Covid19 Spare time

[Donstar]

FWIW:  I think America always was great!  Learning from historical wrongs and striving to improve is a attribute of a great country.  Adopting a slogan that suggests my country isn't currently great would feel humiliating for me.  My country like the USA have many paths for improvement but I'd disagree with anyone who suggests these are are not great countries.  I also really appreciate the efforts of our health authorities.  I know we are far more evolved than a survival of the fittest or let 'er rip  solution to health threats.  Before Covid it was unacceptable to be with others when you had a "common cold".   I remember my parents being called in 1960 to pick me up from school because I was coughing and hacking around the other children!  As a supervisor I always told my staff to stay home when sick. 

[KARNUT]

17 minutes ago, Donstar said:

FWIW:  I think America always was great!  Learning from historical wrongs and striving to improve is an attribute of a great country.  Adopting a slogan that suggests my country isn't currently great would feel humiliating for me.  My country like the USA have many paths for improvement but I'd disagree with anyone who suggests these are are not great countries.  I also really appreciate the efforts of our health authorities.  I know we are far more evolved than a survival of the fittest or let 'er rip  solution to health threats.  Before Covid it was unacceptable to be with others when you had a "common cold".   I remember my parents being called in 1960 to pick me up from school because I was coughing and hacking around the other children!  As a supervisor I always told my staff to stay home when sick.         Stan’s response.  Working outdoors it was common to have sniffles and a slight cold. There’s a difference between a cold and flu with a fever. We didn’t go home from school with a cold unless a fever was detected. Allergies acted like colds too. That’s why they checked for a fever. I went home every time I had a runny nose or a mild cold or allergies, I would have been in the poor house. Have a common cold wasn’t considered sick, until COVID.

Edited January 8, 2023 by KARNUT

[Donstar]

Yesterday I went to Costco and a high percentage of customers were wearing masks. Covid continues to flourish even though we wish for it to be gone.  The fact that I was in Costco was a result of us doing much more bulk shopping to minimize store visits.   Many of our habits and routines have changed because of Covid and, as a result, I continue to enjoy more retirement time.   I got up early this morning as the only task on my calendar was "Garbage Day"!   I know I am fortunate to be able to have a full and meaningful day without pre-planned events.   A lack of "things to do" can be very hard on some people.  I have a friend this weekend tell me about his suicidal tendencies when alone. This is a job for the professional people but I certainly have strong opinions against such an option.  I shared what I do and also "spare time" ideas shared on this thread.  I continue to find enjoyment in fixing things or organizing my tools to fix these things. Most of my daily accomplishments are only appreciated by me and I am okay with that!  There are many healthy and inexpensive ways to enjoy our unassigned time.  Please continue to share your experiences.

[KARNUT]

21 minutes ago, Donstar said:

Yesterday I went to Costco and a high percentage of customers were wearing masks. Covid continues to flourish even though we wish for it to be gone.  The fact that I was in Costco was a result of us doing much more bulk shopping to minimize store visits.   Many of our habits and routines have changed because of Covid and, as a result, I continue to enjoy more retirement time.   I got up early this morning as the only task on my calendar was "Garbage Day"!   I know I am fortunate to be able to have a full and meaningful day without pre-planned events.   A lack of "things to do" can be very hard on some people.  I have a friend this weekend tell me about his suicidal tendencies when alone. This is a job for the professional people but I certainly have strong opinions against such an option.  I shared what I do and also "spare time" ideas shared on this thread.  I continue to find enjoyment in fixing things or organizing my tools to fix these things. Most of my daily accomplishments are only appreciated by me and I am okay with that!  There are many healthy and inexpensive ways to enjoy our unassigned time.  Please continue to share your experiences.

I’ve been retired 8 years I’m only 67. I led a very active and exciting life. I’m very thankful of my slow pace of life now retired. Getting older your body forces a person to space out activities. Growing up while my father struggled to grow a business I learned to enjoy the simple things in life, I don’t yearn for the unreachable. I don’t dwell on what I can’t control. I believe in the almighty knowing that there’s better things ahead after I pass. My path has been easy compared to others. I recognize the keys to happiness at an early age. Starting by finding my soul mate at 17. Like is really like a box of chocolates. I don’t understand depression even though I’ve witnessed it. You really do and can control your destiny if you open your eyes to it. Common sense is a powerful tool if you choose to follow it.  Fool me once, it wouldn’t happen twice. Knowing I’m blessed is the reason I can relish it. I don’t suffer fools. I know when to quit and move on when you can’t fix the unfixable. Not having something to do is mission accomplished. A person cam always volunteered. I don’t let can’t define me. I find a way.

[Donstar]

"I'm only 67" is well said! Remember when this was old?  Or the Beatles singing about when I'm 64?   I'm 69 in less than a month and feel very young in some places and very old in others. My Aunt is exactly (within a week) 30 years older than me.   She continues to enjoy every day and is in no rush to say goodbye.  She makes me believe I'm very young!  My grandchildren, on the other hand, think I need a hand/cane/walker whenever I leave a seated position! 

