Nothing Much About Very Little

 

A younger man I occasionally mentor today asked me for investment advice. I gently declined as my track record is dismal.

Two examples.

Bought at the urging of a co-worker whose father was shepherding the first ever sale of Microsoft stock in the Spokane stock exchange, I only held my position for four years.

While living in the Seattle area, I saw the emergence of the espresso coffee craze. I didn’t get involved as I couldn’t believe people would stand in line for ten minutes and then pay $1.25 for a cup of coffee.

Currently I seem to be in a disgruntled state unable to raise much passion for anything. There are interesting things going on in the Centennial State.

Republicans continuing their country club gentry’s ways.

https://pagetwo.completecolorado.com/2021/07/28/caldara-colorado-republicans-ending-their-primary-a-gift-to-dems/

Even the “woke” occasionally get slapped.

https://coloradopeakpolitics.com/2021/07/27/spouse-of-arvada-democrat-temporarily-suspended-from-practicing-law/

Cry me a river, trust fund snots.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/07/26/short-term-rentals-colorado-mountains-tourism-housing-labor/

We know what is best for you. Often we must bend the law and misappropriate funds to do so.

https://news.yahoo.com/much-colorado-paying-influencers-promote-122025725.html

The costs of “green” energy are going to slap people in the wallet this winter. IMO, just a taste of what must come. https://coloradosun.com/2021/07/26/xcel-rate-increase-renewable-energy-grid/

The mayor hasn’t weighed in. He is former Congressman Mike Coffman and he is nobody’s tool.

https://coloradopeakpolitics.com/2021/07/26/aurora-officials-wave-magic-wand-to-invalidate-city-charter-provision/

Back in the day, a big fight was over the routing of I-70. Two routes were considered, US 6 and US 40. Both required tunnels under the Continental Divide. The geology of the proposed US 40 tunnels was known as the railroad Moffat Tunnel and an existing water diversion tunnel was in the area.

A twelve term Congressman, Wayne Aspinall (D) Palisade (near Grand Junction) along US 6 forced the current route. Now when Glenwood Canyon has frequent forced closures along with De Beque Canyon, traffic is diverted to the two lanes US 40. 

Motorist can enjoy the approaches to the Eisenhower/Johnson tunnels (at 11,000’ ASL) and Vail Pass  (10,640’ ASL) when the route is open. Along the way they can marvel at the miles of 12’ high animal control fences lining the route.

https://www.aspentimes.com/news/local/i-70-closure-to-remain-in-place-until-interstate-surface-can-be-assessed/

Just a side note, the geology of the I-70 tunnels was a nightmare, doubling costs and construction time. Who would have thunk?

In other news, my health is improving. The Urologist has approved increased exercise and the Primary has me down to two prescription drugs (blood pressure and water retention). Both are the smallest doses available.

Given time I will soon be back to my perpetually outraged self.

Colorado Specific

 

Starting the year with a rant.

The (P)regressive enclaves really don’t care about rural Colorado.

https://coloradopeakpolitics.com/2021/01/01/media-casts-weld-residents-as-hicks-against-boulder-intelligentsia-in-covid-spat/

No surprise. Down the road? Taxes! Weld County produces upwards of 75% of the oil and natural gas in the state, products that are heavily taxed. The (P)regressives are determined to shut the industry down. Once those revenues dry up, where will they go? Ask the federals for bailout? They are limited in Colorado (TABOR – see below) and are having problems with the courts in calling new taxes “fees”.

From the same source, this little gem.

https://coloradopeakpolitics.com/2020/12/30/polis-stiffs-unemployed-coloradans-over-the-holidays/

A detail that speaks volumes as to (P)regressive values.

“Reports revealed earlier this year the CDLE operates with antiquated technology from the 1980s, something John Hickenlooper failed to address when he was governor.

Surging unemployment claims have strained the system and few IT professionals today are fluent in the decades old coding language used by the department.”

 

The (P)regressives have been in control of the Governor’s office, the House and Senate, and most statewide elective offices for the past ten years. The single thing that has thwarted their programs is TABOR. 

the House and Senate, and most statewide elective offices for the past ten years. The single thing that has thwarted their programs is TABOR.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxpayer_Bill_of_Rights

I fail to see where the (P)regressives have shown much interest in the welfare of Colorado’s common citizens, especially in rural areas. Seems every program they have created is top heavy in well paying management jobs and miniscule benefits for those the programs are supposed to help. One guess as to the primary qualification of those getting the management jobs?

As always, YMMV.

