Fresh and delicious stories about anything that amuses me, confuses me, or makes me blow a gasket. Take a look around the drawer. Just leave everything where you found it.
Yes, It’s on Linden 191, I used to pass that sign frequently. Years from now we’ll look at that sign and say “remember when gas prices were single digits?”
I’m only partly horrified by the increasing gas prices — I own a ford focus, and part of me hopes that the increasing prices will GET THROUGH to the people who continue to buy and drive hummers and giganto SUVs.
1) Will this be an ongoing series?
2) Do you often hang out in abandoned gas stations?
3) Oh look! Pay phones too!
4) Self serve. HA!
5) Good deal on the Supreme. Only 9/10ths of a cent.
A (dumb?) question from a curious Aussie. Why do American gas stations (we call them petrol stations but that’s another topic!) display “9/10” of a cent instead of “.9”? Surely 129.9 is easier to display than 129 9/10?
Regan (and Stacey) — You’re right! It’s from a now defunct gas station on Rt 191 near Perkins.
Jenny — To the best of my recollection, it was about five years ago. I could be wrong. Feels like forever ago, doesn’t it?
Stacey — Me, too. I don’t drive my little Honda many miles per year, so it’s not hurting me. I’m sure it’s hurting the people with long commutes who drive beasts. Hey, if they wanna pay it, go right ahead.
BigNerd — I don’t hang out there, but it cracks me up every time I pass it. A memorial to gas prices we’ll never see again. Yeah, pay phones are another thing of the past. I still see a few and wonder why they’re still there.
Jaffer — Sorry, I probably should have tagged it “U.S.” for readers who don’t know where I am.
Jeff — Thank you for jogging my memory that I even had this picture. I remembered it after reading your post about filling your tank with milk or beer.
Andrew — Great question! According to one site:
The prevalence of nine-tenths of a cent gasoline pricing seems to owe its existence to several factors:
–a penny used to be worth something
–Uncle Sam wanted a piece of the gasoline action
–People want to *think* they’re getting a bargain, even if they know better
–Old habits die hard, and after a while, just get built into the system.
Its only a matter of time before some disgruntled driver shoots out the rest of the sign. Or whatever y’all do to deface signs down in the more civilized corner of the Commonwealth. Up here yonder? Buckshot, baby.
Actually, if that picture was here in Canada it would be almost excatly right (per litre). I think someone mentioned it above but you are almost spot on – kinda eerie actually …
Hi, Kathy. It’s a good thing we cats don’t have to buy gas. Since you like cats, I’d like to tell you that my hilariously funny book, The World Is Your Litter Box, is in bookstores now and is also available on Amazon. The book is cleverly disguised as a cute cat book so humans will buy it, but is, in fact, a how-to manual FOR cats. Check it out on my website, http://www.theworldisyourlitterbox.com.
Wow Kathy! Those were the good ol’ days! And what’s sad is that is wasn’t to terribly long ago! I don’t think we’ll ever see gas for less than $3.50 again. And once it reaches $4, we won’t see it less than that either!
The rich stay rich and the poor, well, we just get poorer!
Daisy the Curly Cat — Welcome aboard! You’re so busy with your kitty antics, I’m glad you don’t have to worry about the price of gas!
Canucklehead — I wish I could remember how old the sign is. I’m thinking it’s greater than 5 years. Those were the days.
Carla — I know it’s hurting a lot of people, but thankfully, I’m not one of them. Eating out one less time per month probably covers the increase. No biggie.
Quasi — Two kitties today! Congratulations on your book. It’s adorable!
KushMoney — Yep. We’ll think back and laugh. I’m laughing right now.
The Right Blue — Got that right.
darla — You’re right. I can’t imagine a world with less than $4/gallon gas. Who would have thought?
brooke — I pity you. By the time you and Regan start driving, you’ll need jobs just to pay for gas, and have little left over.
Maureen — Metric. I remember when I was in the sixth grade or so and we thought we’d have to learn it. Basically the rest of the world did, right? What is wrong with us? (Don’t answer that.) And please don’t laugh at me that I had to look up how many litres are in a gallon. I’m pathetic.
