A Certain Age

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

One of my tricks is to try to remember too many things at once:

"Take the tea-mug back indoors and make a brew, fetch the M6 taper tap from the set in the front room, look for 4-off M6 washers in the box in the kitchen."

Some while later I will be stomping around demanding to know where I put the tap, while the tea goes cold. The tap knows where it is. It's snug in the set in the front room.

'

There was an intriguing but rather reassuring item on Radio Four's All In The Mind recently, to the effect that many of us are suffering from temporarily weakened memories thanks to the loss of stimuli by all the current restrictions and lock-downs.

'

Speedy Builder –

My club has cleared a number of passed-on members' workshops for the family. One or two members liaise with the family, organise selling the models (often the most valuable property) then arrange a sale morning or two for the members generally. Sometimes they have brought the last lots of bits and bobs – odd tools, come-in-handy materials etc. – to the club-house.

I have appointed my nephew and niece as Executors and am preparing instructions on what I want done with my workshop contents, and similarly my caving and geology items.

[Guy LambParticipant @guylamb68056]

Wow! You get to keep your taps in the front room and washers (makes refreshing a change from dish and clothes) in the kitchen, pure opulence indeed. Respect.

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

Regarding Larry's point, have you noticed the signs on the hospital wards list?

Older persons when you get there it is still numbered G, ie Geriatric

Edited By KWIL on 11/12/2020 12:42:22

[JAParticipant @ja]

At the age of 73 I am find that finishing projects has become more urgent (if I can find the bits).

JA

[Oily RagParticipant @oilyrag]

A friend's 91 year old father-in-law went into hospital a few years ago after a fall, he was quite deaf and losing his sight. So appeared rather 'out of it' in the dementia stakes – however after having this explained to the staff by my friend and his wife the granddaughter, who works in the NHS as a Nursing Sister, on making a visit was pleased to see a picture hanging over his bed of an owl. This she said was a sign that he may appear less than lucid but was not suffering dementia!

So, if you get into hospital check two things – 1. you have an owl picture over your bed and 2. count how many beds you are from the entrance! The closer to the entrance the more likely you are 'critical' – it means it is less likely to upset the other occupants when they wheel you out feet first.

[FlywheelParticipant @flywheel]

We are thinking of having a high speed stairlift fitted so that we get upstairs before we forget what we have gone up for

[Peter Jones 20Participant @peterjones20]

Use it or loose it . Because of Covid, most people have gotten 'dumber' as they are not having social interactions so don't need to think as much as previously.

About 30+ years ago I remember reading that your IQ drops by an average of 10 points when you go on holiday,

It's an even bigger drop if it's 'all in' organised so your woken up and fed, bused to 'attractions', museum, etc by tour operator.

The less you need to think the more you 'unwind' and the dumber you get

[Kiwi BlokeParticipant @kiwibloke62605]

I'm famously absent-minded. A decade ago, having parked in our local town, I 'lost' my car, with daughter inside. About half an hour's rising panic, until she found me and reminded me that I had moved the car… That's possibly the biggest 'brain f*rt' I remember, but several per day has been a life-time experience. It's not getting any worse, so hopefully I might be forgetting how to be absent-minded, and things might improve as age creeps on. (Some hope…)

[Ray LyonsParticipant @raylyons29267]

Relieved to see that I am not the only one forgetting things but old age does have its compensations. Mid 80's now and when I shop, the young ladies refer to me as "love" or "Darling" and "lovely". A young male cashier at the shop greeted me with "Hello Butty" this morning. I feel accepted at last, possibly because I don't wear shorts , displaying tattoos in the winter so not seen as anything more than an old guy.

[Rod RenshawParticipant @rodrenshaw28584]

My very elderly neighbour went into hospital for a short period recently and found the staff questioning her about her lifestyle and social contacts etc and trying to place her on a "Fragility Index."

She became nervous that the staff were trying to establish if they should put a "Do not resuscitate" note on her file.

Bit paranoid perhaps? But just to be safe, best to invent some interests and friends – just in case!

Rod

[Peter Jones 20Participant @peterjones20]

Posted by Ian B. on 14/12/2020 20:02:52:

What a great thread. Yep I am above a certain age LOL! A habit I had when working pr

However Speedy thats all a very laudable ethic and one I would support in theory. The problem is (risking the wrath of many) that most clubs are not as welcoming as they would like you to believe. This hobby per se is not as welcoming as it would have you believe. Many clubs and Associations have descended into politically motivated parochialism for the few. Sadly its endemic across the globe. I am a recluse through it, I know one very well known ME author that also feels the same way. There are the the junior office clerks who are self styled experts and know more about you than you do and so on. They become offended, aggresive abusive and derisory when they find out you have a lifetime of professional experience. But what is really bad stuff from ME clubs is the way they despise disabled people or anyone they think has more knowledge than them the inner circle. There was a very long discussion in AME recently on this very subject after a partially sighted but very interested visitor to a club invited and accompanied by a member in standing had been ordered rudely from the site by a jobs worth. Most clubs hate kids anyway.

Good fun ' ere ennit?

