It Cuts Both Ways in Book Seven: Reconstruction 2020

One thing that is valuable about Martha is that she is very frugal. The other thing about that is… frugality is not, in and of itself, a value. Buying a $10 pair of shoes may SEEM like a good deal; but if you have to buy 5 pairs in one year… you would have been better off to buy the $50 pair of shoes to begin with. Even if financially it breaks even… the non-financial costs make the $50 pair a better deal as you needn’t make 5 separate purchases.

We are experiencing this same issue with Snowblowers. I wanted to get a gasoline powered snowblower from Theisen’s. They are local, gas powered is easier to repair if something goes wrong, and typically from purchase to use… it is just a matter of fueling.
Martha objected. The least expensive was $340.00. That was FAR too much. I know, I know… why in the fuck am I letting Martha have any influence whatsoever? I get it. But… she often saves me money so… worth giving it a shot.

Except........
First she purchased a Wal Mart one on-line. I pick it up, I bring it home… it is a CORDED SNOWBLOWER! Like… in order to use it, it must be permanently plugged in. So… yeah. That is gonna be an OBVIOUS no from me.

Second Attempt?
Rechargeable Lithium Battery powered. Also from Wal Mart. Except, it didn’t come with the Required Safety Key to actually power it. ALLEGEDLY the manufacturer says it isn’t needed. To which I say, “then why is it a part listed in the ‘Things You Should Have’ section of the manual.” They forgot to put a piece in the box and are covering their ass. After the battery is fully charged, we’ll see. If I still can’t use it? Then we’re done with Martha’s frugal choices.