SENIOR MOMENT: Fill ‘er up

By BETTY MUNSEY/Columnist

Many years ago one of my teenage jobs was pumping gas for customers of our family’s country store. We provided full service for all patrons including pumping their gas, washing their windshields, and checking their oil and other fluids at no extra charge.  A five dollar bill would fill their tank whereas some larger stations would even throw in a steak knife, a child’s toy, or a free car wash with a fill-up.
Talk of the town the past few days centered on Hurricane Ike and subsequent fuel shortages. Fourteen major refineries in Texas and others in Louisiana shut down as Ike wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast. Gas station lines stretched around the block as customers waited, often impatiently, to top off their tanks while the prices escalated as they waited. Some stations rationed their existing supplies while others were forced to close their pumps as they ran out of gas.
Questions of price gouging have resulted in the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs opening their phone lines at 1-800-552-9963 for suspected gouging reports or concerns.
President George Bush and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine encourage patience among the driving public offering assurance that fuel prices will decline and supplies increase as refineries resume normal production levels. In a weekend press release, Gov. Kaine noted: “We recognize that the storms in the Gulf of Mexico have affected gasoline supplies and prices, but we are asking Virginians not to overreact.  We encourage them to refuel their vehicles according to their normal routine.”
Patience is in short quantity as we wait in long lines with the gas gauge inching closer to the big “E” knowing that fuel is needed to get to work or medical appointments. Conserving fuel, whether it is gasoline or diesel, has become of critical importance. We know that driving smaller more fuel efficient vehicles will save fuel, but many seniors can’t financially afford to trade our gas guzzlers.
Seniors strive to avoid unnecessary trips; limit engine idling times; keep top speed at 55 mph or below; maintain proper tire pressure; and avoid quick stops and starts. Removing car clutter from the back seats and trunks also adds to fuel efficiency.
We’re aware that we can save money and receive health benefits by driving less and walking more, but that isn’t as practical or possible when living in a rural environment in a senior body.
A retired Extension agent, Betty Munsey lives and farms in Bland County.