From the little I have experienced of model engineering clubs, it isn't just political but also 'who has 'most expensive toys'

I've worked on and with motorcycles for over 50 years. There are a few good riders and wrenchers but probably less than 3% actually care about what they are doing.

I taught at local trade school for almost 12 years, it got more and more difficult as money became the main factor instead of actual training (top management made a killing when they 'went public', many 'overnight' millionaires)

In motorcycle clubs it's even worse. The 5~6 yrs rider is often the loudest but rarely even close to 'best' at anything and when they say they 'did' something it almost always means they paid someone to do it for them.

Early 2000's I was joint founder of a new motorcycle club in Orlando (Florida) area. I haven't even been there for the last 5 years and I'm pretty sure the co-founder is rarely present at any meetings.

I digress too far so I'm ending here

[Guy LambParticipant @guylamb68056]

Unfortunately your observations on club politics are as relevant in the model engineering world as they are in any other organisations I feel. It's often the case that an individual who seeks office will gather around him/her a clique of acolytes to support and enforce his particular dogmatic agenda and through this have his ego 'massaged'. Having said that any progressive organisation requires direction and drive to fulfil the memberships aspirations, and therefore, I feel, it's up to the membership to provide direction and guidance in a spirit of common purpose, but this must takes the form of 'loyal opposition' to avoid the classic mistake of 'in fighting' so common in many hobby clubs and organisations. If the common goal becomes blurred and indistinct any enthusiasm/good will evaporate and atrophy will set in accompanied schisms.

[Ray LyonsParticipant @raylyons29267]

Went to the local recycling tip last week. Had to make an appointment on line and get a slot to attend. On arrival, put my face mask on before lowering the car window for pass checking. Went to the first bins, batteries and small electrical appliances. Got back into the car, the windscreen was fogged up ( heavy rain outside) , put the demister on full but gave up and edged slowly to the scrap metal bin. Got out of the car, still foggy. The air from the mask had misted up my glasses. The windscreen was clear. The old brainbox is a bit foggy too.

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Daughter has bought us snoods. Being around the neck, they don't dislodge hearing aids when raised. (Ever tried crawling around a floor looking for the aid and the battery that has fallen out, among a crowd intent in going on their way? )

Best of all the specs don't mist up anything like as easily!

Just awaiting the call for the jab. Hope I can remember where and when to go.

Howard

[V8EngParticipant @v8eng]

I seem to have reached an age (76) where middle aged people think that I need blessing.

They say “bless you” or even worse “ah bless” when I do something pretty normal in life.

I find this demeaning and irritating, if I wanted blessing then I would find a competent person to do it (unlikely anyway).

Shortly I am pretty sure one of these people will find out that I know nearly as many swear words as their children do!

Edited out auto smileys!

Edited By V8Eng on 29/12/2020 13:32:09

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

Age does seem to bring with it a certain recollection of "they words" – probably from years of looking for that just-parted-off 10BA stud on the workshop floor, or discovering the 17/64-inch Acme spanner (left-handed) is the one missing from the set when needed most.

My sister tells of her son's visits to a couple of nursing-homes in the course of his work.

In one, a cat wandered across the lounge, and the manager said, "He's a sort of pet. All the residents love him!" Whereupon one dear, sweet lady of obviously respectable vintage finger-beckoned my nephew over to confide in him, "I don't! I hate f+++++g cats!"

In the other he was suddenly aware that two ladies of similar Summer Wine and above vintage were assessing him, in his early-twenties, with comments like, "He's a bit of all right, isn't he? I know what I could do with him!"

'

I was once asked to confirm my age – in my late-50s – in a Spar shop. Puzzled, as there seemed nothing amiss in the items between us, I asked why. It seems a spray-can of deodorant was the problem. I mentioned it to one of the till-girl's colleagues next time I was in there, and this lady explained she shouldn't have asked, but had probably misunderstood the rules.

"Oh, thank-you, but you didn't need to apologise!" I replied, "I wasn't offended. Rather flattered actually!"

[Harry WilkesParticipant @harrywilkes58467]

Posted by Nigel Graham 2 on 29/12/2020 15:19:16:

Same happen's to me in B&Q I'm 77 gray haired and walk with a stick and on more than one occasion when purchasing solvent based products I've been ask my age

H

Age does seem to bring with it a certain recollection of "they words" – probably from years of looking for that just-parted-off 10BA stud on the workshop floor, or discovering the 17/64-inch Acme spanner (left-handed) is the one missing from the set when needed most.

My sister tells of her son's visits to a couple of nursing-homes in the course of his work.

In one, a cat wandered across the lounge, and the manager said, "He's a sort of pet. All the residents love him!" Whereupon one dear, sweet lady of obviously respectable vintage finger-beckoned my nephew over to confide in him, "I don't! I hate f+++++g cats!"

In the other he was suddenly aware that two ladies of similar Summer Wine and above vintage were assessing him, in his early-twenties, with comments like, "He's a bit of all right, isn't he? I know what I could do with him!"

