Getting old SUCKS!!

[Rams]

Not posting to gripe about it but, thought I'd confirm something I've heard.

Spent most of the day digging out a set of pier holes for the patio I'm building for my ever loving spouse.

Dug out the area for the concrete, dug the pier holes (24 inches X 24 inches wide, 2 feet deep for Cedar Posts to sit on.   Used my head and utliized my tractor powered rotiller to make the rest of the digging easier, clear that material and dug the pier holes (same as post holes).   The Cedar posts will sit on concrete, not in the ground.   Regardless, since it wasn't enough concrete to have a Concrete Truck deliver it with their additional transportation charge, I went to Lowes and got 80 lb. bags to get this project done.

Used a formula I found on Google to get the correct amount of 80 lb bags of quickcrete.   My Lord those things are heavy.   Anyway, even though I checked and triple checked the math, I still got way more bagged concrete than I needed.  The formula I used must have been set up by someone who sells concrete.

Got some help from my son and another Paramedic friend of his to mix the concrete in an electric rotating mixer while I hauled concrete  and spread it in within the forms I built.

The task is done but, I'm a whipped pup.   Told my wife that I used to toss 120 pound bales of hay 10 foot in the air to another guy.   Don't pretend to understand where all my strength went but, it ain't where it use to be.  I'm sure I'm alone in this situation.   All you Studs are still kick'n butt.  

My goodness, I'm worn out.

Rams

[Willow]

Getting old sucks?  Don't complain.  There is only one alternative.   

[Rams]

Getting old sucks?  Don't complain.  There is only one alternative.  

Pretty sure I stated upfront my intention was to not gripe about it.  Just confirming what I've heard many times.   

Understood but, all that strength and endurance seems to have found another home.   That is not something I enjoyed.     No doubt, will be showering and hitting the hay early tonight.  Hope I can get up in the morning to get those forms off.  

Rams  

[Jess from VA]

There's jobs I'll do, job's I'll pay to get done, and job's that will never get done.

The one you described is a number 3. 

With all this hard work you do for the wife, I have to ask, do you have a great big life insurance policy on yourself?        

[Rams]

 

With all this hard work you do for the wife, I have to ask, do you have a great big life insurance policy on yourself?        

Me, heck no.   But, that doesn't mean she doesn't have a policy on me.   She's younger than me and has a superior genetic life span.   She's gonna out live me.   The only part of what she's said that bothers me to a certain extent is that she plans of having me cremated and then put the ashes in an hour glass so that she can keep me working even after I'm gone.   

Rams   

[old2soon]

     Well with me flirtin with 80 orbits around the sun I Do relate. There are days just unazzing the rack seems like a large chore. BUT as we all KNOW catchin some wind makes this stuff seem rather trivial. And i duz intens to catch some wind 2moro. RIDE SAFE.

[f6john]

I feel the same way. I can only throw those 120lb bales about 8 feet high myself! I like the Toby Keith song where he proclaims, I’m not as good as I once was, but, I’m as good, once, as I ever was!

[Rams]

I feel the same way. I can only throw those 120lb bales about 8 feet high myself! I like the Toby Keith song where he proclaims, I’m not as good as I once was, but, I’m as good, once, as I ever was!

As I previously stated:

Not posting to gripe about it but, thought I'd confirm something I've heard.

SNIP

I'm sure I'm alone in this situation.   All you Studs are still kick'n butt.  

Took the extra bags of concrete back to Lowes and rushed home, that gave me about an hour to allow the screeded concrete to dry up a bit.   Once I got home, I immediately get busy trying to finish that concrete.   While it's not perfect, it looks decent.   What I should have known better, upon getting home, my son and my grandson both left their handprints in the concrete (intentionally).   Of course, my loving spouse knew all about it.   What they failed to understand (apparently) is where they left those handprints is precisely where those Cedar Posts will sit.  

Edited:  One thing that happened I had not mentioned is my son brought both his son (Rowdy. two years old) and his dog over.   Most folks know that children and animals shouldn't be anywhere near a concrete project but the dog walked right through the concrete twice.  She got tied up.   But, Rowdy couldn't be tied up and Granny was supposed to be occupying him.   Remember those pier holes (two feet deep) I mentioned earlier.   Well, Rowdy decided to walk across that still wet concrete and yes, that's where he decided to cross over.   Ever seen a two year old about two feet tall standing in a two foot hole full of wet concrete?   While Rowdy was screaming his head off, we reacted quickly and got him out but, it was funny after it was all over.   Was too busy to get a picture but, I wish I had thought of that.

