Four Years Ago

Above, The Beast at the Seligman, Arizona KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today marks four years since I ended my residency in California.

I spent the night before in Victorville since I got a late start in getting on the road as the Mustang was getting the clutch replaced. Ben Hur Moving & Storage were done before the Mustang was.

Above, the day after arriving in Jamestown. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Four years ago today, I drove into Arizona and made it as far as Seligman when fatigue set in from the move. I stayed the night at the Seligman KOA Kampground. It was a nice place for an overnight stay. 

I got a good night's rest at the KOA and headed off the next morning refreshed. I made it to Jamestown, New Mexico in the afternoon. Since my belongings were still in California with the movers, I lived in the motorhome for 12 days until my belongings were delivered. It was a good thing I had it.

Above, after the Mustang was delivered. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Mustang was delivered about five days after my arrival. Having it made things easier, like going shopping in Gallup.

During the time my cat Sierra and I were living in the motorhome, we had some snow storms come through. But we were comfortable and had the RV electric power cord plugged in the garage. 

Above, a snowstorm hit on February 10, the night before the movers arrived. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It had snowed the morning of when the movers delivered my belongings. But that didn't cause any problems. 

Above, the movers arrived on February 11. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The move was definitely an interesting adventure. It is hard to believe it has been four years. My friend Larry says that I am now an old-timer here.

Above, in the RV, Sierra was wondering what that white stuff was. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Do I regret moving out of California? Not one bit!

Three Years Since Escaping California

Above, while still living in The Beast and after the Mustang was delivered. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is amazing (sometimes) how fast time goes by.

Tomorrow will mark three years since I moved out of California for New Mexico. 

Moving day was an almost an all-day affair made even longer as I had the Mustang at the mechanic's getting a new clutch installed. That wasn't completed until about 5:30. 

Above, Sierra exploring while I was unpacking. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After picking it up and arranging with neighbor friends to meet with the car carrier company to pick it up from the apartment's parking lot, I was off.

I didn't get to my first stop at the Shady Oasis Campground in Victorville until 9:00. After leaving my credit card info in the night drop box and plugging in The Beast, I went to bed. I was exhausted.

The next day, I drove into Arizona, but not before having a Tommy's breakfast sandwich in Victorville. 

I stayed at the Seligman (Arizona) KOA Kampground for the second night. After getting up early in the morning, I drove all the way to Jamestown, New Mexico.

I lived in The Beast for the next 12 days while waiting for the movers to deliver my stuff. The Mustang arrived seven days after I did.

I am glad to have gotten out of California. The state has become a hell-hole under Gov. Gavin Newsom. No regrets! 

Two Years Ago

Above, the Mustang and The Beast on February 7, 2018. I was still living in the motorhome at the time. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was two years ago today that I arrived in Jamestown, New Mexico as a permanent resident.

The drive took me two days from Tarzana, California as I got a late start in leaving. I spent the first night at the Shady Oasis Campground in Victorville. The second night was spent at the Seligman (Arizona) KOA. From there I drove to Jamestown.

As my furniture and other personal property wouldn't be delivered for another 10 days, Sierra and I spent those days in The Beast. At least I had power from an outlet in the garage. A few days after my arrival, the Mustang was delivered. It was good to have the car there so I could save on gasoline when I drove into Gallup for groceries.

It snowed on occasion while Sierra and I were living the motorhome. It was an interesting experience. Having the RV came in handy.

The day the movers brought my stuff, it had snowed the night before. At least I was comfortable with my ceramic heater (to save propane).

It's hard to believe that two years flew by so quickly.

One Year Ago

Above, The Beast at Shady Oasis Campground in Victorville. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One year ago tomorrow, I moved out of Tarzana, California. I decided I've had enough of California with all its congestion, taxes, high gas prices and wacko liberals.

I was in no hurry that day since the move took a bit longer than expected. So my cat Sierra and I headed out around 3:00 and stopped in Victorville at the Shady Oasis Campground for a overnight rest before pushing on the next morning.

The next morning, I reached Interstate 40 in Barstow and headed east.

Above, The Beast at the Seligman KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The next day, we reached Seligman, Arizona (home of the Roadkill Cafe) and stayed the second night at the KOA Kampground.

Above, the Ben Hur moving truck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We finally reached Jamestown, New Mexico the following day. Thankfully, I already arranged for utilities for the house, so I had water and electric available for The Beast. The movers didn't deliver my stuff for another 12 days, but that was okay, since Sierra and I were comfortable in The Beast (even with occasional snow storms). My Mustang was delivered a week or so later.

