Not Quitting but Slowing Down

[petefrom bearswamp]

Belated happy birthday Lynn.

[Texas Ranger]

Got a couple of years on you MM, I didn't slow down, my body did.

[Magicman]

Most of you have seen "Fat Albert" handling logs that were mine to saw and the occasional log that was brought here that needed unloading.  A 1966 Oliver with a 78hp 6 cylinder Waukesha engine. 


 
He was a genuine monster and there seemingly was no limit what he could pick up and handle.  Well, my slowing down has included finding Fat Albert a new home.


 
So today he backed himself up onto this lowboy for a trip to his new home, and a good home it will be.  Kinda sad because we will miss the rumble of that engine when it fired off.

[Old Greenhorn]

Somebody got a good deal. Time marches on. tomorrow is a new day. I am sure you will miss it from time to time, but keep looking forward not back. Man, what I would do to get a machine like that around here.

[WV Sawmiller]

Lynn,

   I didn't know you cared! What time is Albert getting here? :D

[Magicman]

This "slowing down" ain't easy.  I passed off a ~60 mile job this morning and am now agonizing over a 175 mile Cypress job.  When you are accustomed to taking whatever rang the phone and now saying "no" goes against how I built my sawmilling business for the past 20+ years.  Yes, I know what I am gonna do but....

[Tom the Sawyer]

Lynn,
I, too, am slowing down; even though I am 8 years younger and been at it half as long as you have.  I really enjoy converting my clients' logs to lumber, but not every job is a joy.  When I don't enjoy a milling job, I evaluate what it was that was a problem.  It may be something I can easily fix, but sometimes it means a change in business protocols.  Once in awhile there are clients who are turned down for a subsequent appointment.

I used to schedule mobile appointments year round in what, I hoped, was decent weather.  We don't have your temperate weather, after a couple of years of miserable winter conditions jobs, my mobile season is now April through October.  I also schedule no more than one mobile appointment per week during the season.  I am also much more selective about mobile jobs where there are site prep issues, lack of equipment where probably needed, or questionable help available. 

In 2020 (COVID) a couple of months of work were curtailed, I only did 1/3 or the normal number of mobile appointments and yet my yearly volume increased slightly, most of my appointments are here at home.  When it ceases to be fun, I'll just turn the key and walk back up to the house.

[230Dforme]

Good afternoon 

Have been enjoying FF for several years,
just watching and learning 
Becoming a bit more involved lately as 
I want to buy a circle mill 
Was a structural steel contractor in Albany NY, just south of the Adirondacks
in upstate NY
In Lake George now doing tree work

Just read the post

You surely don't need advice from me,
that said, I believe that engagement 
both mentally and physically are keys  
prolonged life

Do what you can, when you want to
All the best to you, you are a sage
on this site and a friend to all

Thankyou