Protecting Your Gas Tank

When I first got my Rodeo (aka "the Jackass"), my gas cap was stolen. After getting over being furious with whomever stole the gas cap off my brand new vehicle, I replaced it with one that locked. Although it is sometimes inconvenient to have to use a key to unlock it when I refuel (especially if someone else is pumping and I have to get out and unlock it for them), I now realize it was one of the best things I bought for Jackass.

Last weekend, the gas station near our house had regular for $2.63. This was pretty awesome, I thought, but didn't take Jackass for a fill-up. Earlier in the week, the price jumped to $2.69, and I regretted not going when it was 6 cents cheaper, but thought the price was still pretty good. John did most of the driving this week. I watched as the price went up each time we passed the station. Wednesday evening, $2.79. Thursday morning, $2.89. I kicked myself for not filling up at $2.63. I had enough gas to go to the Thai Market, visit my parents and come back to Laurel, so I decided to get gas on the way back home. Within the 2 and a half hours we were gone, gas went up 10 cents to $2.99!!! How crazy is that?

So, back to the locking gas cap thing... the Ninny and Big Head (John's new Mustang GT and his Corvette) are safely in the garage but Jackass sits in the driveway or on the street. With the gas prices climbing every day, I'm sure there will be folks coming around at night while you're sleeping to suck out whatever gas you have in your tank. You may not think this will happen "in your neighborhood", but I count on it occurring in mine. If you get a chance to stop by your local auto parts store, pick up a locking gas cap. It shouldn't be more than $15 or so.

If you haven't had a chance to wish Sean J. a happy 40th (his b-day was Wednesday), make sure to buy him a beer and a chilled Sambuca shot if you see him out at the bar. Big birthday weekend coming up! Today is Susan's birthday (she's in Chile visiting her mom) and also Joey L's big 30th. Monday, I will be turning 39 (yikes!!!) and look forward to my 10:30 a.m. B52 shot made by John. This was something we did last year at the beach and I plan on doing it every year from now on. Tuesday is Diana's 39th and on the 11th, my cousin Kara turns 31. On the 23rd, Bill turns 30 and Val turns 36 on the 25th. Lots of September b-days...

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!