When gas prices hit $4.20 a gallon this summer, I was pretty sure we'd never again see gas drop below two bucks.

Frankly, I was doubtful that it would ever drop below $2.50.

It's too bad it's coming at the cost of a global recession, but I just spotted a gallon of regular unleaded for $1.97. I filled 'er up, even though my gas tank was ¾ full.

In fact, lately, I've been filling up whenever I see "cheap" gas, no matter how full my tank is. I have a feeling that these "low" prices won't last long, and I'm getting while the getting is good.

I've heard some people say that a resurgence of lower gas prices will cause Americans to take their eyes off the prize, to ignore alternative energy sources and to resume our nation's bad driving habits. I don't think that'll be a problem. I doubt too many people expect to see gas prices drop much further, and I don't think we'll see Escalades outselling Priuses ever again.

I consider this just a brief respite. An early holiday gift. A chance to save a few bucks before the next big spike, and who knows how high that'll be?

Am I driving more now that gas is under $2? Nope. I'm just driving with a few more bucks in my wallet.