Hi! Here in Australia, unleaded petrol is $1.62 a litre. Considering you buy by the gallon and there are 3.78 litres in a gallon, that works out to be about, if I’ve got my sums right, $6 a gallon over here. How does that compare to the price of petrol over there?
Don — It’s entirely possible someone will shoot out the regular gas price. It’s annoying to keep seeing it. If they ever put another gas station in there, whoever changes the sign numbers will laugh his head off. I heard on the news that a company that makes sign numbers is working overtime making 4’s. Not kidding. Here’s an article about the shortage: http://www.kval.com/news/local/19268834.html
Holy Cow! 41 comments and not one word written. Kathy, you absolutely must write a guest post @ Blog Bloke and share your secrets with the rest of us envious nerds.
Blog Bloke — And this coming from the man who helped me get my act together! If you are serious, I would love to guest post. I’m coming up on my first year anniversary (July 29), and I would be honored if I could write for your blog and discuss some of the things that have worked for me over the last year. Pop me a note if that’d be OK.
We are at $4 in Atlanta, and with $5 gas, I am going to have to get a hybrid or something. I thought about getting a motorcycle, but it’s too dangerous in my area and I’ll probably be scared to death. The funny thing is that I am not willing to forgo traveling for writing and new experiences, but the daily commute to work bothers me.
Claudine — How long is your commute? Mine is only 20 minutes, but the old I get, the more I hate it. I could never commute more than half an hour. Yeah, motorcycles aren’t for me. I saw a guy pull his motorcycle off the highway during a bad thunderstorm tonight. All I thought was “I hope people can see you there, buddy!”
Stumble it!
May 21st, 2008 at 5:58 am
Oh! I think I know where that is! Is it outside that abondoned gas station/snack food shop, and near Perkins?
May 21st, 2008 at 7:23 am
Wow, uhm … did they go out of business in, like, 1980?
Jenny’s last blog post..The Man From Indiana, Pennsylvania
May 21st, 2008 at 7:30 am
Yes, It’s on Linden 191, I used to pass that sign frequently. Years from now we’ll look at that sign and say “remember when gas prices were single digits?”
I’m only partly horrified by the increasing gas prices — I own a ford focus, and part of me hopes that the increasing prices will GET THROUGH to the people who continue to buy and drive hummers and giganto SUVs.
Stacey Kimmel-Smith’s last blog post..What to look for in a saddle pad
May 21st, 2008 at 8:09 am
1) Will this be an ongoing series?
2) Do you often hang out in abandoned gas stations?
3) Oh look! Pay phones too!
4) Self serve. HA!
5) Good deal on the Supreme. Only 9/10ths of a cent.
BigNerd’s last blog post..Make It Stop.
May 21st, 2008 at 8:25 am
I had a hard time understanding why you took picture until I realized it was from across the border.
If it was $1.29/Liter then that sign would be with the times or worse ahead of times alright 🙂
May 21st, 2008 at 8:51 am
Are you sure there’s not supposed to be another number to the left of the 1.29? Oh wait, that’s coming later this summer.
Jeff’s last blog post..Yeah, but will it run on skim?
May 21st, 2008 at 9:00 am
A (dumb?) question from a curious Aussie. Why do American gas stations (we call them petrol stations but that’s another topic!) display “9/10” of a cent instead of “.9”? Surely 129.9 is easier to display than 129 9/10?
Andrew’s last blog post..The NEW kid’s turning 20
May 21st, 2008 at 10:03 am
Regan (and Stacey) — You’re right! It’s from a now defunct gas station on Rt 191 near Perkins.
Jenny — To the best of my recollection, it was about five years ago. I could be wrong. Feels like forever ago, doesn’t it?
Stacey — Me, too. I don’t drive my little Honda many miles per year, so it’s not hurting me. I’m sure it’s hurting the people with long commutes who drive beasts. Hey, if they wanna pay it, go right ahead.
BigNerd — I don’t hang out there, but it cracks me up every time I pass it. A memorial to gas prices we’ll never see again. Yeah, pay phones are another thing of the past. I still see a few and wonder why they’re still there.
Jaffer — Sorry, I probably should have tagged it “U.S.” for readers who don’t know where I am.
Jeff — Thank you for jogging my memory that I even had this picture. I remembered it after reading your post about filling your tank with milk or beer.
