Nice to meet someone who knows how to be tact-ful.

joyful guy

P.S. Right now I need a tank-ful.

Trouble is - I couldn't hold on to one if I got it!

Gas tank on my little Colt developed leak, just recently, bought a tank - too rusty.

Checked another, supposed to be about $100 - 110. Turned out to be over $300.

No time to get repairs prior to long distance travel (1,550 miles), so had to stop every hundred miles or so to refuel (thought it would be difficult in middle of night in N. MI, MN or ND - but wasn't.

After first Christmas with recently retired farmer brother in about 50 years, travelled Regina SK to Edmonton AB on Boxing day (so didn't visit any stores).

En route found a fellow walking our way, carrying gas can. Despite car-full, shoehorned son into back seat twisted like a bow, to drop the guy at his car, about three miles away. He was en route Saskatoon to Moose Jaw, already 45 minutes late for work, with 50 miles or so to go, so thankful for our lift.

Further along route we found (mid- to large-sized) gas can (empty) almost new on roadside, to add to the (small) one that we were carrying (filled).

What better bargain can one find than 100% reduction?

Before Christmas, along the route through U.S. we heard of a town where a store was offering stickers for 100% reduction, so I asked son whether, as he uses them in his business, we should seek the store. He demurred - said we were in too much of a hurry.

What more consideration than that could one ask for?

We're to attend wedding of nephew here in Edmonton this afternoon, so things are going well.

Three years ago, when niece grad as nurse nearby here, daughter flew from AZ to attend - but she's in Martinique, Virgin Islands, etc. with friends renting sailboat and snorkeling. Couldn't interest her in this little adventure, instead.

The supposedly $100. gas tank was to be from AB, AZ, or somewhere where it's quite dry, so gas tanks don't deteriorate so quickly.

So - since I'm now in Edmonton, AB, in the dry area - I guess I'll go shopping on Monday for a gas tank!

On a recent trip out here I made it deductible, as I was seeking some pieces of oilfield equipment (sideboom pipelayers). Which I found the need for while here, messing about on my nephew's computer (the one who's being married this afternoon).

Ain't life fun?

Good wishes to all of you for (the rest of) the holidays ...

... and for all of the New Year coming!

ole joyful

I had to work the Day After (as well as the Day and the Day before, plus the Day After After and 3 days after that). So I didn't do much shopping at the stores. I got a good deal on ebay for talavera tiles to redo my fireplace surround, an even better deal since my Mom is paying as part of Christmas present. I did find a great bargain on a fireplace surround in pine in a style that complements my SW decor, but alas it wasn't wide enough for my fireplace. So it didn't matter.
Only other things I got after Christmas were a great handbag from TJ Maxx for $17, a nice red shirt at Ross for $7, and a leather wallet for $4 (also Ross). But none of those things were on sale, so they don't count.

I found some great bargains at my K-Mart store----Martha Stewart Christmas decorations were all half off---I purchased some beautiful beige glass ornaments, also a fabulous garland for $ 5.00. I have to help Martha, don't I????!!

And then we ventured on to my Big Lots store and I found a loverlee huge Angel, regularly 20 bucks---75% off---made it around $6. woohooo Yes, I needed more angels.

Sorry you didn't find anything Budster. I bought all of my wrapping paper, ribbon, name tags, boxes, Christmas Cards and a few ornaments all half off for next year. Also got a new nativity set and lots of ribbon for the glass block lights half off. I was happy.

I found nice Christmas sweaters 1/2 off at Kohls. DH and I bought some Christmas themed stationary for the next few years Christmas letters at 1/2 off too.

I've promised my sister some handmade Christmas ornaments for next year so I'm watching as the prices go down on the Christmas materials.

10 oz packages of the Christmas themed Nestle chocolate morsels were $.50 yesterday. My 3.5 yo will love making cookies with them.

I got some great deals on lights and Christmas stuff but beyond that was sorely disappointed. I did get a great deal yesterday. I was at a dollar store and they had "Christmas Mint Cookies" for on clearance for 10 for $1.00! These were 11 ounce boxes for 10 cents!! They taste just like the girl scout mint cookies! Not wanting to look like a pig, I only bought a mere 20! LOL!

Brenda

I hit JC Penney and Macy's--got 30% off some shirts I wanted to buy for DS anyway.

Found turtlenecks and other shirts for me at 50% off--$4.99 for a mock turtleneck--you can't beat that!

I did buy one full-price shirt, but it's really pretty!

Hey Budster, was the same in Edinburgh and surrounding towns - places were heaving. A few good bargins to be had but nothing that I felt deserved my time in a line up which translates into .... I can do better mid-Jan.
McPeg

Bought a gas tank for $50. for the little Colt in Edmonton, hauled it all the way back (about 2,000 mi).

Coming over border south of Winnipeg, customs asked if we were moving - we said no, just hauling lots of blankets, sleeping bags, food, etc. for protection when it gets -40 degrees.

Which it was Monday morning while visiting friends in S. Manitoba.

They'd offered Sunday night to plug car in, but few cars in Ontario have block heaters.

Monday morning, -39 degrees, engine turned slowly (thick oil), fired after about three seconds. Oil light on - no pressure. So stopped after about four seconds, let sit for a few seconds, started again - engine turned a little faster. Oil light on, ran engine a few seconds, shut it down for a few seconds. Next try, engine turned faster, soon fired, ran a few seconds, oil light still on, shut it down. After about four starts, it was turning at about the regular speed.

Did this about a dozen times before oil light came on.

I told son that abusing an engine like that wears it more than regular driving for about three months, I think.

If the engine had not started, we could have operated a hair dryer under the oil pan for a few minutes. Sometimes it helps to operate a light bulb in the engine compartment during the night - but it's of little help if there's any breeze at all. If so, pile straw bales around back, along sides and front of car. Also over the hood, if desired.

We had a great trip.

I hope that you all have a good start on the New Year.

ole joyful