Above, a few hours after arriving in Jamestown on February 2. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have no regrets about leaving California and have been enjoying life in Jamestown. I know more people here than I did in Tarzana.

Avoid Unified Van Lines!

Above, my stuff was delivered on February 11. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When people move from one place to another, they either rent a truck and have friends and family come over to pack things up or hire a moving company.

For the most part, local moves (across town) are wrapped up within a day. Where it gets complicated is when people move from one state to another.

Although local movers advertise local and out-of-state moves, quite often they hold onto the client's property until they find a mover in the other state to hand off the goods to. If they are lucky, this can happen in a couple of days. Sometimes, it takes longer.

Such was the case with Ben Hur Moving and Storage. They handed off my stuff to an Arizona moving company to deliver it to me in New Mexico. It took 12 days from the time they picked up everything to when they delivered. I guess I came out lucky.

I have a friend who was a co-worker who just moved from L.A. to Phoenix, Arizona. At present, the moving company, Unified Van Lines, has had her property for 22 days! She had to buy clothing and other items in order for her to start a new job. That was $400 she really shouldn't have had to spend.

At present, she is contemplating filing a police report and filing a lawsuit. Supposedly, they were to have her property loaded by Thursday or Friday. Those days have passed and still nothing.

So, if you are planning to move across state lines, remember not to use Unified Van Lines! After this, I wouldn't even trust them with a local move.

***************
UPDATE:

Thanks to a reader who left a comment below, Unified Van Lines has been tied in with a moving company fraud racket.

Links to a news story and where to file a complaint were provided.

Moved In

Above, during the unloading. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, after I had to live in The Beast for 12 days, the movers arrived around 9:30. They originally thought their arrival time would be around 11:00, give-or-take. But that was when they thought I was much closer to Albuquerque, which is 120 miles from me.

The unloading was a little more difficult due to the fresh show that fell the night before. But the crew did a fast (about 2 hours) job of it. Much of the snow melted away by the time they were done.

The only thing that marred the unpacking after they let was when I discovered some white substance that dripped and dried on some of my clothing. I notified Ben Hur Moving and Storage of this and told them that I would be taking the items to the dry cleaners today.

One annoying thing: I can't seem to find my coffee maker.! Well, until I do find it, I'll be using the one from The Beast in the meantime.

Although I didn't do much during the unloading, I did do some unpacking (mainly bathroom and kitchen stuff) and found myself with plenty of aches & pains. Even the long hot shower last evening didn't help. Age, I guess.

About an hour after the movers left, I began preparations to introduce Sierra to the house. She fought like crazy when I put her in her carrier box. But I got her in and took her to the back porch washer room, where her cat box is. She howled for a while and made her way to the dining room. After about five ours in the dining room, she finally came out to explore the house. And explore it she did! She checked out every nook and cranny for about two hours before taking a break. Then she did some more exploring.

This morning, she seems pretty much adjusted to her hew house.

Outside of making trip to Gallup today (to the dry cleaners), I am going to take it easy today. I'll do more unpacking tomorrow.

This Is Going To Be Interesting!

A trek to Home Depot and to the market for supplies in Gallup was completed about an hour ago.

Before I left, I was contacted by the moving company's driver that he will be here tomorrow morning around 10:00.

This is going to be interesting. Tonight, rain and snow showers are expected to hit the Jamestown area at around 7:00.

According to the Weather Channel:

Then, at the time the movers arrive, it will be bone-chilling cold. If they work a sweat, it will likely turn into ice.

This is the forecast for the time the movers are here:

The house is already heated to around 70 degrees. Same goes for The Beast.

Yep, this is going to be interesting!

New Furniture

After buying a dinette set and convertible sofa yesterday at the Furniture Warehouse in Gallup, they were delivered today.

Here's what they looked like after delivery:

Getting the sofa-sleeper into the guest room was a bit tricky. After much effort, I was about to throw in the towel and get a window guy to remove the window panes (I have dual-pane windows) and have the sofa brought in through there. But, the furniture guys managed to get it in right at that moment.

Driveway Camping

Above, The Beast with the power cord to the garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Moving from one state (California, or, as friends call it: Commiefornia) to another (New Mexico) has been an interesting experience.

It has been 20 years since I last moved, but that was from one section of the San Fernando Valley to another. This involved buying a house and setting up the necessities such as water, electric, propane, Wi-Fi and trash pick-up.

All that has been accomplished and I took some time this morning to go into Gallup for some grocery shopping and looking over some furniture. I found some good deals at a furniture store and will be making a puchase shortly.

