[Gordon Steadman]

In general, I'm not doing too badly for a 72 year old. Reasonably fit and healthy although gravity is having its effect on certain areas. I just tighten the belt a little bit  

There are time though when I regret being a woodworker and wish I used other materials. I built our greenhouse about ten years ago and whilst the anti UV paint has done a good job, there are a few places that need some new protection. So Ronnie being Ronnie, she suggested that we strip the covering off - we use poly tunnel plastic which has also lasted the ten years (just) - and repaint the frame.

When she says "we"...........

Yesterday, the ladders came out and muggins here had to clamber all over the frame like a five year old monkey with brush in hand. I knew I would suffer for it as said 72 year old body has its quirks. The old ankles suffer from tendons that seems to get stuck and it's a bit painful. Ladders are their bete noir.

This is the frame when I built it. There is just as much wood to paint now! In two hours yesterday, I managed the ridge both sides, having to climb up and down to move the ladder 500mm to squeeze between the sections took its toll on ankles and temper. We'll use polycarbonate to cover it this time.

   
   

Hopefully it will last another ten years but we should be in Scotland by that time - on the assumption that we outlast the ten year guarantee on the paint and plastic!

PS. The garden has changed a bit since then.