Rams  

[da prez]

   MY GET UP AND GO HAS GOT UP AND GONE!
  I wish my body was as young as my brain feels on some days!

                                                da prez

[h13man]

I feel the same way. I can only throw those 120lb bales about 8 feet high myself! I like the Toby Keith song where he proclaims, I’m not as good as I once was, but, I’m as good, once, as I ever was!

C'mon you old studs, you know those hay bales weren't that heavy in 60's but by the end of the day, they sure felt like it. Loved the smell of fresh green hay in the mow. I hated it when a snake gets caught in the process. 

[Rams]

I feel the same way. I can only throw those 120lb bales about 8 feet high myself! I like the Toby Keith song where he proclaims, I’m not as good as I once was, but, I’m as good, once, as I ever was!

C'mon you old studs, you know those hay bales weren't that heavy in 60's but by the end of the day, they sure felt like it. Loved the smell of fresh green hay in the mow. I hated it when a snake gets caught in the process.  

Obviously, you're correct in the majority of the cases but, as a teenager, I often worked for a couple of farmers hauling hay/alfalfa and they believed in packing those bales as tight and heavy as the baler would do it.   That was back when the ties were wire.  Other farmers made their bales between 60 to 70 lbs.

Have you ever worked/hauled using a "Green Monster" or "DewEze Hay Monster"?  Very similar machines.  

[scooperhsd]

   MY GET UP AND GO HAS GOT UP AND GONE!
  I wish my body was as young as my brain feels on some days!

                                                da prez

AMEN !!!!

[HayHauler]

I hear ya, loud and clear.  Last night I replaced the faucet under the kitchen sink.  What was I THINKING???  My big a$$ all contorted, laying in the cabinet, reaching above my head in an attempt to loosen the old faucet.

I am really sore today, but it will pass. 

Hay 
Jimmyt

[0leman]

When I was in college, a roommate had a in with a local farmer.  The old guy would get us college kids to come pick up his hay bales.  He would provide gloves/chaps, and three-square meals plus cents (forgot how much a bale).  Usually took a weekend.  His wife knew how to feed hungry college kids.  I work the ground, picking up the bale and getting them high enough to be grabbed by a hay hook form the kid on the truck (10 ton bed).   Two-day would net us somewhere around $30, but the food was worth it. 

Maybe only picked up the bales 5' in the air, but after 8 hours of doing it, was ready for the rack.  Spring bales were the heaviest. 

Couldn't even think about doing it now after being around nearly 8 decades.

[Rams]

When I was in college, a roommate had a in with a local farmer.  The old guy would get us college kids to come pick up his hay bales.  

Couldn't even think about doing it now after being around nearly 8 decades.

Growing up, we had our own small ranch and haying (plus all the other ranch chores) was part of my job at home but I also hauled hay for surrounding farmers/ranchers.   My Dad also built homes, garages and barns in his and my spare time.   My first two years of college, I worked for a concrete Contractor, it paid the bills is about all I can say.   Have poured quite a bit of concrete since then on every home we've owned but, this project (yet to be completed) will be my last.

As was stated earlier, my get up and go has gotten up and gone.  

[f6john]

My grandfather provided me with summer work. We did making hay the easiest way possible at the time. An International model M tractor pulled an IH baler with its own Wisconsin V4 powerplant and behind that was the hay wagon, and myself with the hay hook. Hay bales never touched the ground. Had a separate tractor, a Super A that we would hook to the hay wagon to pull to the barn and a elevator to feed the hay into the hayloft, then it was time to repeat the process. Interesting side note, my grandfathers last name was Hay!

[Rams]

My grandfather provided me with summer work. We did making hay the easiest way possible at the time. An International model M tractor pulled an IH baler with its own Wisconsin V4 powerplant and behind that was the hay wagon, and myself with the hay hook. Hay bales never touched the ground. Had a separate tractor, a Super A that we would hook to the hay wagon to pull to the barn and a elevator to feed the hay into the hayloft, then it was time to repeat the process. Interesting side note, my grandfathers last name was Hay!