Above, the "dogbone" power adapter for The Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday was relaxing. All I mainly did was to sit in The Beast and watch some snowflakes (not the liberal kind) fall. It was too warm out for them to stick and accumulate, but it was entertaining nontheless.

The Beast is hooked up to the house power plug with a 30 amp "dogbone" adapter in the garage. It was a good thing I bought one of those when I first bought the motorhome. I have power to the RV to run the ceramic heater to save propane.

Sierra has been occupied looking out the RV's big window at the birds and rabbits outside.

Now that I finally have a Wi-Fi hook-up (a mobile hotspot), I can resume writing in this blog.

The only major thing that is left is for the movers to deliver my stuff and to unpack. Not particularly looking forward to that. The delivery window is to February 12. Meanwhile, I am comfortable in The Beast for the duration.

Got The Car, Etc.

Above,  the Mustang.  Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

Since I don't have Wi-Fi as yet, I am only able to post a blog through my phone.

So far, everything is going well. My car was delivered last night. I even drove it to the Flying J Travel Center to get some anti freeze for it. The temperatures got down into the teens. But Sierra and I were snug inside The Beast.

All I am waiting for is the movers to bring my stuff.

I  did manage to do some shopping at the Gallup Walmart and have my first meal at the Denny's inside the Flying J.

While at the Flying J, I bought a couple of flannel shirts at the Pro Bass Shops store inside. I only had one in the RV. Now I have three flannel shirts until the movers arrive.

Sunday was my birthday. It was a good one despite not having family and friends around. 

First Full Day

Above, the morning after at the Shady Oasis Campground in Victorville. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday was moving day and I am no longer a California resident.

Above, the movers after arriving. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was hoping to leave in the early afternoon yesterday, but the movers didn't finish loading the truck until around 2:00 and I had to get a new clutch for the Mustang. That wasn't finished until 4:30.

So, due to the above, I got on the road around 5:30. Naturally, that put me in the midst of the evening rush hour.

Above, at this point, the movers were almost done loading. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I decided that I would spend the night in Victorville at the Shady Oasis Campground. It used to be a KOA. I pulled in around 9:00 and self-registered.

Today, I got up and back on the road at about 6:30 in the morning. I decided to have a Tommy's breakfast sandwich for my last California meal in Barstow. After that and taking care of some banking chores in Barstow, I got on Interstate 40 for the trip into Arizona.

Once I reached Arizona, I needed to fill The Beast's gas tank. About 9 miles from the border, there's a Pilot travel center (part of the Flying J) and I filled up there. With my Good Sam discount, I saved an additional five cents per gallon. Arizona's gasoline prices are a dollar less than California's, so, technically, I saved $1.05 per gallon!

Above, my Arizona first stop was to get gas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was wondering how long I would last driving after all the moving work of yesterday. As it turns out, I started getting tired just before reaching Seligman, Arizona (home of the Roadkill Cafe). I knew there's a KOA Kampground in Seligman, so I decided to camp there for the night.

The Seligman Route 66 KOA Kampground is a nice place for an overnight stop. It is expected to be freezing tonight, but I am prepared.

Above, The Beast at the Seligman Route 66 KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am going to try to get out as early as I can so I can reach Jamestown in daylight. If not, maybe I'll just pull in early Saturday morning. 

The House and Yard

Above, the house. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One more day remains in California. Tomorrow's the big move to Jamestown, New Mexico.

The best way to describe where I will located is Exit 39 from Interstate 40 in New Mexico. On the right at the exit is the slope where my home will be. On the left is the Flying J Travel Center and a refinery. The funny thing is that the community's post office (just a window and post office boxes) is inside the Flying J. There, my post office box is located. The community is too small (around 100 residences) to warrant a mail carrier.

Jamestown is roughly 17 miles east of downtown Gallup. It is a nice drive with views of Fort Wingate and Church Rock. One also passes Fire Rock Navajo Casino on the way.

It snowed a week ago and some still remained on the ground. Nearby, is the Warrior Women Gun Supply.

The house faces north towards Route 66 and Interstate 40. I have to figure out where I am going to put the new RV garage for The Beast. I have plenty of land to put it, just have to figure where.

Some photos from my trip there yesterday:

Above, a view from the driveway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of my other acre looking west. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the deck and the east side of the house. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view from the front porch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the neighbor to the east. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, looking north. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view from the street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

All Done Successfully

Above, the house. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After a successful business trip to Gallup, New Mexico, I am now at the Albuquerque International Airport for my return trip home.

