construction — Blog 1

Some updates on what’s been going on.

This week I’ve reacquainted myself with my old friend Manual Labor. I spent two days working on installing flooring at a friend’s place. My legs and knees were feeling every second of my age at the end of the second day. Consider doing 1000 squats each day, and you’ll get an idea of my state. I’ve also removed a bunch of flagstones which I had on the side of my house.
Dad went in for surgery to replace his hip. Amazing the difference from just a few years ago when my mom had similar surgery. This one was outpatient, and no restrictions on movement or position. I know in the past taking care of patients it was always a big deal to ensure they didn’t cross their legs or put too much flex in their hip. He has zero restrictions because of the way the surgery was done, and is doing great!
Eldest daughter, Princess B, is scheduled to visit this coast next week, and stay for two weeks. Very glad to see her.
I’ll be getting a driveway poured (installed?) over a dirt area next to my existing driveway next week as well. This will allow me to park my trailer in front and not have to store it somewhere.
My puppy will be ready to come home in four more weeks. She’s growing as of the last picture I received, and I’m excited to meet her. Princess A will accompany me to pick her up in June.
The second week of July is now the target to pick up my trailer in Texas. I’ll drive out with the puppy, and then Princess A will fly out to meet me and ride back. It will be good to have a human companion on the way back.

Interesting thing happened today when I completed removing the flagstones. I was pondering what I might do with them since I was sure they’re expensive to purchase, but of no use to me. I’m replacing the footing in that area with red bricks, as my mom and dad have found the flagstones to be very precarious when coming around the side of the house.

I’m not a huge fan of NextDoor as most of what I see on it is along the lines of “Someone was walking in front of my house and looked in my car. I’m sure they’re a gang member and casing the area to steal everything”. Way too much to worry about for my taste. BUT, they also have a free/giveaway section which I thought I’d give a try to see about finding a new home for the flagstones. I put up a notice and included a picture and description, getting five responses in under five minutes. People must be at home just hitting Refresh all day.

I arranged the pickup, going back and forth with the woman several times to indicate a truck was necessary as the flagstones wouldn’t fit in a car. She said “we have a vintage truck that gets poor gas mileage, but we’ll bring it”. She and her husband showed up in a 50-something Ford that was Canary Yellow. A show car. Vintage, to be sure. It was also lowered and had small wheels replacing the standard ones. She was also 60+ pounds overweight, and immediately said “He can’t really lift anything, he has bone cancer.” We got about 15 flagstones in before they admitted the vehicle wasn’t really meant for the weight or working; and neither were they. I ended up following them to their house to deliver the flagstones in my truck. Nice people, but not the most sensible approach to picking up a load of stone.

Retirement: week 2