Re: The aging of the amateur

From: Chris.B (chris.b_at_mail.dk)
Date: 11/07/04 

Date: 7 Nov 2004 07:28:28 -0800

Middle age is like a second childhood. With more pocket money and the
time and space to play with your toys properly.

The problem I find is that the fire of youth to build things from
scratch is gone. I had to do it back then because there was no money.
Now it's simply easier to buy something than to make it. Despite the
skills, tools and materials one has picked up over the decades. The
vast hoard of things that will come in handy are now better arranged.
On proper shelving in plastic storage boxes in the huge shed I built
alone. But it all still goes unnused! Waiting for that special
project.
I'd have given my right arm for all of this skill and equipment 40
years ago. And 30 years ago. Even 20 years ago. If you're going to
build something. Then do it when you're still young. No matter what it
takes. You'll learn skills you never knew were in you. Woodwork,
metalwork, fibreglass lay-up, optical work, concrete mixing, writing
design software. The list is endless. Few hobbies offer such a range
of skills to be learnt with your bare hands and a library book at your
elbow.

Regards
Chris.B

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