So now I need pipes, which are in New Zealand, which absolutely refuses to drop any fuel.  And the pipes aren't even a prize until you get up to the second level in there, which meant I had to use 15 fuels and I probably only got 2 back as drops, so a 13 fuel deficit already, before I can even get a pipe.  When I go a round in Italy I use 4 and usually get 5 back and maybe make 2 collections.  This just isn't fun.
I'm also stuck on blueprints in Stamps and Threads, and don't have all the games open to do paintbrushes and hammers.  I just need 1 in stamps, after looking at the screenshots I think I need one in the 8 stamp game but Im not totally sure.  I've cashed in a bunch of gowns and it just won't drop.
In Teodi's I have the pieces from the first four games and now it won't drop anymore.  Just disgusted all the way around.

I've got 136 flippin' cans of oil and nothing to use them on yet.  But can I get a freakin' screwdriver to drop????  I finally started selling the pieces I had a gazillion of and buying the pieces I was short of, so I have a little more fuel but the things I need just don't seem to drop.  I've managed to get 6 pieces from Teodi's, I think I only have the toy store after that, one of the games is locked until level 53, I'm 52 so I haven't worried about it yet, it will come soon enough.  I have just enough that I could upgrade Time Machine but I decided to save it for some other building, Time Machine isn't that important, is it?

Screws and nails... I've seen pictures of them...  I actually have a few screws from Romania, whenever I get a bit extra fuel I go there and then I trade in my gold and buy nails with it, only way I seem to be getting them.

I haven't had server problems lately.  I wonder if it's something on your end?  This game can be played offline, too, you only need internet for auctions, cashing in collections, and gifting friends.  Of course with the airplane we constantly have to trade in collections.

Just saying I haven't had connection problems and we live in the same general area of the US.  We do have different providers, though.  I didn't say you were being a bitch, I just mentioned that you can play the basic game offline, even though the things we're doing now need a connection.  Sorry that I offended you.