Andrew — Great question! According to one site:
The prevalence of nine-tenths of a cent gasoline pricing seems to owe its existence to several factors:
–a penny used to be worth something
–Uncle Sam wanted a piece of the gasoline action
–People want to *think* they’re getting a bargain, even if they know better
–Old habits die hard, and after a while, just get built into the system.
May 21st, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Buy a bike and ride it!
May 21st, 2008 at 2:45 pm
where is that?
May 21st, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Wow, that makes me nostalgic. And angry. Real angry.
JD at I Do Things’s last blog post..I Am a Redhead so you don’t have to be
May 21st, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Man, those prices are looking real good!!!! Especially the 35 cents for plus!!!!!
KFJ’s last blog post..Update
May 21st, 2008 at 4:03 pm
BabaBooey — I’d say “Yeah, right. It’s too far.” But I know you ride to work a lot further than I drive it. Freak.
brooke regans friend — Rt 191, just north of Rt. 22. Can’t miss it. The whole place is falling apart.
JD at I Do Things — Me,too. I wish they would take the sign down so it doesn’t have to taunt us drivers anymore.
KFJ — At some point, it really was $.35!
May 21st, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I used to drive a big truck back then..I’m glad I don’t now at 4 bucks a gallon..
robert bourne’s last blog post..Lonely Life
May 21st, 2008 at 5:28 pm
A blast from the past for sure.
But Kathy, why would someone take this picture in the first place, and save it all these years?
May 21st, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Its only a matter of time before some disgruntled driver shoots out the rest of the sign. Or whatever y’all do to deface signs down in the more civilized corner of the Commonwealth. Up here yonder? Buckshot, baby.
Shieldmaiden96’s last blog post..Department of Vehicular Awesomeness
May 21st, 2008 at 8:12 pm
That almost made me faint.
Corrina’s last blog post..Let’s Keep It Simple
May 21st, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I was thinking … omg that’s expensive! But I guess in US gallons it’s cheap. lol
DrowseyMonkey’s last blog post..Shake Your Head Like an Etch a Sketch
May 21st, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Ahh those were the good ol’ days!
Ajemi’s last blog post..Animals Hate Me Case File
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:39 am
robert bourne — And I can imagine it getting worse. Look how quickly we blew through the $3.xx increments.
FerdC — Doesn’t it look quaint? I took the picture in March this year. Who knows how much longer the sign will remain?
Shieldmaiden96 — Don’t give me any ideas.
Corrina — You and all the drivers who pass it every day. The sign needs to come down. It’s only depressing everyone.
DrowseyMonkey — Yep. Cheap like we’ll never see again.
Ajemi — I fear we’re going to be saying that about $4/gallon some day.
May 22nd, 2008 at 5:34 am
I am very glad that my cat stroller does not use gasoline or I would never get to go outside strollering!
Daisy the Curly Cat’s last blog post..My new color copier!
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:16 am
Actually, if that picture was here in Canada it would be almost excatly right (per litre). I think someone mentioned it above but you are almost spot on – kinda eerie actually …
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:38 am
You wish!
Carla’s last blog post..Wait, I forgot to tell you
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:13 am
Hi, Kathy. It’s a good thing we cats don’t have to buy gas. Since you like cats, I’d like to tell you that my hilariously funny book, The World Is Your Litter Box, is in bookstores now and is also available on Amazon. The book is cleverly disguised as a cute cat book so humans will buy it, but is, in fact, a how-to manual FOR cats. Check it out on my website, http://www.theworldisyourlitterbox.com.
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:55 am
That price is only a dream now. lol.
KushMoney’s last blog post..Project On Hold
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Man, those were the days! I doubt we’ll ever see something like that again.
Bobbie
The Right Blue’s last blog post..WW #34 – There’s one in every crowd
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Wow Kathy! Those were the good ol’ days! And what’s sad is that is wasn’t to terribly long ago! I don’t think we’ll ever see gas for less than $3.50 again. And once it reaches $4, we won’t see it less than that either!
The rich stay rich and the poor, well, we just get poorer!
darla’s last blog post..Bored? Do you need Something to Do?
