Vince had to go to one of the big box home improvement stores this morning. He needed several things but noticed they had the air conditioner he wants for his shop. It’s one of those hotel type heat/ac units. I think we had our fill of mini splits in Texas. For about $600 for these wall units, he can replace it himself when it goes out. In the nine years we were in Texas, we had three different mini splits . . that was a bit expensive because they always worked til just after the warranty ran out. I know many people have good luck with them and love them but . . we weren’t real happy with them.
Anyway, he saw the one he wanted and they had two in stock. I’ve been telling him . . even though you aren’t going to need it til August or September, I’d get it when I see it. He asked the man working if they are having trouble getting those; told him he’ll need it in August or September. The guy said “I’m telling everyone about everything . . if there’s something you THINK you’re going to need and you see it . . get it because chances are . . it won’t be here when you need it.”
I understand the reasoning or some of the reasoning but I’m wondering if things will ever get back to “normal” or if this is the new normal and the next generation will never know being able to go buy anything you need or want when you get the urge. Not much we can do about it but plan as best we can to order anything we need way ahead of time and learn to be patient. I have to remind myself of that every day when I’m cooking on the electric stove and thinking bad thoughts!
Donna Williams says
I’m pretty sure this will be the new normal- at least for the foreseeable future. Most of our kids are involved with manufacturing in one form or another, and they’re not seeing an improvement in on demand goods due to sourcing raw materials, line time at plants, wharehousing, trucking etc. The I40 bridge debacle in Memphis is also causing great problems with deliveries, along with worker shortages in all those areas. Things are definitely changing.
Marilyn Smith says
We have friends building a second home here in the desert. They sold their small 2 berm condo and now with both kids married and 5 kids, the condo did not work anymore. They quickly sold their condo in a bidding war. They kept trying to buy a larger home even bidding 20,000 to 30,000 more than the asking price and never won one of the wars. They settled on buying a 2700 sq foot home, 4 bdrms, pool, open concept home with pool in a gated community that was supposed to be finished by the end of the month. They have all appliances except they still cannot get the microwave. She said their neighbors in Friday Harbor, WA (San Juan Islands out of Seattle) are in desparate need for a new fridge. Theirs died. They cannot even buy one. I saw lots today when in Lowes, but I guess they are not selling the floor models. Their kids in San Diego just bought a large new home. They ordered a new bedroom set and it will not be delivered until October (if then). We bought a new leather couch – it took forever to get here (a couple of months). Thank goodness I got a new fridge 3 yrs ago and last fall replaced my stove and dishwasher (still worked but were old) and microwave. I finally have a matching kitchen for the first time in over 50 years of marriage. Glad we decided to do that when we did because we were starting to hear horror stories of not being able to get anything if ours died. We put a mini split ac in our 500 sq for sewing/art studio/longarm/computer room a month ago. We only turn it on when needed and that time has already arrived – 118 to 120 weather this week here in Palm Springs. I will be at the grocery store by 7 am in the morning, shut in the house or the pool that will be more like a tub! Tell Vince to buy what he needs and anything he might be needing to hook it all up. I hope you hear something soon on your stove. At least, you will be ready for delivery! You have freezers and extra refrigerators if needed. Good luck!
Elle says
I’m guessing we are 2 years out from life normalizing when it comes to goods. Services are also in high demand but I don’t think that will take 2y, maybe 1y and we won’t have to wait 4 months. (I am 4 months out on a specialist to evaluate me for Glaucoma!!!! Yikes!!!!!!)
Judy Laquidara says
You’re more optimistic than I am. I think this is the new normal. Once people accept that they’re going to have to order things and wait and wait for them, why would businesses tie up their money in inventory? I hope I’m wrong.
Dorothy Moore says
Regarding “getting back to normal”, I have been to our local Kroger’s three times the past week. One of the items I needed for cooking is buttermilk. Would you believe not one drop of buttermilk was in that store? Is there a shortage on buttermilk? Who would have thought? Like you, if it something I use all the time, I am picking it up when it goes on sale.
Judy Laquidara says
Buttermilk isn’t easy to find around here. I assumed it’s because most people don’t use it and the stores get stuck with it but . . I’m only speculating.
Teri says
I think it’s time to stock up and keep stocking up. The prices are only going to go up IF the stores can keep stock that is! Did Vince buy both of the air conditioners? Might as well. I’m thinking a lot about future bartering items.
Judy Laquidara says
No. He only bought one. They were kinda expensive just to keep an extra around. But, don’t give Vince any ideas. He may go back and get it.
Diana Stewart says
We had those units in each room in our homd in Taiwan.
Tee says
With COVID last year and this year the hottest weather already in June, I think we are in for more trouble. I decided today that I am going to stock up like you do, Judy. I have always kept a bit extra on hand, but I am ready to really get serious. We have been promised siding for a rental house 3 times and still do not have it. I have had an apartment sized refrigerator in my big house for almost a year now. No one around us has anything that I am interested in spending big bucks on. If I am going to spend that much, it will be a fridge I love.
Judy Laquidara says
I heard today that Texas was already asking people to conserve energy. It may be a rough summer for some of the people there where clean energy has been forced on the electric companies and when it doesn’t come through, they’re low on power.
It definitely doesn’t hurt to keep extra necessities on hand (unless you move and have to pay to move it all!)
Who would ever have thought things would be this way?
Chris B says
Hi Judy. Since your blog update several months ago, I can’t find the “next” or “previous” buttons to go to the next or last post. I use an iPad and maybe it’s just that. Are they somewhere and I’m just not finding them?
Judy Laquidara says
Those buttons are missing. I hate to bother the lady who does the work so I’m kinda waiting til next time I have some work I need her to do. Sorry.
Rebecca says
Chris, I noticed that right away. I now go to the “recent posts” to move around. It’s on the sidebar on my laptop; I don’t know how the iPad looks.