Loading a hay trailer behind the baler is absolutely the dirtiest way to do that job.   I did that for one farmer several times, I always charged him more and told him why.   No one else that I knew of would do it for him.   He had a really cute daughter and that was my motivation.   He also had an elevator that we used, he would always stay on the trailer throwing the bales down on the elevator while I was up in the loft sweating my butt off stacking the hay.   Being honest, now that I think about it, she wasn't really that cute................

Rams

[John Schmidt]

Wire tie bales, I also have some experience with that.  My grandpa had an old Case baler and a Ford tractor so my dad thought it a great idea to have me and a cousin work with him and gramps as a baling crew. Since it was gramps rig he got to drive, putting him out of all the dust. Dad being the next oldest got to feed the wire which put him on the outside and out of most of the dust. My cousin, being the smallest, got the job of tying the wire which also put him in the worst of the dust. Yours truly was left with the job of hooking the bales as they came off the baler, stacking them at least 4 high, then throwing a 5th across the stacks to "tie" them together to prevent tipping over while passing over rough ground. I could still do it as long as the funeral was the next day. One thing I've noticed while at the gym...100+ lbs. seems a lot heavier today than it did 60 years ago.

Ron, re. the hour glass...Nancy says thanks for the suggestion!  

[Timbo1]

Indeed it does.  I went through similar experience 2 weeks ago.  Put in a new HVAC package unit and I had to bust out the old slab with a sledge and put a new one in.  It was only 6' x 7' so I figured no problem since I did a lot of cement curb & gutter, storm sewers & roads as a young man I thought a little slab would be a piece of cake.  I only needed 20 80# bags of cement but after loading them on the dolly then loading them in the truck at the local big box store I was shot and still had to unload them and mix them in my little garden trailer.  As the day went on it was taking longer and longer to mix each batch as I was resting more than working.  Finally with about 2' left of the slab to do my little wife came out and finished mixing the last few bags.  I won't be taking on a task like that again for sure.

[Jess from VA]

I never did any of that hay bailing.

But from 1st to 3d grade in Indiana I lived right across the street from a farm with 3 sons (one my age in my class, one a year older, and the other 2yrs older).  They raised a big pile of produce for sale on a street stand, a big herd of sheep (for shearing), and one mean old horse that would not let anyone ride him (I tried once and was bucked off on my head right quick).

We had lived all over creation before this (USMC, and dad to finish college after), so this was the happiest time of my life because I had and kept 3 good friends for 3 whole years, and I practically lived over there with them.

They had a big barn full of hay bails for the animals, and we made tunnels and little rooms in them.  But we had to share with the mice in there.   

[Rams]

Edited:  One thing that happened I had not mentioned is my son brought both his son (Rowdy. two years old) and his dog over.   Most folks know that children and animals shouldn't be anywhere near a concrete project but the dog walked right through the concrete twice.  She got tied up.   But, Rowdy couldn't be tied up and Granny was supposed to be occupying him.   Remember those pier holes (two feet deep) I mentioned earlier.   Well, Rowdy decided to walk across that still wet concrete and yes, that's where he decided to cross over.   Ever seen a two year old about two feet tall standing in a two foot hole full of wet concrete?   While Rowdy was screaming his head off, we reacted quickly and got him out but, it was funny after it was all over.   Was too busy to get a picture but, I wish I had thought of that.

Reference the above, today we had our grandson Rowdy back for a few hours.   We brought his balance bike so he could ride it on our concrete driveway and the patio.   We have quite a bit of concrete driveway.   Regardless, the wet concrete he walked into and sunk was an extension to the patio.   He wouldn't get near that concrete even though it had solidified.   He wasn't gonna let that concrete swallow him again.   

Rams

[OnaWingandaPrayer]

I've done my share of concrete work . Just to help you fellers out , next time purchase the 40lb bags. Lots easier to handle . Ok so I'm a wimp .

[Rams]

I've done my share of concrete work . Just to help you fellers out , next time purchase the 40lb bags. Lots easier to handle . Ok so I'm a wimp .

No doubt but, I thought John Smith was eager to help…..  He likes the heavier hags….
I guess he found something more strenuous to do.  

Just curious, how eager are you to help? 

[f6john]

I've done my share of concrete work . Just to help you fellers out , next time purchase the 40lb bags. Lots easier to handle . Ok so I'm a wimp .

No doubt but, I thought John Smith was eager to help…..  He likes the heavier hags….
I guess he found something more strenuous to do. 
Rams.

