vacation?

A good story OFC.

I can relate somewhat. I built a woodshed in our backyard a couple of years ago and rebuilt a section of fence this last summer. My grandpa was a carpenter as was my dad, so you'd think that I would have learned a fair amount of skills. Unfortunately, I was too interested in rocks (and rockin') when I was young and didn't learn nearly as much as I should have.

In spite of all this, the woodshed turned out alright and the fence even better. I rather enjoy this sort of work after spending most of my job-time at a computer. Next up will be the rest of the fence.

If I had a good-sized piece of land, I think I'd get into all sorts of projects. Building things is such a satisfying activity.

I like how the story was more about you accomplishing a task you set out to do rather then a look what I built. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of your work, if you are proud of it that's all that matters.

Sometimes it's the smallest of tasks that brings us the most joy. I remember how big of a deal it was for me when I first learned how to change my own strings. Even now I feel a small twinge of pride when I noticed that a neck is bowing or when an instrument needs a new setup.

Great story and great story telling OFC. Have you thought about taking up writing?

Thanks guys.

This story and another on my website called Extreme Barn Makeover are chapters from a book I'm putting together tentatively titled A Sudden Ruralization.

My emphasis has been on the spiritual nature of the work I'm doing to improve conditions for my animals and my property in general.

I've never done any of this before, but my understanding is that I'm part of a trend of baby boomers who are moving to rural America to live out their retirement days.

I hope it doesn't sound too religious, but being outside and connecting with creatures and the elements often gives me pause.

Besides that, getting 15 ft in the air on a ladder setting roof supports makes you think a lot about your mortality :D

I'm working on another chapter about breaking my filly Sunny for riding which has been less of a breaking than coming to an understanding. If anyone got broke, it was me. In the process of getting her under saddle, I've been thrown about a dozen times and had the bruises to prove it. :D

nice story, ron. the last few pix wouldn't load.

you could always get into web page design or online reporting or something like that where you could work from home..... just a thought.

Ron, I've been reading everything on your website and think its all quite good.

You've got a knack for writing and storytelling.

Let us know when the book is done as I'd definately want a copy.

Good luck with the farm improvements.

Be careful with the ladders and the power tools.

After 20+ years in construction, 10 years in mechanicing, trust me when I say, When they hurt you, they won't feel a thing!

Plus, 80% of all falls above 8' maim or are fatal.

LowDown:cool:

thanks ldd

I'm glad you enjoyed my site

I've been shopping the book to a few agents, but no takers yet

my dad was an electronics engineer whose specialty was building broadcast towers

Long before OSHA and onsite insurance I'd been 1100ft up on a tower with my pops before I was 12 (of course I couldn't tell my mom)

I know ladders are entirely different, but heights don't intimidate me. I always take my time, make sure the ladder is set solidly and if there's any question, I check again.

as far as power tools, if I feel the least bit awkward or unbalanced, I go back and reset everything

Unlike construction crews, I'm never on a deadline around here so if I don't get something finished immediately, I'll come back another time.

Yeah Ron, I hear ya about the OSHA and insurance thing.

Around that age I would run around the jobsite driving my Dad's Cat D-8 bulldozer, along with various other pieces of heavy equiptment.

Man, those were some fun times for a kid.

You'd never get away with that now.

Fortunately, working in a two-man shop, I can still take my son to work without all the insurance red-tape bullcrap.

Anyway, good luck with the book thing. And the home improvements. And the band. And the work search.

LowDown:cool:

Your barn's looking good!

I've been working since May on coverting a metal clad barn into a workshop - fixing up a building with history is certainly interesting...

I hear what you guys are saying about ladders+power tools=bad news - Years ago I had a near miss with a chain saw 8ft up cutting away a partially downed willow limb - scared the bejebus out of me

Really cool story OFC..I hope you're able to get your book published..the title is great! It can be really satisfying to build something on your own and see the fruits of your labour. I grew up on a horse farm originally and then in a small town and now I live in a big city..I think being connected with nature is something a lot of people in modern day society have disconnected with and I am frequently humbled by the grandeur of nature..I think it's something we should all be in touch with and even though there are more job opportunities in cities I fully intend on living a rural life when I can afford to. I want to move out to British Columbia to be around the mountains and ocean in the next few years, as well there is a great music scene there too. Best of luck with your endeavours..I'll be keeping an eye on your website from now on!

-Dave

Ron, I enjoyed the story and pics.

Your a talented writer, you have the ability of helping put the person reading the story into the story.

Best wishes....Paul