Rural smokers and the Cost of Gas.

The total average house hold income spent on gas according to CNN is 9% of household income, and the national average is $3.99 for the month of April. This is very close to what we are paying in Thief River Falls and the surrounding area. With the distances needed to travel in this area it would be interesting to know how much of peoples income here is spent on fuel and how this changes how we locals have changed our spending and driving habits in order to afford gas. For a long time I have known that I will go with out something and not make a special trip into town. In other words if you forgot the milk, then no cereal in the morning and I will get some on the way home from work. This has even led to some quarrels when it comes to those living here who smoke and need a pack of cigarette's. A forty mile round trip just for cig's is really stupid when you consider the cost of gas just to get a pack. Most times a smokers brain does not see the logic in this but a quick phone call and a reminder can save an argument from happening.