We closed the purchase of the home in Jamestown and I now have the keys.

Above, a view from the front yard.  Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

Also, got the electric taken care of and got a post office box. It seems that there is no mail delivery service in Jamestown and everyone gets their mail at the post office at the Flying J Travel Center down the hill. There's roughly 100 homes in the area, so it doesn't pay to have a carrier.

Everything went fine, including the flight, car rental and Motel 6 in Gallup.

Making Progress

Above, empty bookcase and racks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that progress is being made as I am now living in rooms with walls of boxes.

Above, Sierra. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sierra is having a ball. She likes climbing to the tops of stacked boxes and jumping from one stack to another.

Miscellaneous

Today wasn't as productive as I hoped, from a moving standpoint.

I had to take Jess to a couple of appointments today and while she was there, I, at least was able to pick up more boxes at U-Haul and a fifty foot 30 amp extension cord for the RV so I would have power to run the electric heater inside. Jess is flying to her father's in Iowa tomorrow, so all has to be ready for her flight.

It was enjoyable for me to see Asya in Santa Monica yesterday. Since then, I have been hearing from other friends today including Dawn, J. D. Lees (yes, of G-FAN) and Deanna Carola (a fitness model friend in Las Vegas). I'll have to make sure I respond to them all.

The physical work in packing stuff, as well as lifting full boxes, is beginning to take its toll. I will be glad when this is all over. There is where ones feels his age!

I did order a rental car in Albuquerque for next week, when I am in Gallup to sign the closing papers and pay the title company in full. I also bought my round-trip flight to Albuquerque. The whole trip will just be for 24 hours.

Found Comic Book During Packing

Today was spent packing more stuff in preparation for next week's move to New Mexico.

I came across stacks of comic books. These were bagged and boarded but not in a storage box. I believe they were ones my late father bought in the aftermath of the 1993 "Death of Superman" storyline. He would buy up all kinds of comic books. Most of what were in the stacks were from the 1990s (he passed away in 1999).

There were a few gems in the stacks, one of which was an issue of Superboy with a cover date of April 1961. It is issue number 88 with a Curt Swan cover and Al Plastino interiors. The cover price was ten cents. A nice Silver Age gem from the early 1960s, if I say so myself!

Here's the cover:

I had no idea that I even possessed this issue! Amazing what one finds during packing for a move!

Crunch Time

It is now past the halfway point of this month. I guess I am in "crunch time" with the impending close of the home sale and the move to New Mexico.

Things got a little complicated when I came down with the flu earlier this week. Thankfully, it is subsiding and I am getting some energy back. It should be completely gone in a few days.

With the lack of energy, I missed some days where I could have been packing. I did manage to go to U-Haul to pick up some more boxes today. It looks like it might rain tonight.

Jess will be heading to Iowa this coming Thursday. I will have to help her get her stuff in one place so the movers her dad hired can load everything up. She will then fly to Des Moines.

I will have to go to Gallup on January 28 to sign the final papers, do the final inspection walk-through, hand over the check and fly back home, all on the 29th. I will be flying to Albuquerque and renting a car there to drive to Gallup (125 miles).

Above, Asya and I back in October 2016 at the Odyssey Restaurant. Photo by Lori Thornhill.

In the meantime, Asya is in Los Angeles on a visit and wants to hang out before I move. We will probably meet up sometime this coming week. This will be the first time seeing her since the portrait unveiling party at the Odyssey Restaurant in October 2016. Since then, she's been in New York, St. Petersburg (Russia), China and other places.

There's other things I have to do and people to see before moving. Just hope I can get everything done before the movers show up on January 31.

Sierra On Top

Jess yelled from the living room saying I should come in and see something.

When I did, this is what I saw:

Above, Sierra found a new perch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Household Critters

Above, Sierra making herself comfortable. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I move to New Mexico, my roommate Jess will be moving to her dad's in Iowa.

Her belated Christmas present from me (since she was in the hospital during Christmas) is a carrier for her dog Lola.

Above, Lola in her new carrier. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Meanwhile, I've been packing. Of course, Sierra has to be in the mix supervising.

A Word About Moving Supplies

Above, boxes from U-Haul. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After dropping off Jess to her doctor's appointment, I headed to the Northridge U-Haul to pick up some tape, boxes and foam "peanuts" to do some more packing this weekend.

I found that U-Haul's prices for these were cheaper than with Box City, where I bought a few boxes and tape last week.

A word about tape. The clear tape that Box City and other places sell does not adhere to boxes as well as the brown paper type. I bought two rolls of the brown paper kind today.