[KARNUT]

9 minutes ago, Donstar said:

"I'm only 67" is well said! Remember when this was old?  Or the Beatles singing about when I'm 64?   I'm 69 in less than a month and feel very young in some places and very old in others. My Aunt is exactly (within a week) 30 years older than me.   She continues to enjoy every day and is in no rush to say goodbye.  She makes me believe I'm very young!  My grandchildren, on the other hand, think I need a hand/cane/walker whenever I leave a seated position! 

I can remember the saying you can’t trust people over 30. And the who singing I hope I die before I get old. I remember looking at my parents at my wedding when I was 18 thinking there’re old in their 30s. Even though I feel younger most of the time I remember how my kids see me. I try not to embarrass them. The Beatles, yes and Led Zeppelin I have all their albums. Playing albums,baseball,riding bikes was our entertainment.

[Donstar]

I follow a couple on YouTube who spend their retirement living in a cargo trailer conversion (tiny house).   Their assets and wealth are minimal but their commitment to each other is priceless.  Their videos often describe how they made something for their tiny home or tow vehicle.  However, the real substance comes from how this couple interact with each other under such close conditions.  It's not all hugs and kisses but the respect they show for each other is indicative of years of work.  This  can't be turned off with the camera.  Retirement, exacerbated by the covid years,  generated a lot of extra time that I was responsible to fill.  It took me no time at all to appreciate that maintaining a good relationship with my wife is infinitely more important and rewarding than  any of my personal projects!

[KARNUT]

I grew up in a time when men were the boss and where the buck stopped. Just listen to old artists like Tom Jones She a lady comes to mind. My wife being an army brat had a similar experience. Through mutual respect and life experiences a partnership was developed between my wife and myself. Mostly through patience from my wife and learning on my part. The first 10 years my wife was a stay at home mom. I consider the most important job. We didn’t consider the one income family a disadvantage. By the time she went to work our modest first house was paid for. Her income was mostly for retirement. We have exceeded our dreams. I only want to be where she is, she the same. We were best friends first and still. Do we disagree at times? Rarely. We don’t dwell. We agreed to disagree at those few times and move on. We have different daily activities. I’m a morning person and get most of my things done early. She runs her daily activities at noon until five. Church secretary, errands for her mother and so on. The only time she on Stan time is on travel days. I’m an OCD idiot I shield her from most of that. She benefits mostly from that being I home during the day. You have to keep moving. So I clean, especially during the winter no yard work. I don’t understand how people especially spouses don’t get along. Just agree to disagree and move on. You bring kids into the world suck it up until there’re grown. The world would be a better place. 

[Donstar]

My wife has waited for a year for non emergency surgery and I'm on a 6 month long waitlist to see a specialist.   Covid and other bugs are still consuming a lot of service.  Waiting prevents travel plans but we both manage to fill our days so that we're ready for any future adventure.  Yesterday, I took my truck for a tire rotation and alignment check to make sure it is always ready to hit the road.   These services are free where I purchased the tires, unless they find alignment adjustments are required.     I had this shop do an alignment 6k miles ago and was very surprised when they charged $120 + tax for a full alignment yesterday.  I know it takes only one bad bump to skew the numbers  but I certainly don't recall anything out of the ordinary!  I felt ripped off but am trying to convince myself they did what was right.  I would rather err on the side of trust!  "Just because everyone is out to get me doesn't mean I'm paranoid"

 

Edited January 20, 2023 by Donstar

[Grumpy Bear]

On 1/9/2023 at 11:40 AM, Donstar said:

"I'm only 67" is well said! Remember when this was old?  Or the Beatles singing about when I'm 64?   I'm 69 in less than a month and feel very young in some places and very old in others. My Aunt is exactly (within a week) 30 years older than me.   She continues to enjoy every day and is in no rush to say goodbye.  She makes me believe I'm very young!  My grandchildren, on the other hand, think I need a hand/cane/walker whenever I leave a seated position! 

 

69 last fall. My mind says I'm 30. My body says, "Go have a look in the mirror". Perceptions vary. I have to ask for the senior discount and my kids haven't asked for my keys. (They know better). I can still do pretty much as I please as long as I understand that for the next three days, I will pay for it. Endurance is the issue and flexibility/strength the limits most cases. Dad is 94 and I don't go hunting with him anymore just in case there's a bear, he can outrun me. Doc says I can recapture some of that with targeted activities. I cleared off the tread mill again. That took ten days.  Mrs. Bear is eleven my junior and even she is slowing down some. Not enough that I can catch her though. My oldest two are nearing 50 and call themselves middle aged. Allways the optimist, eh?

