I have three 20lb propane tanks for my gas grill: one on the grill and two spare.  And, I fill them about once a year.

Well, since I was down to 2 empty tanks with a full one on the grill, I decided to refill the 2 spare tanks.  After all, there is nothing worse than running out of gas in the middle of grilling.

Now, Lowell has three places that will fill propane tanks. So, I headed for the nearest.

Of my two tanks, they were able to fill one but the other needed to be re certified.  So, I was referred to the bulk propane plant down the road for re certification.

When I arrived at the propane plant, there was no one around.  No cars in the parking lot and not even a sound.  When I looked in the window, I saw that the office was empty.  A sign on the door gave a number to call for service.  So, plan B.

I headed for the other propane plant in town.  That operation looked more promising.  There were cars in the parking lot and big trucks moving out behind.  When I told them what I needed, they said to drive around back and they would fix me right up.  10 minutes later, I was re certified and filled.  What a difference between the two operations.  I wonder if the other is going out of business.