Bewildering commerce
Those who take care of their pennies have already cared for their dollars. Or something like that; bits of trivial text from the dusty books of an old library. The kind of text that reminds me I am not among the wealthiest 2% of the nation, because my pennies still matter.
Gas was down to $1.14/litre this afternoon. I filled the tank. Think of this as a reflex, rather than a thoughtful deed; I believe that this is a temporary reprieve from the punishing prices we’ve had for about a year now. I don’t even plan to drive any further than the gas station, but when it comes down to the paltry difference of twenty-five pennies per litre, better that they stay in my pocket instead of the Irvings. And with a tankful of gas, I promptly drove into the nearest parking lot to purchase more groceries. Except, this was a different store. I’m a creature of habit. I spend my $300/week for fruit and vegetables with the closest merchant around. In return for my annual outlay of about $15,000 and lugging rights, I get the comfort of knowing in which aisle the cranberry jelly has been displayed. This new store didn’t even have any, although the various people with boxcutters lied to me, over and over again. I wonder if they even knew what a cranberry was. Back across the road to my usual merchant, where all was well and in order. We will have red berries with the brown sauce later this weekend.
Another commerce question: how am I going to maintain my eBay habit when our dollar has suddenly dropped back down to $0.82/USD? Isn’t the neighbour having some economic difficulties, at a time when our prime minister assures the country that all is wonderful (Don’t worry, be happy, vote for me)? Why, then, must I suddenly pay more for everything? Something doesn’t add up, and it involves my pennies.