 

 

[KARNUT]

My 22 year old grandson call me the other day, he had a flat. I know what you’re thinking. I know what my father would have said. I’ve come to realize some people especially some kids just are different. So out there I went to (help) him. Biting my tongue and smiling. Showing him the second time how to change a flat. I told him at thanksgiving he needed tires on a car I gave him. He’s been driving it since he got his license. Of course the spare has never been out and it’s about to rain. The nut is hard to turn and he’s struggling to hold up the hatch because, well you know why the struts are bad. I’m getting tired because you have to back off to clear the threads and start again. He says let me try. He can’t even loosen it, let alone clean the threads. So finally I get the spare out. I’ve come to the conclusion the reason we get ourselves in trouble is the labor and work we performed over our lifetime. We built muscle mass that works against us in our later years. Learning to take it easy and spacing out work is the key. I ended up putting 4 new tires on his car. 

[Donstar]

My truck is now 8 years old and this is the longest I've ever owned a vehicle.  My love for this truck is really challenged by the beautiful new ones on my dealer's lot!  It is good to see the supply issues appear to have eased.  However, my current truck is in wonderful shape and is not a financial hardship.   Unless the momentum changes, "gas only" vehicles will be hard to resell in a few years.  My loss will be minimized by keeping my "old" truck.  Currently, Hybrids and EV's are what people are buying.   In my spare time I looked for companies that convert "gas only" vehicles to hybrid or all electric.  My current truck is in pristine original condition and would make an ideal candidate.  There are companies that will convert "show" or commercial vehicles to low range electric but nothing that would scratch the huge potential market that currently exists.  Changes in how we fuel our vehicles is coming whether we agree or not.   I remember many worried about losing leaded fuel and/or manual transmissions.  These particular changes were only a hiccup compared to the changes that need/will happen in the near future.  There is a billion dollar business opportunity in converting our treasured vehicles to low or zero emissions, imo! 

[KARNUT]

27 minutes ago, Donstar said:

My truck is now 8 years old and this is the longest I've ever owned a vehicle.  My love for this truck is really challenged by the beautiful new ones on my dealer's lot!  It is good to see the supply issues appear to have eased.  However, my current truck is in wonderful shape and is not a financial hardship.   Unless the momentum changes, "gas only" vehicles will be hard to resell in a few years.  My loss will be minimized by keeping my "old" truck.  Currently, Hybrids and EV's are what people are buying.   In my spare time I looked for companies that convert "gas only" vehicles to hybrid or all electric.  My current truck is in pristine original condition and would make an ideal candidate.  There are companies that will convert "show" or commercial vehicles to low range electric but nothing that would scratch the huge potential market that currently exists.  Changes in how we fuel our vehicles is coming whether we agree or not.   I remember many worried about losing leaded fuel and/or manual transmissions.  These particular changes were only a hiccup compared to the changes that need/will happen in the near future.  There is a billion dollar business opportunity in converting our treasured vehicles to low or zero emissions, imo! 

I love my truck the way it is. I lean on the CRV for gas saving. I can see hybrid maybe in my future. I can’t visualize electric. Right now Toyota leads the pack with hybrids. If-when they start producing electric that’s when I’ll take notice. 

[richard wysong]

I don't think it would be economically feasible to convert existing Dino fueled vehicles at this point and that is why they are only doing "show"vehicles probably to prove the concept.  Donstar is correct if someone could put together a kit with the motor, battery, controls and the hardware to install they could make a fortune even if it only fit 1 type of vehicle say like the F150 just because there are so many of them out there. The technology is here but does it make sense? I would imagine the kit would cost north of $5k, maybe even more than double that but I believe there would still be a market for it. I know GM was making Hybrid suburbans, did they make pickups as well? Ford seems to have skipped the Hybrid and gone right to the all electric Lightening. I think hydrogen fuel cells may not be that far off once they figure out the fuel supply logistics

[customboss]

4 hours ago, richard wysong said:

I don't think it would be economically feasible to convert existing Dino fueled vehicles at this point and that is why they are only doing "show"vehicles probably to prove the concept.  Donstar is correct if someone could put together a kit with the motor, battery, controls and the hardware to install they could make a fortune even if it only fit 1 type of vehicle say like the F150 just because there are so many of them out there. The technology is here but does it make sense? I would imagine the kit would cost north of $5k, maybe even more than double that but I believe there would still be a market for it. I know GM was making Hybrid suburbans, did they make pickups as well? Ford seems to have skipped the Hybrid and gone right to the all electric Lightening. I think hydrogen fuel cells may not be that far off once they figure out the fuel supply logistics

Better yet Cummins is adapting developing on board electrolyzers to make power removing hydrogen from water  in-situ so that logistics of a very dangerous fuel will be needless.  Cummins already operates electric vehicles using hydrogen powered electrolyzers to charge in railroads, generators, and mining applications. 

 

 

Edited January 24, 2023 by customboss