Winter afternoon musings.

[cleatus12r]

Originally Posted by Jackpine

I still hike when I get the chance. A couple months ago went on an 8 mile hike, climbing about 1200 ft in the mountains where I now live. I think the "key" is to stay active.

When my dad retired, my whole family worried that he'd just quit doing things and become a couch potato. I mean, he'd worked so hard all of his life that we thought he might take advantage of the down time. No such luck. Mom can't keep him out of the shop or from working on things around the house, fencing in the spring, cutting down trees for firewood (or splitting the firewood with my brother's family), and maintaining fire department equipment. We all feel that it's kept him around a good long time.

He's almost done restoring/resto-modding a 1954 F-100 that he started over 25 years ago that sat for 20. He's just waiting on the hood to be painted so he can get that on. I should put pictures of that on here.....

Got my first Covid-19 shot two weeks ago. No reaction to speak of, except for a very slightly stiff feeling arm. It was the Moderna vaccine.

- Jack

My dad just got his follow-up shot last week. I'll leave my personal thoughts out of this conversation but I am very glad that you're doing well afterward! My dad did fine too.

[Power Hungry]

Originally Posted by cleatus12r

Like you, I don't really "feel my age" and most days I don't feel much different than I did in my early 30's other than the changes that come with a wife that loves to cook and is very good at it....well....I don't look the same. I CAN finally grow some facial hair though. That started about the time the metabolism changed at 37.

Yeah, I'd have to say that I may be a little "rounder" than I used to be. I'm okay with that, though.

I think the thing with your dad is that he doesn't just sit around. That'll kill you faster than anything. Life without a purpose seems to have a way of saying, "Screw it. I'm done." You hear the stories about 90 year old folks out cutting hay or chopping firewood like it's just a normal thing for them. They have a purpose and they just keep on chugging. Obviously, good genes and a reasonably healthy lifestyle are important, but a reason to keep going is also just as important.