'

I was once asked to confirm my age – in my late-50s – in a Spar shop. Puzzled, as there seemed nothing amiss in the items between us, I asked why. It seems a spray-can of deodorant was the problem. I mentioned it to one of the till-girl's colleagues next time I was in there, and this lady explained she shouldn't have asked, but had probably misunderstood the rules.

"Oh, thank-you, but you didn't need to apologise!" I replied, "I wasn't offended. Rather flattered actually!"

[Ray LyonsParticipant @raylyons29267]

Another "granddad" moment. Too old to get under the car now so I have taken to adding little things to tart up the specification. One of these is a head up display which is much better than glancing at the instrument panel whilst driving. Plugged into the diagnostic socket, it displays RPM, Speed, Coolant Temperature Gear position and a whole lot of other things which can be selected on the touch screen. During the lockdown, we have been confined to local trips only to do the shopping and I noticed that the displayed speed is slightly higher than that shown on the instrument panel speedo. A couple of weeks ago, I was able to take to the open road, taking my wife to our local vaccination centre when I noticed that the speed was indeed about 10% faster than the speedo indicated. This morning, following shopping as I reversed into the garage, I thought to investigate the reason and found that I had set the speed in KM/h instead of MPH. I was going to change it but on reflection decided to leave as it is since an indicated 30 is in fact about 28MPH, well within the town speed limit and avoids the dreaded speeding ticket. It looks like a forgetful old codger moment could well be an advantage.

[Anonymous]

Posted by Ray Lyons on 20/02/2021 14:58:40:

……..found that I had set the speed in KM/h instead of MPH. I was going to change it but on reflection decided to leave as it is since an indicated 30 is in fact about 28MPH………….

That can't be right? A speed of 30kph is equivalent to 18.6mph.

Andrew

[Ray LyonsParticipant @raylyons29267]

Thanks, Again another drift off. Didn't bother to check the data so my HUD must be way out but I think worth keeping for the displayed safety margin.

[Tom SheppardParticipant @tomsheppard60052]

As a newcomer here, the comments about the general unfriendliness of the ME community resonate, unfortunately. The fact that they will argue about fractions of nothing, often to the death over arcane examples of dead technology, (yes, steam junkies, I'm looking at you,) brings nothing to model engineering. Old men in sheds, one of which I am in danger of becoming are terribly boring when my company's apprentices grabbed the 3d printer and started mass producing PPE for the local hospital. Making copies of antiquities in small scale is old hat. Where are the new designs and projects? The Arduino and CNC modellers seem to be having a lot more fun.

Certainly the light aircraft homebuilt community, of similar demographic are more sociable and better humoured. Whether that has to do with the unforgiving nature of aviation, I don't know but after three months of looking in at it there isn't much for me in model engineering. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.

[Joseph Noci 1Participant @josephnoci1]

Posted by Tom Sheppard on 08/03/2021 20:02:12:

As a newcomer here, the comments about the general unfriendliness of the ME community resonate, unfortunately. The fact that they will argue about fractions of nothing, often to the death over arcane examples of dead technology, (yes, steam junkies, I'm looking at you,) brings nothing to model engineering. Old men in sheds, one of which I am in danger of becoming are terribly boring when my company's apprentices grabbed the 3d printer and started mass producing PPE for the local hospital. Making copies of antiquities in small scale is old hat. Where are the new designs and projects? The Arduino and CNC modellers seem to be having a lot more fun.

Certainly the light aircraft homebuilt community, of similar demographic are more sociable and better humoured. Whether that has to do with the unforgiving nature of aviation, I don't know but after three months of looking in at it there isn't much for me in model engineering. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.

Couldn't disagree more…

Joe

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

Posted by Ray Lyons on 20/02/2021 15:44:40:

Thanks, Again another drift off. Didn't bother to check the data so my HUD must be way out but I think worth keeping for the displayed safety margin.

Don't worry Ray, most speedos these days read low, a hand held SAT NAV will tell you the real speed.

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

Posted by Tom Sheppard on 08/03/2021 20:02:12:

As a newcomer here, the comments about the general unfriendliness of the ME community resonate, unfortunately. The fact that they will argue about fractions of nothing, often to the death over arcane examples of dead technology, (yes, steam junkies, I'm looking at you,) brings nothing to model engineering. Old men in sheds, one of which I am in danger of becoming are terribly boring when my company's apprentices grabbed the 3d printer and started mass producing PPE for the local hospital. Making copies of antiquities in small scale is old hat. Where are the new designs and projects? The Arduino and CNC modellers seem to be having a lot more fun.

Certainly the light aircraft homebuilt community, of similar demographic are more sociable and better humoured. Whether that has to do with the unforgiving nature of aviation, I don't know but after three months of looking in at it there isn't much for me in model engineering. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.

Good point Tom, where's your new style project?

[Tom SheppardParticipant @tomsheppard60052]

Steam bent bamboo wrapped in carbon fibre tube electric scooter with regenerative braking and 25cc LPG four stroke range extending high voltage alternator feeding a switched mode charger supplying 120Volts at 3 Amps.

Inflatable luggage containers to reduce space required for storage.

But it isn't model engineering.

[Author]

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