Bags! What amateurs! Order sand, cement and gravel and get to shoveling!

[Rams]

I've done my share of concrete work . Just to help you fellers out , next time purchase the 40lb bags. Lots easier to handle . Ok so I'm a wimp .

No doubt but, I thought John Smith was eager to help…..  He likes the heavier hags….
I guess he found something more strenuous to do. 
Rams.

Bags! What amateurs! Order sand, cement and gravel and get to shoveling!

Sir, I have several different shovels available, just need an operator.   Based on your comments, I'm sure one would fit your experienced hands. 

Rams   

[f6john]

I've done my share of concrete work . Just to help you fellers out , next time purchase the 40lb bags. Lots easier to handle . Ok so I'm a wimp .

No doubt but, I thought John Smith was eager to help…..  He likes the heavier hags….
I guess he found something more strenuous to do. 
Rams.

Bags! What amateurs! Order sand, cement and gravel and get to shoveling!

Sir, I have several different shovels available, just need an operator.   Based on your comments, I'm sure one would fit your experienced hands. 

Rams   

I have moved on to providing my supervisory skills to those willing to learn. Just let me know when you have the materials on site, tea and Diet Coke iced down, and an assortment of your favorite shovels in square and round point and I practically “garuntee” you will be an expert when you’re done!

[Rams]

I have moved on to providing my supervisory skills to those willing to learn. Just let me know when you have the materials on site, tea and Diet Coke iced down, and an assortment of your favorite shovels in square and round point and I practically “garuntee” you will be an expert when you’re done!

Gosh, that's so very kind of you.   But, I'm a very slow learner.   You may have to show me/demonstrate multiple times on how those tools are operated.    This is a learning technique I learned from reading a Mark Twain book..................

Rams

[f6john]

I have moved on to providing my supervisory skills to those willing to learn. Just let me know when you have the materials on site, tea and Diet Coke iced down, and an assortment of your favorite shovels in square and round point and I practically “garuntee” you will be an expert when you’re done!

Gosh, that's so very kind of you.   But, I've a very slow learner.   You may have to show me/demonstrate multiple times on how those tools are operated.    This is a learning technique I learned from reading a Mark Twain book..................

Rams

I read the same book, I remember something about whitewashing a fence….

[0leman]

Since you two seem to have a lot of knowledge in the use of shovels.  I do need some assistance in remove a bunch of white stuff that is presently falling on my sidewalks and driveway.   I do have shovels, so you just need to pop in.   

[f6john]

Since you two seem to have a lot of knowledge in the use of shovels.  I do need some assistance in remove a bunch of white stuff that is presently falling on my sidewalks and driveway.   I do have shovels, so you just need to pop in.   

If Ron volunteers, I’ll tag along to supervise.

[98valk]

creatine supplementation is a Must.  never ever do the massive loading they suggest for the first two wks. its a lie and not needed. I read the original medical reports/studies, (medical college near me and I would go to the medical library, this was before the al gore internet) back in the '90s when it was first starting to be used. the loading lie is from a burn patient study, which because their bodies were under such stress the loading phase made a huge difference, but for people not under that kind of stress a loading phase did nothing except fill up the toilet and made the sellers more money.
Same goes for the return of HMB ads in so called older people gaining muscle products. HMB only worked for burn patients and did nothing for non-burned patients. Yes I read this medical reports/studies. Then gym people esp bodybuilders proved that after trying it for a yr, it did nothing.

""Although creatine has been researched far less for cognitive performance and mental health than for physical performance, it may have benefits in some contexts. Creatine appears to reduce mental fatigue in some scenarios, particularly highly stressful ones involving sleep deprivation or exercise to exhaustion.[20][21] Creatine may also improve some aspects of memory, particularly for people with below-average creatine levels, such as vegetarians and older adults.[22][23] There is also some preliminary evidence to suggest that creatine may reduce symptoms of depression in individuals with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.[24] That said, more research is needed in these areas and on other cognitive measures before creatine can be said to be effective for cognitive performance or mental health.""