(Sorry about the different fonts. I compose on Word but the fonts change when I copy and paste)

Tis' A Privilege To Live In Colorado

Virtual Mirage http://symbolic-mirage.blogspot.com is promoting the concept of global cooling and the coming ice age. He may be right given what is happening in the Colorado Mountains.

https://avalanche.state.co.us/

Roads are closed everywhere and some communities nearly isolated (Leadville, Silverton).

https://denver.cbslocal.com/2019/03/07/interstate-70-closed-avalanche/?fbclid=IwAR1T2F5lJIbE7PzSGvacnjuXn2YCQ7-ymH-0IMgDNVOgv1m9-WCqxex6haM

Living on the Western side of the Divide, winters are rated by the number of wires covered on a four strand barbed wire fence. A normal winter is a ‘three wire’. A bitch of a winter is when the posts are covered. A ‘one or two’ wire winter means no irrigating water come summer.

Leading up to February, a ‘two wire’ seemed to be happening. Now? Irrigating water won’t be short.

This winter’s weather pattern has shifted South. Wyoming is having a mild (by Wyoming standards) winter. Arizona? Read LL’s blog.

The topography of Colorado is such that many highways are built in the bottom of canons or alongside cliffs. I-70 through Glenwood Canyon is a good example or Red Mountain Pass. In addition to avalanches, rock slides often block the highway with rocks the size of small houses coming down. As we get deeper into Spring with freeze/thaw cycles, look out!

Not all the news is bad. Thirty days or longer of sub-zero weather goes a long ways to killing off the pine beetles.

Want to escape to your dream retreat in the Rockies? Please consider this.

https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/our-colorado/this-colorado-town-was-wiped-off-the-map-by-an-avalanche-135-years-ago?fbclid=IwAR14IHdyLN-DGTNw_pSNCgiwP6wDrGSLWyb7UYBf4K9Y9CZvScrciRkLP0c

A really great winter would be avalanches engulfing the imported (P)regressives infesting the mountain towns IMO. YMMV

Red Mountain Pass

UPDATE: Appears the video of Red Mountain Pass in heavy rain has been pulled. Sorry.

When you visit Colorado be sure to drive Hwy 550, Red Mountain Pass.

Hint: Easier on the nerves to drive from Ouray to Silverton.

https://www.facebook.com/Silverton-Extreme-Colorado-1103583436343070/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf

After connecting, scroll down one.

Let's Drive through Colorado, It Will Be Fun (Update)

http://www.vaildaily.com/news/20828051-113/canyon-reopens-to-two-way-head-to-head-traffic

Back when Interstate routes were being decided in Colorado the fight was the US 6 route with a tunnel(s) or US 40 with a tunnel.  The ski resorts, especially Aspen, favored US 6 which won out. Unfortunately that meant building a highway above Georgetown then through Glenwood Canyon and DeBeque Canyon, home to some of the most unstable rock to be found in the state. A tunnel under the Continental Divide on the US 40 route was feasible with known risks thanks to the Moffat Tunnel and another tunnel pushed through by the GODDAMNDENVERWATERBOARD (yes, one word to the Western Slope residents).

The point of the preceding paragraph is this; Glenwood Canyon is closed once again due to mammoth rock falls. This is almost a yearly occurrence. The Interstate has been closed for a week with no opening in sight. Once it does open many weeks will pass before it is more than one lane for both directions with pilot cars.

Bitch of a detour. Rifle to Craig on Colorado 13, all two lanes with few places to pass.  At this time of year the area has huge deer and elk populations crossing the road. From Craig it is US 40 via Steamboat Springs. East of Steamboat Springs you can decide to take Colorado 131 through Oak Creek, Phippsburg, Yampa, Toponas, McCoy and Bond to Wolcott Junction and back on Interstate 70, about a 113 mile detour. Or you can stay on US 40 and join Interstate 70 below Georgetown. You have the thrill of Rabbits Ears Pass, Muddy Pass, and Berthoud Pass. This route also has eight miles of Byers Canyon West of Hot Sulphur Springs, a 35 mph two lane, no guardrails,  section of US 40. While large rock falls are rare, small ones are frequent. Nasty little surprise for you as you exit one of the sharp corners.

None of the roads on this detour are adequate for heavy traffic. Many drivers have never faced these kinds of roads, especially in winter. While paved, most have no shoulders and follow what were stage coach routes. All the small towns have 25 mph speed limits. The two big towns, Craig and Steamboat Springs, have never mastered synchronized traffic signals.

If your travel plans are to/from Las Vegas or Southern California, this would be a good time to see Arizona and New Mexico. To the North, Interstate 80 is your best option.

