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Post by ET on Oct 25, 2014 7:24:45 GMT -5
This morning I’m in a serious world of hurt from the lower back down to my feet. It was self induced for a worthy cause so hopefully with some muscle relaxants and cream all should be back to normal in a few days. 3-years ago in my previous home I swore that it was the last roof I would work on and re-shingle. Well so much for that statement. So what motivated me to once again abuse my older body with roofing? As mentioned before my good friend recently passed away this past December and of course his favorite play room (Garage) began to leak this Spring and needed a new roof. My friend John who has a small renovation business and does roofing was approached by the Widow (also a good friend of ours) to see if the roof could be redone at a reasonable cost for this 32’ x 60’ building. John did quote a super good price but with the stipulation if I would help with this larger than normal job. John and I originally did the roof over 20-years ago when the garage was 1st built. Knowing I would physically hurt some I reluctantly agreed to help with this worthy cause. What I didn’t expect was the level of hurt of aging another 3-years. Talk about brutal is an understatement of what I’m experiencing this morning. As I reflect on this discomfort because I definitely can’t ignore it I also feel it was worth it to help out. The roof took about 3-days and now is almost complete. The calculations for amount of shingles was 77-bundles but 1/2-bundle short for the capping. John is also getting on in years and I was glad that the bundles were roof topped instead of having to carry them up on a ladder. What I did learn was I could still lay fairly straight rows of shingles by eye. My sense of balance is still good for navigating a roof. I could handle more than 8-hours of physical work with a few additional rests between. Through physical exertions any resulting pain sure isn’t lighter with age. No sense in saying I won’t do this again because I have a soft heart and will endure some pain to help another. This 61 year old body seems to have a little more life and mileage than what I credit it with and that’s a good thing. Ed
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Post by rambler on Oct 25, 2014 7:28:25 GMT -5
You did a good thing Ed. I know just enough about roofing to stay away from it if all possible. A young man's job for sure.
I assume you roofed over the old shingles?
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Post by ET on Oct 25, 2014 8:41:08 GMT -5
You did a good thing Ed. I know just enough about roofing to stay away from it if all possible. A young man's job for sure. I assume you roofed over the old shingles? You assumed correct. The old roof shingles were lying reasonably flat with no curls to contend with so we didn’t have to deal with this problem. Even though it’s a little late in the year for roofing there should still be enough sunny and warm days left before winter to get the shingles to seal well together. The widow got an extra break on the price for higher quality shingles. The supplier said he had cheaper stock on hand for a specific color but didn’t when he made the deal. So he would substitute a higher quality (30-year) for only a small additional fee to break even. Because of the size of the Barnage John was allowed to store his 20’ x 8’ recreational trailer for the winter there as he is going through a separation and needs to move his belongings. This is how gracious our widow friend is. I guess you could say it’s an all around win, win situation when friends help each other. Yes it’s a younger man’s job for the physical requirements. For some of us getting older we seem to have an urge to test the metal so to speak especially when helping another. I have no wish to compete with a younger man on any physical levels but still good to know I’m not limited to far less capabilities yet. Just don’t enjoy the pain that sometimes comes with it. Ed
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Post by 1coyotemaster on Oct 25, 2014 12:06:30 GMT -5
Ed You are truly good hearted and that was a great thing you did for the old gal. The pain will fade away but the memory of doing something substantial to help another will live on.
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Post by jims on Oct 25, 2014 12:49:34 GMT -5
I know they will appreciate your help for a long time, your body will forget it aches in a week or so.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2014 15:03:13 GMT -5
A good hearted deed that I'm sure is greatly appreciated by many. Speaks volumes for the type of guy you are, now rest up...
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Post by ET on Oct 25, 2014 16:27:51 GMT -5
1coyotemaster You’re absolutely right that memories will live on as my deceased friend gave me memories I’ll never forget or could ever repay. I’m not under any real obligation for giving help as I have but my friend also taught me what true friendship is all about. His memory alone is my motivation for helping his widow and my friend also through a difficult time in her life. Over the years I have always been treated like family by my friend and his wife. In a way the help I try to provide at this point in time is like helping a family member in need through a difficult time. Jims I hope the self inflicted aches and pains subside sooner than a week. But you’re right they will be easily forgotten, at least until the next time. Ohioguy Please don’t elevate me to a level where if I fell it would really hurt again. There are many like me as witnessed on this board that have a kind heart and want to reach out and help others. My friendship with John I akin like your relationship with DW. About 2/3’s through the second day I was about ready to call it quits because I was already really hurting but John knew exactly what to say to entice me to finish the day. At the end of day I thanked John for encouraging me but also said that my body hated him for that manipulation. The encouraging words were, hey some of us older farts just can’t hack certain hard work anymore and if I needed to call it quits no problem. Of course I not only had to prove a point to him but to myself also. Boy what a heavy price to pay to prove a point. Hence glutton for punishment. Ed
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Post by ET on Oct 27, 2014 6:27:06 GMT -5
Just a short follow-up as to older body recovery. The leg muscles are almost back to normal with a small ache when certain movement is applied. The back is taking a lot longer to come around to normality again but is progressing slowly. Eventually I’ll stop moaning and groaning when I make certain body shifts. As I’ve gotten older I have slowed down some when doing heavier physical work to avoid excessive pain like this. But roofing is a different animal of constantly flexing the body where there is no way around limiting certain movements. As Rambler mentioned that this is a younger mans task. Hopefully soon I will be able to act my age again without certain discomforts. If you were to ask me was it worth the pain to help? In this situation I have to say yes it was worth it. Ed
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Post by rambler on Oct 27, 2014 6:55:44 GMT -5
If you believe in karma then I'd say you're sitting pretty good ET!!
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