Have Tools Will Travel

“Stick a fork in me - I'm done.

Mebbe it's the seven year itch.

From where I'm looking right now, I don't foresee returning to the high school shop next year.

Suffice it to say that the scales have finally tipped to the "move on" side.

I have tools. I have skills. I have a truck. I have two "helpers".

Whatta y'all think about the idea of hopping in the truck and following the bumber around the country? I could prolly get occasional construction work through temp services. Jobsite hopping would be possible, too.

I figure I could get by on 10-12 workdays per month - maybe less.

I'm seriously thinking about an AT thru-hike next year. I don't see an impediment to saving-up plenty'o green by then. I could always dip into my teacher retirement - but that would be a last resort.

There's an affliction that affects many in my family - Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
(hspinfo.org).
I've already been considering a hike mostly as an attempt to raise awareness - and funds - for the HSP Foundation
(sp-foundation.org).

It costs over a thousand bucks just to get a test/diagnosis. The foundation assists in paying for these tests, among other things.

My oldest sister and two of my brothers are heavily stricken by this God awful condition. My brother in Idaho cannot walk, for all practical purposes. My sister uses a walker, and the other brother a cane. Both brothers are on disability. They're both too young for retirement, and they HATE not being physically able to work.

I would gladly hike the AT in their honor.



Speaking of working:
What can I do for you?
Finish that basement?
Add some additional floodlights?
Close-in the carport?
Remodel the kitchen?
...I'll be available from August through January.

After a year or so, I'll get back to my teaching profession. Mebbe I'll have a Job Corps position lined-up by then...”

“Wow, good luck with the new adventure gojo. Hope it all works out.”

“I think that is really cool, Gojo. You seem like a resourceful person. I'm sure you can make it work.”

“Go for it. Many people start out with less dreams than that.”

“Gojo, good luck with the next phase of your life. There is a ton of carpentry work to be had in my area, but I don't think that you really want to live in NJ.”

“what the hell is a "bumber"?”

“That's when a bomber drops its bombs on its own runway.”

“prolly meant bumper”

“Gojo! GO! Don't let things worry you, and your cause is a good one.

I admire your fortitude!”

“I hear there's a cabin in Montana that could use some renovating. Or did they move it out?




















Ted Kazinski's, not Aero's.”

“They moved it, IIRC.”