Fast Eddie B

#1 A few days ago Karen mentioned one of our credit cards expired on 1/31/26. It’s a “backup” card we haven’t had occasion to use for ages. I thought it best to call and find out what was up, just in case the replacement cards had been lost in the mail or accidentally discarded. The safest way to contact them was via the toll free number on the back of the card. The lady answering was quick to offer a promotion that offered a $100 gift card with no obligation.

Today marks 4 years (!) since we picked up our 2022 Tesla Model 3 from the delivery center in Knoxville, TN. To date, it’s been fun to drive and remarkably reliable - only one repair, under warranty, for an inoperative rear window defroster. Over 90,000 miles, maintenance has been 2 sets of tires, one alignment, 12v battery replacement as preventive maintenance, 1 cabin air filter and windshield washer fluid. And that’s it. Only negatives?

#1 Has anyone else been following the price of gold recently? Gold has traditionally been seen as a hedge against inflation, and not so much an investment per sé. Over the years I've squirreled away a handful of 1 oz. gold coins, mainly Krugerrands, Maple Leafs, Pandas and U.S. Double Eagles. The lowest I've paid was $278 in 2001, the most $1,470 in 2011, my last purchase.