light of the fact that the precious metal's price (SI00) has now hit $100 an ounce. After all, many people have some silver tucked away in their closets in the form of flatware, coins and jewelry. Others may have purchased silver bars for investment purposes.

Sure enough, those who buy silver for a living say they've been plenty busy of late responding to such folks.

"[We're] seeing a deluge of silver sellers like we never have before," said Brandon Aversano, CEO and founder of the Alloy Market, a Pennsylvania-based company that specializes in precious metals. Aversano noted that his firm has purchased nearly twice the amount of silver in the second half of 2025 as it did in the first half.

Fueling that demand, of course, are buyers aplenty who want a stake in silver, given the price gains of late.

If you do want to sell your silver items - whether it's a set of cutlery you inherited from grandma or coins you collected long ago - what do you need to know? We spoke with some experts to find out. Let's break it down into five questions.

To read more, go here. 

Snows Are Done

It looks like we're done with the snow, except for what's on the ground.

It didn't snow much overnight in Jamestown. We have about an inch and a half of it, judging from the layer on the garage roof.

Even though the snows are done (at least for now), we'll have to contend with bitter nighttime cold temperatures for the next few days. It is currently around 18° outside. 

According to the National Weather Service for Jamestown, the week ahead is shaping like this:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 35. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 10. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light northwest after midnight.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 38. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 14. Calm wind.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 45. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 17.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 48.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 48.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 22.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 51.

A couple of snapshots of the front yard taken a few minutes ago:

 

Snowing Now

 After a relatively dry day, until this afternoon, we are now getting some snow. 

It snowed a little bit during the afternoon, it was basically a trace that melted almost immediately. A few minutes ago, I took a look outside and it is snowing.

At present, we have about a little more than an inch of snow on the ground. This is the most since a storm that came through two weeks ago. 

Below, are two photos from my front porch that I took minutes ago:

Snow: A Little Bit More

Now that there's some daylight outside, I took a look and I see that we got a little more snow.

It is still barely more than a trace but it is forecast that Gallup/Jamestown has a 90% chance of snow today.

According to the National Weather Service:

Today

Snow showers likely before 9am, then rain and snow showers. High near 38. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight

Snow showers likely, mainly before 11pm. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 13. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

 

Unloading A Lever-Action Rifle

Unloading A Lever-Action Rifle video by GUNS and American Handgunner Magazines

Summary:

Unloading Long Guns (Part 3 of 6): Lever-action rifles operate very similarly from model to model. Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner, goes through a step-by-step process on how to safely unload these popular rifles.

 

Silver Finally Hits $100 An Ounce

Above, circulated Morgan silver dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening, I was having dinner at Jerry's Cafe in Gallup with friend Bob Weeks and he mentioned that silver had hit $100 per troy ounce in the spot price market.

Sure enough, I see that this milestone was reached yesterday.

MSN reported:

Silver’s climb to the $100-an-ounce mark on Friday — a level it hit for the first time on record — was met with much fanfare by just about everyone who closely watches the market for the precious metal.

Silver has the characteristics of both a precious and an industrial metal and is in short supply. That’s why many investors believe in its potential for further price gains.

To read more, go here. 

Snow (So Far)

While getting my morning cup of coffee, I took a look outside to see how much snow we received overnight.

As the below photo shows, not too much. It's hardly a trace. We're at the western edge of the storm system.

Whether or not we get more today remains to be seen. There's some talk that we may skip going to Grandpa's Grill for breakfast this morning. But we decided to wait and see what the storm system is leaving. 

Wild Hats

A few years ago, I moved to New Mexico. The home I bought is at 7,000 feet above sea level where the air is thinner than at sea level.

Since the air is thinner, I felt it prudent to buy myself a cowboy style hat to keep dangerous rays of the sun from giving me skin cancer. A cowboy style hat offers more protection than a baseball cap. The back of one's neck is not protected by baseball caps. 

The hat I bought was directly through the Stetson company. The hat I chose was a few hundred dollars, but it is of quality material and well made. It still looks as good as the day it arrived. Plus, it keeps my head warmer during winter months than a baseball cap does.

There's a "feller" from Louisville, Kentucky who makes custom hats. The business name is Wild Hats.

I've been seeing their Facebook posts on different hats they make. The guy featured seems quite talented and makes hats to customer specifications. 

Here's a video:

:    

From the Wild Hats website:

Welcome future WILD HAT FAMILY.  So you stumbled upon us. Maybe you saw one of our hats out in the world. Maybe a friend told you about us. Maybe it was me talking to you in sunglasses on instagram and you thought, hell I need a nice hat. Let’s give this a shot. Regardless, our response is the same, welcome to WILDHATS. We look forward to getting to know you, Listening to you, and making you something you have never been able to find!

WILDHATS is built by artists, by musicians, by rebels, by the ones with a wildstreak. But what we share in common is we are all bespoke hat makers. Now this term gets thrown around a lot. “Custom hat maker”.  While we agree anyone can make a hat. To make something that’s truly bespoke you have to do something that is severely lacking in the market. Which is to listen. That’s what we specialize in. We listen to what you want, we listen to what you don’t want. Then we act. Pretty simple, and it works for us and you every time. We don’t let our ego get in the way of making you what you are looking for. 

Regarding the why? Well sometimes you just start doing something and you don’t stop. Maybe you have known this feeling in your life. An itch you couldn’t scratch, so you kept scratching and years later here we are. Still scratching. We just have a passion for protecting history. The old ways of doing things. When Quality mattered. So that’s our goal. To make you something timeless and to preserve anything that has stood the test of time. 

Our story goes much deeper than this, but if we have piqued your curiosity, reach out via the many outlets this website has to offer and let’s share life stories and make some one of a kind art together. 

Cheers Y’all!

-WildHats

If you are interested in getting a custom-made hat, their website is accessible here. 

8 Cruise Lines Seniors May Want To Think Twice Before Booking

Above, a couple of geezers in Nassau during a cruise.

Taking a cruise may appeal to many seniors, but not all cruise lines are their "cups of tea" by any means.

My preferred way of travel is hopping into my motorhome and take a camping vacation. Unless a cruise's itinerary and stops are of interest to me, I can take it or leave it.

AOL posted an article on eight popular cruise lines seniors may want to think twice before booking.  

They begin it with:

Conventional wisdom tells us that cruising is an easy way to travel more while crossing more countries off your bucket list, and sailing the open seas is often a popular retirement travel goal. Hopping onto a ship, settling into your quarters, and unwinding between destinations means you're ready for adventure by the time you hit port.

But cruising isn't a one-size-fits-all activity, as singles, families, and retirees all have different desires and needs while at sea. If you're a senior considering booking your next getaway, here are some cruise lines retirees may want to avoid, based on real-world reviews.

To read more, go here. 

Winter Storm Arriving Today

Above, the mesas following a 2019 storm. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, today's the day the massive winter storm is going to arrive in New Mexico.

It will be interesting to see if we get any significant amount of snow before tonight. The reason being, I usually have dinner on Fridays at Jerry's Cafe with friend Bob Weeks. If the storm produces snow in the Gallup/Jamestown area, then I may have to re-think heading for dinner in Gallup. The brunt of the storm is expected tomorrow.

I have plenty of food and water, so I don't have to worry about being stuck at home without any provisions. I just hope that the power grid holds up during the storm.

But, as of now, here's what the National Weather Service forecasts:

 Today

A slight chance of snow showers before 1pm, then rain likely, possibly mixed with snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 47. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight

Rain and snow showers, becoming all snow after 2am. Low around 28. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Saturday

Snow showers. High near 38. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Saturday Night

Snow showers likely, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 10. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.