Political Ads

I seldom watch television, but live in a house where it is on 14 hours a day. Don't listen to the radio in my vehicle, but am in stores with radio stations playing. Even with my limited exposure, the political ads are overwhelming.

Colorado seems to be a national battleground. In recent days, some of the Democrat ads are being pulled. Hopeful sign. I'm a blue dog Democrat who hasn't voted for a Democrat, except in local races, for several years. This year every blasted Democrat running is a (p)regressive. I hope they all go down in flames. Maybe by 2016 the (p)regressives will form their own party (hey, I can hope).
The GOP has one good congressman running for reelection that I will feel good about voting for, as I did with a check to his campaign (Mike Coffman).

The candidate for governor is the usual recycled past, failed,  candidate. Lifelong banker and a one term Congressman who has been associated with many shady, if not criminal, happenings.  In spite of that, Governor Wishywashy seems to be in trouble.

Lots of chatter from the 2nd Amendment people. More chatter from the ecofreaks about fracking. Instead of, "I support the 2nd Amendment, but.......", you hear, "I'm not against fracking, but............."

Say the GOP, at the national level, takes the Senate. What can we expect from B.O. and gang during the lame duck session? Bet it won't be pretty. Then, two years of the Elmer Fudd show. Aarg! I'm getting negative again.

Colorado Produce

Colorado grows some excellent foods and my favorites are Olathe sweet corn, Rocky Ford cantaloupes, and Palisade peaches. Summer treats.

Today I'm enjoying some Palisade peaches, picked ripe from the tree, along with some pears from the same place.

Sadly, the cantaloupes may soon be a memory. A listeria outbreak last year hurt their reputation. Hail storms this year. The biggest threat is Front Range municipalities buying up water rights. 

In the years we lived in Washington State, I would send my sister a box of Walla Walla sweet onions and she would send me Rocky Ford cantaloupes. Most assuredly made no sense economically. One year UPS lost track of the melons. When the box was finally delivered, the melons were a bit ripe, as in, dripping from the box ripe.

For now, will enjoy the day and the good food it brings.

Change? One Can Hope

Are the winds of change blowing? What follows is a meandering political rant. You have been warned.

Looking for political trends in Colorado is, for me, frustrating. I’ve been consistently wrong. Still, I see some hope.

The political status quo got blindsided by the Colorado Model. Four trust fund babies funded it, and it has been tremendously effective. A good explanation of it is.

http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/14577-reaping-the-whirlwind-the-colorado-model-and-gun-control

Starting with this political Pearl Harbor, the “Progressives” got control of both chambers of the State House, the Governorship, and both US Senate seats. Using their power, they have forced passage of many of their pet protects including “gun control” and renewable energy.

All of this has generated a grass roots pushback. A good summation is in a recent Michelle Malkin column.

http://michellemalkin.com/

The Progressive whine against recall elections seems centered on the meme that regular elections only should be used to remove legislators.

Much has been written about the 51^st State initiative. One ultra liberal high school classmate (Class of 1961), retired teacher, and Boulder resident (where else?) called it a,

“Rural temper tantrum against a majority opinion”.

Seems she has forgotten our system of government is designed to protect minorities, of all kinds and beliefs, from the tyranny of majorities. Seemly, she has forgotten her ranch raised roots. It does seem some politicians are hearing a message. Governor Wishywashy is making conciliatory noises. Individual Democrats planning campaigns are finding a chilling climate among rural Democrats. Local party officials (Committee men/women, Treasurers, Precinct leaders, etc.) are not welcoming their visits nor willing to drive them around and make introductions to local mover and shakers. My few contacts among the GOP types are telling the same story.

An interesting trend is the pushback against the Common Core education collectivists. Some of the strongest pushback are in “liberal soccer mom” districts. Again, Michelle Malkin.

http://michellemalkin.com/2013/11/18/colorado-principal-common-core-threatens-our-autonomy-student-privacy-and-mission-of-excellence/

http://michellemalkin.com/2013/11/18/a-brown-skinned-suburban-mom-responds-to-common-core-bigot-arne-duncan/

With my move, I’m now in a different county and different Congressional district. One immediate benefit is this county’s sheriff is CCL friendly so will go ahead and get one. Will start doing legally what I’ve been doing illegally for years. While Colorado is a “will issue” state, a sheriff can still make it damn difficult.

Should you have made it this far, thank you for your interest and patience.

Doubling Down on Arrogance

Having lost two members in a recall election, Colorado Democrats doubled down on arrogance by electing the two most polarizing members of their caucus as Senate President and majority leader.

From the Denver Post (who doesn’t proofread) left wing propaganda rag.