""The primary benefit of creatine is an improvement in strength and power output during resistance exercise. Creatine is well-researched for this purpose, and its effects are quite notable for a supplement, both in the general population,[6][7][8][9] and specifically in older adults""

https://examine.com/supplements/creatine/?show_conditions=true#what-are-the-main-dietary-sources-of-creatine

[Rams]

Since you two seem to have a lot of knowledge in the use of shovels.  I do need some assistance in remove a bunch of white stuff that is presently falling on my sidewalks and driveway.   I do have shovels, so you just need to pop in.   

Since you two seem to have a lot of knowledge in the use of shovels.  I do need some assistance in remove a bunch of white stuff that is presently falling on my sidewalks and driveway.   I do have shovels, so you just need to pop in.   

If Ron volunteers, I’ll tag along to supervise.

Was just getting ready to volunteer and all of a sudden I stubbed my toe.   Extremely painful encounter,   after my trip to the ER, I feel compelled to follow doctor's orders.   Absolutely no efforts involved in raising my heart rate or blood pressure.  Won't be able to assist till sometime in July.   But, I'll bring my shovel to help John.............. 

Rams

[0leman]

Too late for you to come and help.  Got it done, even help neighbor who husband was under the weather.  Good snowman making snow.  Very wet. 

The snow gods took pity on us last night, the moisture came as rain.  It rained most of the night, which is strange as it was warmer last night than all day yesterday.

I will keep you two in mind as there is more moisture project for Saturday night.  You do work weekends?

These storms are part of cyclonic bomb/atmospheric rivers.   They just keep giving.

[threevalks]

High school years. Loaded wagon hooked behind baler, hay stacked 6-7 high on wagon, +- 150 bales each wagon, 2-3 wagons. Farmer worked evening shift at local aluminum plant. Baled and hauled hay until he left for work. His wife and 4 younger kids (6-12) unloaded onto elevator, one bale after another, sometimes they may accidently bust a bale, did not slow them down, but sure put a hurt on the two of us in HUGE hay loft to carry and stack. Hot, Soaking wet, you could feel your heart beating in your temples. All for 75 cents per hour and a decent lunch. I Wouldn't last 50 bales today.
AH, FOR THE GOOD OLE DAYS.

[Rams]

High school years. Loaded wagon hooked behind baler, hay stacked 6-7 high on wagon, +- 150 bales each wagon, 2-3 wagons. Farmer worked evening shift at local aluminum plant. Baled and hauled hay until he left for work. His wife and 4 younger kids (6-12) unloaded onto elevator, one bale after another, sometimes they may accidently bust a bale, did not slow them down, but sure put a hurt on the two of us in HUGE hay loft to carry and stack. Hot, Soaking wet, you could feel your heart beating in your temples. All for 75 cents per hour and a decent lunch. I Wouldn't last 50 bales today.
AH, FOR THE GOOD OLE DAYS.

We may have worked for the same family..................   I always ended up in the lofts..............

Rams

[Rams]

Too late for you to come and help.  Got it done, even help neighbor who husband was under the weather.  Good snowman making snow.  Very wet.  

The snow gods took pity on us last night, the moisture came as rain.  It rained most of the night, which is strange as it was warmer last night than all day yesterday.

I will keep you two in mind as there is more moisture project for Saturday night.  You do work weekends?

These storms are part of cyclonic bomb/atmospheric rivers.   They just keep giving.

Dang, I was so looking forward to helping with that next July.   I'll be available if John's available assuming my injury heals up.   Just curious, while the job may get done for very little to nothing, are you covering travel expenses from TN and KY.  
John being in the Smith Empire (similar to Bezos of Amazon fame) probably doesn't need any assistance financially.  

Rams

[f6john]

The jet is on the fritz again!!!

[Rams]

The jet is on the fritz again!!!

You need to give that thing to Goodwill or one of those charities.   Go getcha a new one.  Jeff might loan you his for a trip of two.

Rams 

[f6john]

I’m POed at Jeff and the waiting list for a new one is over 2 years. Now if Donald decides to get a new one I might consider his but with AF One available he probably won’t be in a rush anytime soon.

[Rams]

I’m POed at Jeff and the waiting list for a new one is over 2 years. Now if Donald decides to get a new one I might consider his but with AF One available he probably won’t be in a rush anytime soon.

John,

Even though the pain from my recent injury (toe stubbing) is going to keep me from helping you remove that snow up in Oregon.   I'm still thinking that you should patch things up with Jeff and provide him with that supervisory leadership and some guidance.

With that, I'll quit confirming how "Getting Old SUCKS" (for now) and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Rams