Missing a 1/2 day of work to sit at home and wait for the plumber? = 1/2 vacation day
On site removal and installation of a new water heater? = $750
Having the carpeting in the basement cleaned after the plumber trekked in and out of the house in muddy shoes and dragged the old, leaky unit through the finished basement? = $200
Here comes the economist coming out. Actually, steel has risen over the last four years, mainly due to a rise in global demand fomented by China and India. Of the two, China has had the most voracious appetite for steel, thus driving up its price. Of course, the real estate boom here in the states--with its concommitant need for steel--exacerbated the market.
Ooops, sorry about that. Of course, it is nice to see that you are your houseguests can enjoy hot showers again. There is something to be said for cleanliness, you know. ;-)
Snay - yeah, I'm thinking of changing my blog name.
JJT: Actually, we had this very discussion before dinner. Russia's effect is dampened because they don't rely on foreign steel as much and because their real estate market is so different.
No, Leeenda, having people call you Leeenda for the rest of your life is what is priceless, Leeenda.