Propane Prices Plunge

     Is it time to fill up the tank?  Apparently, propane prices dictate that it is time to get ready for the winter in Tahoma.  Prices have declined over the last month from $1.20/gal. to  $0.85/gal.  Trying to anticipate changes is a fool's errand, and the reality is before us: a nice price drop at the right time.  Go for it.
Buying Firewood
     Every fall, I like to remind our Tahoma friends that a word of caution is in oreder when orderinf wood for your winter supply.   Various suppliers take advantage of this time period and offer many choices.  However, all of them have one constant: they sell by the cord.
      What is a cord of wood?  By definition, it is a volume metric that is defined by these dimensions:  8'X4'X4'= 128 _cubic feet.  Cubic is the word.   This feature of the word "cord" is what causes problems.  The measurement is not nominal, as in a 2"x4".  It represents the actual measurement.  The definition also includes the statement: tightly packed.  Split longs usually have 2 flat edges, joined in a "v" shape.   These pieces are conveniently packed together.   The pieces 'should' be 16" long to achieve the 4' dimension.   This is another area of suspect behavior.  More often than not, the pieces are less than 16", usually 15" to 13"-14".  From the beginning, then, a stack of pieces less than 16" in length will not make up the 4' measure.   The other big issue is delivery.  Unless the supplier shows up with wood stacked in the truck, tightly packed, there's no way to know if you are getting the cord you paid for.   Until it is stacked on your property, you won't know for surehow much was delivered.
     So, be aware of these situations as you pay out $425/CORD for wood this year.