[Zeke]

Know any? I looked on the Net using a few search terms and couldn't find dick.

Why do I ask? Well, I took on a job framing out an office in a garage. No big deal I thought — couple of interior walls, some backing and blocking. 2 days and done. Call the electrician.

So now get this, I know I'm too old for this so I looked around placing and ad for a carpenter with a framing emphasis. One guy answers and he's 71, 2 years my junior.

We knocked that out using mostly a framing nailer and a couple tired worm drive Skillsaws. We both did the same work, cutting and nailing. Knocking out old blocking for new wall pockets, etc. On the third day, today, I took him his check and we drank some coffee and ate some pie. Rewards for two 7 hour days and none the worse for wear. Well, a little.

I know a need a new shoulder but it seems if I stay warmed up it's not all that bad. Getting up is harder than it used to be. Well, that ought to be, eh?

The point? Well, where the hell are the younger guys? I was doing the same thing last November, framing. Interior stuff. Always looking for help and there isn't any that knows a 10d nail from a 16 or where to use each.

In 2010 I built a 2-story addition with a 55 YO guy who went into trucking right after the job. So I had 10 years on him but I could keep up then. Now it seems I have to even if I'm no longer as fast as I was once.

Get home today and who has left a message? Some neighbor about a garage.

Until the Great Recession carpentry was good to me. Paid for me to play with 911's for 10 years. Then I sat home for the most part for 5 years. Maybe that bought me some time in the saddle.