peejman

I'd say they don't. There's people well informed enough to know that $x per barrel = $y at the pump. So when the pump prices go up more than crude prices, the gouge flag starts waving. With the storm, they have a good excuse to raise prices independent of crude prices. I won't disagree that there is some validity in the need to raise prices now, but I know how business people think and they're going to do what's best for their company, which is maximize profits while not appearing to take advantage of a very unfortunate situation. Up like a rocket, down like a feather.

$101

It'll get just a fraction past the point at which folks start fussing about gouging. Usage won't go down much so profits will be maximized. That's the sweet spot.

I've gotten away from rechargeable desiccants. I get 2 lb tyvex bags from work. I toss one in the bottom of the safe about every year. When I did use rechargeable bags, I put them in the oven at about 250 for a couple hours. No noticeable smell. I would not put them in the microwave.

Looks like my sister's house in Louisiana. If you've only got a few birds and they tend to only drink from the outlets on the back side of the feeder where you can't see them, just cover those up with tape.

Not that I'm aware of, as long as it's brightly colored and semi-flower-ish appearing. Ease of filling and cleaning is as important as anything else. Some seem to attract fewer yellow jackets (which will run the birds off) than others.

If you put out, they will come. As Bersa says, put up a feeder or two (right now is fine) and fill them 1/4 - 1/2 full. You'll need to change the syrup about weekly. It may take a few weeks, but they'll find it. Take them down when it gets cold and put them back up in the spring. You may not ever get hordes of them like Bersa, but you should get a few. We rarely have more than 4.

Yep. Using too much sugar isn't good for them either. Some recipes use double what I listed above. Its usually pretty easy to tell when a feeder is empty... they're not fighting over it anymore. The syrup gets rancid after about a week anyway. I've had several get in my garage too. Tough little buggers to catch. I found a broom and an aquarium net worked fairly well.

Mosquitos, gnats, flies, spiders, weevils, and even some wasps.

Making food is easy.... 1/4 cup sugar dissolved in 1 cup of water. Or 1 cup of sugar in 1 quart of water. Food coloring not required.

Migration time. If you build it, they will come. Seriously, just put up a feeder and they'll find it. It may take a while, but they will. The birds generally follow exactly the same route when migrating. So if they don't live near you but find it on their way, they'll come back every year.

Wow.

I'll agree that wood bats are a safety issue. Seems like the kids/game has almost outgrown the field. Making the field 20% larger would help the bat/ball speed issue.

I need to revisit a few of those with my boys.

I coach my kids little league teams. The kids in the LLWS are from another planet. Their skills and focus at such a young age is amazing.

I had that haircut, but not the snazzy duds.

If you're looking at water front property, be aware you may not be able to clear it. TVA has an easement on the majority of the water front. They decide if you can clear it or build a dock.

And you may reciprocate.

6 or 7 blocks?!? How do they expect to enforce the barricade when it's that big? How 'bout half a block? Or a quarter? One block of one street? Pack 'em in there like smoked oysters.

That's science nerd you computer geek. Get it right!

Nah, he's a nice guy. It's just one of the cultural differences between north and south. I learned all about that when a was a Tennessee hillbilly working in the auto industry.

We should enlist them as counter protestors.

Feel a little less confident. I've personally witnessed it with cars.

That guy makes some cool videos.

Amen. I have a Queens NY refugee neighbor like that. Really nice guy who goes on about how much better it is here. Then in the next breath goes on about all the stuff we do wrong. And he wonders why some folks aren't real friendly?