OIL WOE$ -- Katrina Piles On

Took a short drive a few minutes ago and passed a Quik Trip on the corner just posting $2.80 (rounding up one-tenth), mere hours after it had posted a 13 cent hike from $2.57 to $2.70. That's 23 cents in 12 hours, with more to come, we fear.

Anticipating a rise, we filled the tanks on two vehicles Sunday night at $2.57 ... a total of 32 gallons for $82.24. If we had to do it again today the total would be $89.60, roughly a 9% price hike.

Friends of ours reported they spent over $600 on fuel in July, a family with three vehicles, though one is a company car and thus has a gasoline subsidy. The two main vehicles, however, are an Expedition and a Jeep, neither an environmental poster winner.

A bicycle is beginning to look like a good investment.

Even more convincing are the reports over at The Oil Drum. com. To be forewarned is to be forearmed, or something like that. Maybe it's forlorn? Check 'em out.