Funny how things come back round again. Or not so funny. I wonder when the gas ration stickers were during World War II will be reinstated.
B stickers, A stickers, and Gas stamps.
Today gas was at $2.99 a gallon. Half a C note to fill the tank – Ouch.
Yes I do drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee – about 18 to 19 Miles to the gallon on the highway – although its sits in the driveway most of the time being that I work from a home office and when I do drive its mostly between here at Bearfort Lodge and the farm.
Since I live up in the mountains, 4 wheel drive is a must during the winter months as the snows get very deep and the roads are not as well tended up here. But during the summer I’ll mostly use my 1938 chevy pick-up. It has been restored to its original condition and gets 25 miles to the gallon. Not bad for a vehicle as old as it is – then again the only thing the engine runs are the wheels — no electronics, no air conditioner. Its much more efficient vehicle.
The original WWII Gas Ration sticker is still on my truck – a B.
As you take a look at gas prices keep in mind that soon they will have an impact on everything else – obviously – but they will have an impact on things that perhaps you haven’t considered such as the cost of tires – a petroleum based product as well as road material – asphalt.
As they are repairing the roads this season the state is being hit by the higher costs of the asphalt – miles of it. Just wait – they are waiting for the right moment to jack up those taxes — you know its coming.
I hear the politicians demanding investigations. Will it do anything? Unfortunately no. I hear politicians talking about capping profits of the oil companies or imposing greater taxes on them for windfall profits. One problem with that is that the oil companies don’t pay that tax – you and I do. So that tax will be passed along to us at the pump. I know that here over $.50 of the cost of gas is state tax. — I have not figured in the Federal tax on it yet.
There are those that so hate the recent tax cuts that they will do just about anything to reinstate the higher taxes. What a perfect opportunity then to say that you are responding to consumer outrage by taxing the profits of a corporation. You look like a hero to those that think that imposing such a tax is a good idea- But let me ask you – Who in the end pays the corporate taxes? You do, I do. It amounts to another tax increase on us and the corporation will still make its windfall profit. The politicians proposing this know this but they are happy because they will look like heros to those that think this is a good idea. They will make themselves look like they really care and their supporters will adore them for it even though they themselves were just blindsided with another tax. Then when the cost of gas goes up further who will they blame? The corporation of course. How perfect – after all it is an election year.
I certainly believe in and practice conserving energy.
Out at the farm I should install a wind generator as well as a water turbine that will take advantage of the trout stream that runs through. There are some fantastic books available at Amazon for capturing wind energy. I use low voltage or 12volt lights in the barn – I do not have a TV but rather a small radio.
I supposed I could take a horse into town when needed which would certainly save a lot of gas. I myself do not have horses but my neighbor does. He uses my pastures to graze his horses and in return he keeps my fences mended, My pastures stay clean and I get to use the horses. I have yet to harness up a team and get the buckboard dusted off and out of the barn.
I have to make sure that all is well and solid since its been a few years since last used — I dont believe that it is in any condition that is useful. Taking the slower road into town is a pleasure but its not practical for business trips of course. Afterall, who would water and feed the horses while they are parked at the airport?
If you want to keep track of high and low gas prices check out www.gasbuddy.com
where the latest pump prices are posted throughout the day. 
If you are planning a trip or commuting – check out the stations along your route – you’ll be happy you did.
