Nearly Holloween now; the weather continues to be great for this time of year. I have picked-up and transported several hundred 2 by 2 'sticks' from a distant neighbor. They now lie sorted against a bending chain-link fence across the back of my space. My back is stiff and promises to be sore in the morning.
So now, I have something to burn this winter for my labors. And it was free but for the gas to get it here.

Gas is getting back to reasonable prices, but nothing in the future says it will remain within any affordability. Ditto propane and any other fuels.

Terry has put his Ark up for sale on craigslist. I think he is not asking enough for it; but he got his use out of it. We had a good time going to the Grand Canyon. (He claims some money troubles as reason to sell now. Me too. Everybody is hurting these days.)

The Stock Market continues to confound. I moved most of my money out of Edward Jones, following a 25% loss in value this year alone. I bought a (5 year) 5% CD on what remains. It will be my "hole card" cash and represents half of my inheritance. I have it setup for Baker to get something from his weird granduncle at some time in the future. I hope that reamins a reality long after....well, you know.

I opened a Scottrade account with a healthy portion of my savings. I am down nearly another 12% since; but, I think things will turn around after the Presidential election and the credit industry has time to adjust to a new set of values.
The news just keeps on being bad, despite all that has been done. It is all fear driven and people are just pulling out. Although this is a god time to buy, I have been holding off until "a bottom" is obvious. It shure isn't now. Or is it?
This incredible violability is said to be expected; but some say it will lead one way and others the opposite. I feel it so strange that this unprecedented situation would come when I finally have a few dollars to "play." Duh.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
The greatest risk is not taking one.
Gotta play to win.
Etc etc etc.

Oh. The car pictured above is a compressed gas and multi-fuel hybrid from India. Thanks for nothing Detroit. They got a bail-out that seems only to pay off the benefits packages given when times were richer. I just spent an incredible $880 on my Neon, a car I paid less than half that for just about a year ago. I learned much about it I needed to know for that cash; first, that the computer thing is bullshit. (Long story. I won't bore you with it, but to say how they have cars set up these days is usurious.) What America needs is a car you can "shade tree" and keep your basic transportation running. Like "back in the day" past. But...






  ¶ 11:26 PM