Show of hands, how many old guys still doing manual labor here ?

[bob deluke]

Turning 72 in August, retired at 68. Still working on Porsche, and two Volvo’s. Wife is retired as well. We own 10 acres, mostly wooded, big barn and outbuilding. I still do repairs on the house, and barn. Always something going on around here. Work part time at a local museum doing engineering support. Can’t work hours on end like I used to, my body says “that’s enough old timer”. I take a couple Bayer back and body, and good to go the next day. If you don’t stay active, either mentally or physically, you’re toast. I applaud all of you past 50 who are still working hard and enjoying what you do.

[Bugsinrugs]

Just turned 66. I was going to retire but I got busy and decided I'd ride one last wave. I do all kinds of flooring. Been doing it for over 40 years. Not as energetic as I once was but I can still out work the young bucks that work for me. I ran crews up until the Great Recession/ depression. Back on the floor I went. Thank god for Ibprofin. Oh....invested my hard earned $$ in real estate. Housing values in California will give me a comfortable retirement.

[smadsen]

Turned 71 last week. Still mow my lawn, wash cars, & ride bicycle 20 miles three times a week. Sobering revelation at my 50th high school reunion a few years ago. Kidney cancer & removal last year slowed me down a couple weeks last year. The di Vinci robot helped a lot, but you have to force yourself to get back at it.

[Evans, Marv]

I didn't realize all of you guys were so old!! It's heartening to hear how you're all still hanging in there & kickin' it. I really hate becoming old, because I can't go mountain climbing & similar things anymore. I guess if you accept this aging thing, it's not so bad but for me I have to admit it sucks.

[Cajundaddy]

Just turned 62 and still work in a highly active service trade. I have a crew but you will find me turning wrenches, plumbing, or doing electrical work nearly every day. There is some heavy lifting involved but I am wise enough to get help when the load could do damage. I have also delegated all digging, busting or pouring concrete. My back says no. I tend to avoid hammers and impact drills. Those tools make my hands swell up for several days after so I leave that to the younger guys.

Staying active seems like the fountain of youth. I am more fit than most guys my age and wear the same clothes size I did when I got married in 82.

[Instrument 41]

At 54 I wish I just don't have the time to do manual labor everyday. Way too busy with work, getting 3 kids through college and building retirement. However when I do get the chance to get out in the woods behind the house is almost like a time of refreshment. Either I'm fixing a fence, trimming fence rows, firewood, or working on the buildings or simply cutting grass with the push mower its all very good for me. I also like doing work where you can see immediate results. Great satisfaction... Very rarely does that happen in my work world.

[Zeke]

71 and slamin' nails or some such every day. Just finished last week's project on Friday. Yeah, I was beat on Saturday. The funny part is that drilling for the anchors and setting bases and posts was harder than cutting and putting up the fence.



The pretty side faces inward to the pool and yard. To you code police, yes it's too high but the rich folks do whatever the hell they please and I get paid.

Oh, and in reference to the cost of lumber thread, you are looking at just under $1500 not to mention the hardware. I'll rinse it down with vinegar to accelerate the weathering process but the wood has to catch some UV rays first to open up the grain a bit. New wood, even the dry type, needs some sun before any staining or other treatment like sealing. They want it to look older but sooner.

I can do that.

This week is the installation of 6 replacement windows and some cabinetry. Phone never stops ringing. I was idle so many days during the Great Recession that I'm happy for the work even it it pains me — which, like many of you, it does.

[KFC911]

Milt....I'm glad your still kicking butt...and share your work wiith us on occasion