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_24272124/colorado-senate-democrats-tap-morgan-carroll-next-president?source=rss

Given the level of damage the state has experienced from the recent epic floods, perhaps an olive branch for bipartisanship might have been extended. You know, to help the people most hurt? 

Nope, they still have a majority, so on with their agenda. Too bad many of the people living in the foothill areas impacted typically vote Democrat. Wonder what their outlook will be come the next election cycle?

Miscellaneous Colorado Observations

The successful recall election of the two Democratic Senators is shaking things up. A local café often has local Democrats present having breakfast. Yesterday, not a one was to be seen. The remaining Denver newspaper, a Progressive stronghold, had a whining editorial. A “We don’t agree but respect the voters. Now, can we just put it behind us?” Oh, yeah, all the Progs would like to pretend noting happened. 

Democrats now have just a one vote majority in the Senate, and not all the Democrat Senators voted for the gun bills. The Republicans who did are probably taking notice.

 Governor Wishywashy is trying to distance himself from the debacle. The 2014 elections will be interesting. We will see how well the Progressive’s Colorado Model holds up.

 My hope?  Enough Colorado voters are pissed off at the way outside money is trying to buy the state’s elections, they will throw all the bums out. Faint hope?

Did contact my two US Senators about the Syria vote. The one up for reelection never responded. The other did, with a three paragraph twaddle that said nothing. Think he uses the same writers as Obama. Why not, Obama got him appointed after the Loathsome Cowboy (h/t Michelle Malkin) became Secretary of the Interior, and helped him win his primary election. How else does the Superintendent of the Denver Schools, who had never run for elective office, get elected US Senator?

After a long, dry, and near record breaking hot summer, we are in the monsoon weather pattern along the Front Range. A large low pressure system stalls in New Mexico. Moist air flows from the Southeast and hits the Rockies. The air lifts, it starts raining, and the system stalls while the moisture keeps coming. Areas in the foothills start getting 4” to 9” of rain in a short period. Now, for some of you in other parts of the country, that may not seem like a lot of rain. Here, the foothills have little vegetation so the rain become runoff and overwhelms the drainage system. Add areas denuded by recent fires and the problem gets worse. 

I live out in the plains near the South Platte River. Most days you can wade the river and it will be, at most, thigh deep in the channels between sand bars. Today, it is running bank to bank,  and four to five feet deep.

Many road closures in the area today. Several deaths reported. Prayers for all who are affected.

While this rain is hurting the foothills, out on the plains it is welcomed. Depleted reservoirs are being filled and vegetation revived. The trees in my neighborhood were showing signs of distress but have now perked up.

This is a historic weather pattern in Colorado. Bet it won’t stop the whining about “climate change”.

And this, from a recent email.

Moderation has never been in the lexicology of Colorado. A friend of mind posted on FB that if it snows next week, Colorado will have a hat trick. It could happen.

Grateful Man

Since I must still work to supplement my retirement, I'm grateful I have work that keeps me out of doors (or in a truck) and allows me to see some of Gods grandest works instead of

being in a windowless room, sharing air with others, answering the damn  telephone, fighting petty turf battles, and attending meetings.

The work can be risky

or cold

but you get to see interesting things.

So I'm a grateful man. I have a job, a job I mainly like, and about the most decent employer I've ever worked for.

Trip Along Highway 160

For my friend stuck at home.  Hope others like this post. Two views of Chimney Rock in the clouds.

Wolf Creek Pass

Damn fools. Big rig would be fined $1,000 for not having chains

How the hell do you drive into  the ditch, going uphill, in a 4x4 SUV. Lucky someone with a chain stopped and pulled you out.

Total stoppage,  long enough for the heat from the idling vehicles to melt the snow on the road. Some dufas pulled a big rig over to chain up and drove over the edge of the road. Three huge wreckers were trying to pull him out. Sorry, no pictures - too dangerous to be gawking.

Chains required on the big rigs. Most drivers won't go over 20 mph with chains on. Many miles down Wolf Creek Pass until there is a wide spot to remove chains. If you are in a spam can, you do 20 mph too.

Well preserved water tank at Southfork, CO

Sangre de Christo Mountains, San Luis Valley, CO

Blanca Peak

Rio Cucharas Inn, Walsenburg, CO

These are places my friend knows and has traveled. Looks like the crisis is past and she is on the mend.
Not the best pictures; taken to tell a story.

One job perk is scenery. Doing the local circuits, instead of the marathon road trips, means spending time is some very scenic places. After all these years I'm still not jaded.

My favorite time of year. The tourists and mosquito's are gone, and the skiers are just showing up.