Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Expensive Wood
Anyone involved in home building, renovation or improvement
projects knows about the shortage of limber and its high prices.
There has been a 130% price increase which has added about $24,000 to the cost of an
average new home.
One writer had their own suggestions on how to address
this problem. They said to use scrap lumber or pallets for smaller projects, in addition to seeking alternative building materials.
It's hard to believe that these were written in a serious note, but
they apparently were.
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
The Short Pool Season
I saw my first Facebook posting from someone talking
about their outdoor swimming pool. They had it uncovered and ready for swimming, although the temperature won't get out of
the 50's today.
The pool season is so short around here. They will get
6-8 weeks of hot weather if lucky. The water will be too cold until the end of June unless they have it heated.
Lounging on the deck area or in chairs is another story. That season
lasts much longer.
Monday, May 3, 2021
Smaller Fleets
There seems to be a shortage of rental cars at agencies
across the country. Many of them sold large portions of their fleet during the pandemic.
Some places could have car shortages this summer. Need is expected
to be high as people finally start to travel.
Agencies will need to get more cars into their inventories and try to deal with the cost.
Sunday, May 2, 2021
Cranes In The Sky
As I drove down Rt 93 through Somerville and Cambridge,
I counted nine cranes in the sky between those communities and Boston. There are definitely more that I didn't see around
the rest of the city.
There is so much being built, especially along the new
MBTA Green Line Extension and the North Station area.
This will have such an impact for the future.
Saturday, May 1, 2021
May 1
Here we are on May 1 with summer right around the corner
in seven weeks. Time is passing so quickly. The trees continue to blossom. We can finally smell freshly cut grass.
Weather changes so quickly, but warmer temperatures are coming.
Friday, April 30, 2021
The Quick Cube
It's always impressive to see someone solve a Rubik's
cube in a short period of time.
I
saw a video today where it took only 47 seconds to finish it.
There must be a secret to doing this. Some people have a special talent to figure it
out and make it look so natural.
Thursday, April 29, 2021
The Electric Ones
New York City can get pretty crazy with all of the rental
bikes on the streets. Now, they can choose from a privately run fleet of all-electric ones.
Their $49 monthly plan that provides unlimited rides will appeal to
many. Hopefully, they don't make the streets worse with accidents.
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Egypt Discovery
It was very exciting news in the world of archeology
to hear of the recent discovery of ancient Egyptian tombs.
Some of the graves which contain human remains go back to 6000 BC to 3150 BC. Other sites from 3200
BC to 3000 BC.
They found a total of 110 tombs in a Nile Delta province.
It's hard to believe they were lost all these years.
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Expensive Extras
I recently bought a Samsung Galaxy tablet. I thought
I got a deal on it at Best Buy. They
make all their profit selling the screen protector and case.
They were unable to order me the case I wanted, but finally got one at Staples for $24.
The protective screen was $35, plus $15 to install.
As I watched the technician do it, I realized that it would have been a total disaster to install
it on my own.
Like buying a car, the accessories always add to the hidden cost.
Monday, April 26, 2021
Papers To Read
It's easy to get a few days behind in newspapers. It's
something I need to stay on top of daily, but doesn't always happen.
Once you start to pile up papers, it can get out of hand.
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Two Avocados
I had an avocado the other day with my tuna fish sandwich.
It added a lot to the meal.
When I tried it again today, there was an issue with
the ripeness. It needed more time and was very hard to cut.
My first avocado had just the right consistency.
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Nobody Living There
The local city council decided to uphold their ruling
which prohibits residential units on the first floor of downtown commercial property.
A large apartment building on the edge was trying to place three units
in former business space which had been vacant for years because of bad parking.
I think it would be awkward for the people on the floor to open their living
room to the public.
Friday, April 23, 2021
Not Yet 2022
I belong a few environmental groups related to National
Parks and historic preservation.
As
a result, my name ends up on mailing lists for way too charities.
I get all sorts of things I don't need like writing pens and little pads of
paper.
Heading into the final week of April, I received a 2022
calendar in the mail from a Yosemite National Park group that I belonged to years ago.
I think it's too early to send out a 2022 calendar.
Thursday, April 22, 2021
The Floating Price
The price of gasoline has gone up significantly in the
last six months. It's amazing to see the prices station to station even with the same brands.
I filled up today at a chain that charged 12 cents per gallon more
than another one that was eight miles apart.
It was still the lowest price around.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
They Do Tickets
The city street sweeper machine went through my neighborhood
today. It was a real challenge with cars parked in the way at times. They couldn't do a complete job.
They certainly swept up a lot of sand and small pieces of trash. It
easy to see why they ticket cars in big cities in order to get this done.
