Random Thoughts 15: Crystal Clear 2021 Edition

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

When I was in high school I really liked their turkey club melt.

But it was the only turkey club melt I knew at the time.

Haven't been in forever but it does not sound appealing in the slightest.

The last time I ate at Applebee's was on a bike trip to New Orleans. We were going into Columbia Mo. and the other guy wanted to pull off to eat. There was an Applebee's right off the exit and he pulled into the parking lot.
After looking through the menu I decided they couldn't screw up a club sandwich. I was wrong. The waitress noticed I only ate about half and asked if I wanted a to-go box. I declined, that thing was disgusting. It was like they soaked the bread in some sort of butter flavored solution of evil before they toasted it. And that was just the beginning.

 

[wxman1]

The housing market in CR is insanely hot right now. We have been planning on building in the next year or so but are curious if we should move that up some more now to try and get more out of our current house. Have a few appointments set up in the next week or so to test the waters to see where we truly would stand.

 

[SCyclone]

The housing market in CR is insanely hot right now. We have been planning on building in the next year or so but are curious if we should move that up some more now to try and get more out of our current house. Have a few appointments set up in the next week or so to test the waters to see where we truly would stand.

You probably already know this, but the lumber/plywood market is at historic highs right now - about triple what it was a year ago. Shows no sign of let-up, either. Our buyers and suppliers tell us that until or unless the pandemic recedes, it may not come down.

The only thing keeping residential building hot right now is low interest rates.

 

[VeloClone]

I've always been a big fan of the gift card to a Costco or whatever. They can get whatever they need when they need it whether it's diapers or booze.

A Costco gift card can be used by a non-Costco member. It is a great way to let someone who isn't a member try the store out and see if a membership would be worth it to them. When Mrs. Velo and I got married we got a Costco membership as a wedding gift. We probably wouldn't have gotten one so soon if at all. After that year it was a no brainer. It was even a no-brainer to go with the Executive Membership since the cash back each year more than paid for the entire membership.

 

[Ms3r4ISU]

I might know someone who might be interested...

I am listening.

 

[madguy30]

A Costco gift card can be used by a non-Costco member. It is a great way to let someone who isn't a member try the store out and see if a membership would be worth it to them. When Mrs. Velo and I got married we got a Costco membership as a wedding gift. We probably wouldn't have gotten one so soon if at all. After that year it was a no brainer. It was even a no-brainer to go with the Executive Membership since the cash back each year more than paid for the entire membership.

I honestly never knew about the Executive Membership/cash back. Might look into it. I go often enough.

 

[VeloClone]

I honestly never knew about the Executive Membership/cash back. Might look into it. I go often enough.

What is an Executive Membership?

Welcome to the Costco Customer Service page. Explore our many helpful self-service options and learn more about popular topics.

customerservice.costco.com

 

[CycloneSarah]

Looking for places to order boneless 'wings' for Sunday. Applebees and B-dubs suck now.

Maybe buy a bottle of your favorite sauce? We recently got a B-dubs 3 pack of Garlic Parm, Honey BBQ, and Asian Zing at Walmart to use for making our own wings since we haven't found a great takeout option either.

 

[wxman1]

You probably already know this, but the lumber/plywood market is at historic highs right now - about triple what it was a year ago. Shows no sign of let-up, either. Our buyers and suppliers tell us that until or unless the pandemic recedes, it may not come down.

The only thing keeping residential building hot right now is low interest rates.

Yeah....there is always that.

 

[ImJustKCClone]

What is an Executive Membership?

Welcome to the Costco Customer Service page. Explore our many helpful self-service options and learn more about popular topics.

customerservice.costco.com

My sisters swear by Costco. Then again, they live in larger cities. I'm good with that trade-off...

 

[ImJustKCClone]

You probably already know this, but the lumber/plywood market is at historic highs right now - about triple what it was a year ago. Shows no sign of let-up, either. Our buyers and suppliers tell us that until or unless the pandemic recedes, it may not come down.

The only thing keeping residential building hot right now is low interest rates.

Preach, brother! We picked a really lousy time to do the addition, cost wise. But balls to the wall full speed ahead, I sez. I WANT THAT HOT TUB!

 

[stormchaser2014]

You probably already know this, but the lumber/plywood market is at historic highs right now - about triple what it was a year ago. Shows no sign of let-up, either. Our buyers and suppliers tell us that until or unless the pandemic recedes, it may not come down.

The only thing keeping residential building hot right now is low interest rates.

Almost $7 for an 8' 2x4. Outrageous.

 

[stormchaser2014]

Maybe buy a bottle of your favorite sauce? We recently got a B-dubs 3 pack of Garlic Parm, Honey BBQ, and Asian Zing at Walmart to use for making our own wings since we haven't found a great takeout option either.

Hadn't thought of that.

 

[SCyclone]

Honest question - for those of you who have used both, is Costco better than Sam's Club, or vice versa? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[ImJustKCClone]

Honest question - for those of you who have used both, is Costco better than Sam's Club, or vice versa? Inquiring minds want to know.

Have not used either.

 

[BoxsterCy]

Well, poo on lumber prices. Haven't bought any sticks since early last year. Now, reading RTT, I maybe bumming a little about what lumber might cost for front porch deck and landing. It's old redwood 2x4 18" o.c. Was thinking manufactured synthetic woodies but there's that 18" o.c. and don't really want to reframe the structure. Also I like the real wood since the ice and snow melt fast off of it. The fake wood can be pretty slippery. So red cedar is going to be crazy expensive and treated wood is so hit and miss for quality. The exotic woods will also be cray cray $$$.

 

[ImJustKCClone]

 

[SaraV]

*raises hand*
Question...

Were lumber prices trending upwards before the pandemic? If not, how did the pandemic (errr...people's reaction to it more likely) drive the price up?

If I remember correctly, this is true for a lot of building materials besides lumber?

 

[BuffettClone]

*raises hand*
Question...

Were lumber prices trending upwards before the pandemic? If not, how did the pandemic (errr...people's reaction to it more likely) drive the price up?

If I remember correctly, this is true for a lot of building materials besides lumber?

My understanding is it was a combination of mills and plants closing down due to the pandemic and social distancing requirements on top of more people doing home projects due to being home more than usual. So basically demand went up while supply and production went down.

 

[wxman1]

My understanding is it was a combination of mills and plants closing down due to the pandemic and social distancing requirements on top of more people doing home projects due to being home more than usual. So basically demand went up while supply and production went down.

Without bringing up cave topics there were also some trade issues breached by the former president that impacted Canadian lumber.