New Postal Rates and other unpleasent realities!

I have spent considerable time trying to figure out the new postal rates. On the surface it is very easy, just print up a new rate chart and you are ready to go. But it isn't quite that simple! The rate chart has a new zone. The old chart put zones 1, 2 & 3 together at the same rate. Now only 1 & 2 are together. Zone 3 is by itself and costs more. I used to be able to pop a ball or skein into an envelope and send it out. Now there is a thickness measurement that has to be met for an envelope to be sent. A letter can be no thicker then 1/4" and I understand that it can't have a cardboard piece for support as many of us used to do to send photos. Large envelopes can't be more then 3/4" thick, no cardboard and no little metal wind fasteners, even if taped over.

I often use bubble envelopes to send needles but no longer. The bubble envelopes are too thick. What this is going to mean is that shipping is going to cost the customer more. Flat rate envelopes will have a $4.60 rate and can't bulge. Flat rate boxes will be $8.95 and can't change shape or bulge. Regular Priority mail for all zones will be cheaper then the flat rate up to 3 pounds. ARG!

I understand rate increases and I can even sort of understand standardization of packages. But I hate too many variables. And I hate having to pass the costs on to the customers, you all. But the reality is that my suppliers are paying more to ship to me and they have passed those increases on to me and I have to pass it on to you in increases in yarn etc prices. Now I have to also pass on to those of you who order yarn to be shipped, the increases in postal rates.

I do sort of understand all of that and I hope that you do too. But what really frosts me is having to spend a couple of hours trying to get the information on just what is increasing, how much the increases are and just what the new regs are. And this is the second time that I have spent time getting this information. It was a chance remark by a customer about the thickness regs that had me searching for this information today. It was not included with the information on the new rate charts.

In the meantime we are watching the fire situation in Grand Marais. It has been over a week now that the fire along the Gunflint Trail and the BWCA has been snaking its way through the forest. The fire is 15% contained today and has destroyed over 135 buildings, many of them homes. It is very early for the fire season to start but a few dry summers, very little snow last winter and strong winds have helped make this a big problem this Spring. When I hear the names of the people fighting the fires, I hear many of my old Cub and Boy Scouts involved. A former neighbor girl, now an adult, lost her home. Sometimes it is hard to realize that they are not only adults but in their 40s. The pull of the wilderness is strong in kids who grow up along the Lake and many have moved to Grand Marais. The county sheriff was a Cub Scout, the Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department was one of my son's Team mates in the Order Of The Arrow Dance Team.....he was 'an older Scout' that my son learned from. These connections make the fire fighting more personal to us. We worry about them and for them. Fire is a scary thing and has a life of it's own when it gets started.

So what am I knitting? I am doing a baby sweater in Bunny Hop. A little wrap-around top that reminds me of the little undershirts that my kids wore. It is a fun project and a nice yarn to work with. And it is easy enough that it keeps my hands busy while I think of my, not so close but just up the shore, neighbors fighting a terrible fire to protect their community.

Now off to feed the Yorkie Girls and get the classroom ready for tonight's Monday Knitters.