De Jevu All Over Again

[pbbrown0]

Well I just saw the same long lines at some gas stations (at least at the few that still had gas) with the price suddenly jumping up by 50% that I saw way back in 1972 when the first "Energy Crisis" hit.  Thank goodness or leaders had the foresight to create a Department of Energy to prevent that crisis from being repeated in future generations.

[pbbrown0]

Speaking of de jevu, the devastating flooding in Houston was due to the "nearly 52 inch record rainfalls" after Harvey had weakened to only a tropical storm. Sixteen years ago, Houston experienced almost identical devastating flooding due to the "nearly 52 inch record rainfalls" brought on by a tropical storm called Allison, which resulted in 41 deaths and $9 billion in damage. The death toll from Harvey is at thirty-five and may still rise.

[papaof2]

The gas price rise is in Georgia, having seen the closest station go from $2.28 three days ago to $2.43 yesterday to $2.59 today. The next closest stations were $2.73 and $2.75 (as of 4PM). There's a station just off the main drag that was still $2.49 then per gasbuddy.com. The vehicles were full but I had an empty 5 gallon can that's used for yard equipment (including generators when needed). The $2.49 station is also on the way to Dairy Queen and Blizzards are Buy One, Get One for $0.99 this week. Got the gas for $2.49 and put the Blizzards in the fridge's freezer compartment until after supper.

The gas was treated with StaBil as soon as we got it home. I label the cans when I fill them and this one had been filled and treated in July of 2015. I cut grass this summer with 2 year old gasoline. I have three 5 gallon cans and rotate through them, which means I always have at least 10 gallons of gas available (half a tank on either vehicle). Treat the gas and keep it in a sealed container and it will last a long time.

[9idrr]

I've had pretty good luck with Marine Stabil. It seems to've kept 2-stroke mix for a couple of years, which seems like a miracle with today's gas.

[papaof2]

I don't use the Marine version but I mix the StaBil treated gas with 2 cycle oil and use it as needed. I typically brew up a gallon of 2 cycle mix and use it until gone. I'm sure some of that 2 year old gas was used that way this summer.

I did abandon the gas string trimmer last fall and get a Ryobi 40 volt lithium battery string trimmer. I've been pleased with an older Ryobi drill/driver and 5 1/2 inch circular saw. The original NiCd batteries weren't great but the tools are excellent with a lithium batter in them now. The trimmer has met my expectations, being as good as the Troy-Bilt I was using (and constantly doing maintenance on). Bringing the fuel lines out the bottom of the gas tank is a really bad idea. The plastic tubing ages and no longer seals so the gas/oil mix puddles on the floor. Replaced the tank once then replaced just the lines. Neither lasted more than a season and a half. If I needed a gas trimmer, I'd be looking at Husqvarna or Stihl. My Husqvarna backpack blower just keeps going and keeps going.

[9idrr]

Husky makes good stuff. Wore out one saw and the second one seems every bit as good as the first. Had it six-seven years now and I can't seem to break it. Of course, If I'd just remember to put the rock-cutting chain on before I bury the nose in the dirt, I'm sure the chains would last a bit longer.

[papaof2]

I have a Craftsman chainsaw that's at least 20 years old. Replaced the chain and bar last time I did that much maintenance. Don't know who made it for them then but obviously one of the better builders.

[9idrr]

Back the it was probably a Poulan. The old ones were really good but I haven't heard many people who'll say much positive stuff about the newer models. My wife had Poulan from about '75 that went through I couldn't tell you how many chains and 12" bars, but no engine lasts forever and you can't even get parts for it anymore. She had a friend who worked for Asplundh and he'd borrow it for some climbing jobs. Said it was the best light-weight saw he'd used in all his years of cuttin' and easiest for haulin' up and down trees. Wish the little thing still worked. The Poulan electric we've had for about 25 years is okay, but it doesn't get used much. I do like it for puttin' a load on the Honda generator when I test run that. Now that I think about it, I guess it's kind of a circuitous route, usin' gas to make electricity to cut wood to burn.

[kaijafon]

Our gas prices jumped about 25% today from 2.01 to 2.45 in some places