Fewer than two tanks a month

We keep hearing people complaining about the cost of gasoline. We are enjoying our very first vehicle with air-conditioning. In the past, there have sometimes been fairly extended periods without a car at all. When there's been a car, it's been one without air-conditioning; a car without a.c. is far, far cheaper to buy and also gets better mileage. This car, the sole household vehicle, is a 1999 VW Jetta with a manual transmission, bought used. The car was at the pump on August 30 and then again yesterday. Our rounds have been in no way curtailed. Perhaps from having spent time living where it's sixty miles over bad roads to buy anything at all, we do consolidate errands. Some people have good and sufficient work reasons to have a large vehicle; many are still driving the Covert Buicks and other large models from the 'Seventies here in town, because they're affordable and remain reliable. A working service van or a pickup with a toolbox or a ServiceMaster body or hauling a work-trailer or a vehicle containing six children is one thing, and I have my opinion of what's something else altogether. This opinion sometimes carries over to the person behind the wheel, especially if that person is an inconsiderate driver and driving solo. It's a petty and judgmental opinion and anybody can guess it. You know who you are; just don't complain about gas prices in my hearing.