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:24 pm
can i really get those gas prices? just kidding
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:21 pm
blimey that’s cheap – it’s about $9 a gallon here
tfa’s last blog post..Bad Law
May 22nd, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Daisy the Curly Cat — Welcome aboard! You’re so busy with your kitty antics, I’m glad you don’t have to worry about the price of gas!
Canucklehead — I wish I could remember how old the sign is. I’m thinking it’s greater than 5 years. Those were the days.
Carla — I know it’s hurting a lot of people, but thankfully, I’m not one of them. Eating out one less time per month probably covers the increase. No biggie.
Quasi — Two kitties today! Congratulations on your book. It’s adorable!
KushMoney — Yep. We’ll think back and laugh. I’m laughing right now.
The Right Blue — Got that right.
darla — You’re right. I can’t imagine a world with less than $4/gallon gas. Who would have thought?
brooke — I pity you. By the time you and Regan start driving, you’ll need jobs just to pay for gas, and have little left over.
tfa — I think we’re right behind you!
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Yeah, I didn’t think you guys had gone metric!!!
We’re at 1.29 a L now; it’s going up again…
Maureen’s last blog post..It’s Like The Olympics, But Not
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Maureen — Metric. I remember when I was in the sixth grade or so and we thought we’d have to learn it. Basically the rest of the world did, right? What is wrong with us? (Don’t answer that.) And please don’t laugh at me that I had to look up how many litres are in a gallon. I’m pathetic.
May 26th, 2008 at 1:02 am
Hi! Here in Australia, unleaded petrol is $1.62 a litre. Considering you buy by the gallon and there are 3.78 litres in a gallon, that works out to be about, if I’ve got my sums right, $6 a gallon over here. How does that compare to the price of petrol over there?
Peter McCartney’s last blog post..Kids inheritance – a baby boomer’s point of view
May 26th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Peter McCartney — We’re at about the US$3.90 mark. I’m seeing $6/gallon in our future, and not too far future.
May 31st, 2008 at 9:27 pm
At first I thought someone took a gun and shot the numbers out of the sign!
Don’s last blog post..I Can’t Take Your Call Right Now…
June 1st, 2008 at 5:31 am
Don — It’s entirely possible someone will shoot out the regular gas price. It’s annoying to keep seeing it. If they ever put another gas station in there, whoever changes the sign numbers will laugh his head off. I heard on the news that a company that makes sign numbers is working overtime making 4’s. Not kidding. Here’s an article about the shortage: http://www.kval.com/news/local/19268834.html
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:14 pm
that does stink my parents dont think i will get a car because i would have to quit school to get enough for gas
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:59 pm
brooke — I feel for you youngsters. I don’t know how you’re going to afford gas when you get to high school. I really don’t.
June 5th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
well i hope i get enough money to get a solar car if its easy to drive
June 11th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Oh my goodness! That just makes me sad and nostalgic.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
brooke — By the time you can drive, you may have to drive a solar car. Or at least a hybrid.
Claudine — And I just saw an article that it’ll be $4/gallon through 2009. I expect over $5 by next summer.
June 15th, 2008 at 1:48 am
Holy Cow! 41 comments and not one word written. Kathy, you absolutely must write a guest post @ Blog Bloke and share your secrets with the rest of us envious nerds.
Blog Bloke’s last blog post..Interview with Twitter’s Biz Stone
June 15th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Blog Bloke — And this coming from the man who helped me get my act together! If you are serious, I would love to guest post. I’m coming up on my first year anniversary (July 29), and I would be honored if I could write for your blog and discuss some of the things that have worked for me over the last year. Pop me a note if that’d be OK.
June 18th, 2008 at 8:21 am
We are at $4 in Atlanta, and with $5 gas, I am going to have to get a hybrid or something. I thought about getting a motorcycle, but it’s too dangerous in my area and I’ll probably be scared to death. The funny thing is that I am not willing to forgo traveling for writing and new experiences, but the daily commute to work bothers me.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Claudine — How long is your commute? Mine is only 20 minutes, but the old I get, the more I hate it. I could never commute more than half an hour. Yeah, motorcycles aren’t for me. I saw a guy pull his motorcycle off the highway during a bad thunderstorm tonight. All I thought was “I hope people can see you there, buddy!”