Wow Rich, 76 and bike 13 miles to the VA center. I can't bike 13 miles and I'm 25 years younger than you.
I am however falling apart and have been for at least 10 years noow. I have really bad arthritis in my knees, so I bought a single story house. If it gets really bad, I can install a chair lift down to the basement. I have partial vision loss in my right eye due to severe and stubborn glaucoma - various medicines did nothing to reduce the pressure so I had surgery on both eye, and even with that AND still using 2 kinds of eye drops, it's still well above normal. I've worn glasses since I was 7, I'm something like a -11 in one eye, not sure what the other is. A strong magnifier lamp has been my friend for years.
It's a vicious cycle, too. With my knees, I can't really walk up my front yard (house sits on a hill), let alone push a lawn mower up it, so a former means of exercise is totally out. I was away most of the best days of summer, now that I'm home and can use my pool, it's too dang cold. We've been having lows in the 50's at night and not so sunny days, and low 70's is just a bit too cool for the water. So I sit all day at work, come home, and mostly sit.
But, I'm trying to eat better, more healthy stuff. I have great plans for that basement and I want to be able to do it. I don't want someone else to build my layout for me.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Mel: The most important thing in such a situation is (I believe) to not let the situation get the better of you. You have handled that wonderfully. I have AS and as such I had /have to adjust my layout construction techniques so that almost everything is on the top of the layout. Or come up with new ways to accomplish tasks that a lot of modelers look at as almost "plug and play" situations. Ironically, I have actually found that this slowing down and examining things has allowed me to build a better railroad. Perhaps the same is true with you and others in our boat. You are correct in your position on aging - it is most certainly not for the wimps.
Old Fat Robert
Yes, definitily off topic but whatever.
I have macular degeneration in left eye and cannot gauge distance up close.
Also, hands and fingers not always steady. No more modeling or soldering.
I am slowly bringing rolling stock to a place in town for selling.
Gave large scale and 0-27 stuff to young boys in family.
Had many years of fun modeling.
I ride an eBike on local rail trails in my area now. My small city still has it’s train station and a Union Station on the same trail about ten miles away with an Amtrak loading platform. Pan Am freights through that city also right next to the rail trail. About forty miles of rail trails in my area.. Saves on wear and tear for the car.
Keep up with a couple train forums. Staying positive.
At seventy six, still dating and dancing.
I am a veteran and VA center about thirteen miles away I can bike to.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.