Again

Went into Ace Hardware to buy some 1" sheet rock screws. The application is for the new "bathroom" pocket door, where one needs to use a short screw because a long one will penetrate both the rock and 3/4 frame panel and inflict a nasty scrape on the door. This I have learned from experience. So I made the trip into town adding this stop to my errands list which also included Safeway. On my prior visit to the local grocery store I was brazenly complimented by the cashier for having every item that I purchased a sale item. No shit. So imagine my consternation when I see that the price of screws (why this should surprise me is another matter altogether) has gone thru the roof. A pound of sheet rock screws is now $4.99. One day these little bastards will be individually marked with a insipid price tag like apples are now. I quickly left the store in utter disbelief and went across the street to Lumberman's, where I haven't been in a while since the Home Depot opened in Poulsbo, an easy 11 miles up the road. My math is this: The Exploder gets 18 mpg on 305, so a RT to HD is 22 miles, or $5 in fuel. Plus I get to visit my favorite store, Central Market while in the area, stocking up on bulk foods and international goodies. Meaning, that if I can save over $5 in lumber, building supplies, or dried legumes, it's a go. My loyalties are being tested, and as I would much prefer to shop locally, the bottom line is cost. I am not alone in this. And, more is to come on this subject, guaranteed. But back to the screw. Lumberman's had 'em for almost half of the Ace price, but still a gouging $2.99/lb. So I commented at the counter and the clerk said it is because the Chinese manufacturers, vendors and politicians play fast and loose with the supply and demand ratio to max profits. You already know the punch line, so I'll spare you the redundancy. But yes, we are. Again.