General Discussion

sandpan

(34 posts)

34. Standing on top of an aluminum ladder...

Wed Aug 12, 2015, 11:38 PM

Aug 2015

About 5 years ago I was standing on the top step of an aluminum ladder, cleaning out the rain gutters. I had always cleaned my rain gutters, every year, for the previous 20 years. Suddenly the ladder started to give way, time slowed down so I was able to kick the ladder away. I held on the rain gutter for a few seconds so to make sure I fell on my side. As soon as I landed, I stood up, ran inside and pulled down my pants to check out the damage. Just a huge bruise on my calf because my leg landed on the step. The bruise did not go away for almost a year. Oh yeah, I turned 66 last month. Now my daughter comes over to clean the gutters.

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An unmistakable sign of age, but... [View all] MineralMan Aug 2015 OP

I hear ya...smart decision... dhill926 Aug 2015 #1

Yup. MineralMan Aug 2015 #6

'8" in diameter where it met the trunk' and '15 feet above the ground' onehandle Aug 2015 #2

I think so, too. MineralMan Aug 2015 #12

There is nothing more important than remembering to give up the things malaise Aug 2015 #3

Well, I didn't fall off a ladder. MineralMan Aug 2015 #7

My grandfather died early from a fall. He was 62 and in very good health. One day, he went up on 4lbs Aug 2015 #31

Falls are serious problems for older folks, for sure. MineralMan Aug 2015 #42

My 68 yr old Mr just fell from a ladder arikara Aug 2015 #58

I give up when I can't remember things. Is that the same thing? kairos12 Aug 2015 #24

Depends on what you can't remember malaise Aug 2015 #25

LOL! Le Taz Hot Aug 2015 #59

Yep I find myself saying I don't need to remember that shite malaise Aug 2015 #60

Chainsaws and ladders are a young man's game. Codeine Aug 2015 #4

I agree. I've done that stuff in the past, MineralMan Aug 2015 #10

I'm with you MM. And I'm only(?) 64. elias49 Aug 2015 #5

Silver maples! MineralMan Aug 2015 #8

k&r Liberal_in_LA Aug 2015 #9

Now do yourself a favor Mineral Man. Get a shingles shot. Mr. Shraby is going through a stint with shraby Aug 2015 #11

Not a bad idea... MineralMan Aug 2015 #14

Ooh I will second that advice!! catchnrelease Aug 2015 #29

Ok that does it...I was told I didn't need it after having had shingles... haikugal Aug 2015 #37

I imagine it depends on what the dr believes catchnrelease Aug 2015 #38

That's what I thought until a man 30 years younger my age shot at me seveneyes Aug 2015 #13

Not really an equivalent thing, I think. MineralMan Aug 2015 #15

No, it goes beyond survival seveneyes Aug 2015 #16

So Martin O'malley then eh wot? Schema Thing Aug 2015 #17

I'm in my early 50's and am making those decisions too. FLPanhandle Aug 2015 #18

Smart decision dumbcat Aug 2015 #19

Ain't that the truth. Hekate Aug 2015 #20

...almost there! spanone Aug 2015 #21

Well, I just sharpened my chainsaw and will most likely go after some limbs on the FailureToCommunicate Aug 2015 #22

Yup. I used to do my own tree work, too. MineralMan Aug 2015 #41

You did the right thing, Mineral Man. mike dub Aug 2015 #23

T am 76 and will not even climb onto a stepladder. RebelOne Aug 2015 #26

It is called older and wiser, we now know not to try to do the things we once did, the younger folks Thinkingabout Aug 2015 #27

Sigh. Not all old guys make smart decisions, MineralMan. 1monster Aug 2015 #28

Standing on top of an aluminum ladder... sandpan Aug 2015 #34

Yup. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak... 1monster Aug 2015 #36

I finally installed some expensive gutter screens on mine. MineralMan Aug 2015 #40

This could be a parable. Raine1967 Aug 2015 #30

Probably every story could be a parable. MineralMan Aug 2015 #39

Chainsaw? What, no flamethrower? byronius Aug 2015 #32

*smooch* have a husband that is sooooooooo starting to feel his 70 years..... a kennedy Aug 2015 #33

Going to meet Jesus Fluothane Aug 2015 #35

That's smart, LWolf Aug 2015 #43

I don't, really, but I also can't afford MineralMan Aug 2015 #44

I can pay for some things, but not for all. LWolf Aug 2015 #45

Choices. We all have to prioritize things, I guess. MineralMan Aug 2015 #47

The "unmistakable sign of age" was the wisdom to make the sound judgment to take care of yourself. WillowTree Aug 2015 #46

I suppose. It's a little frustrating, though. MineralMan Aug 2015 #48

I know, but my Daddy always told me....... WillowTree Aug 2015 #49

Yes. That's it, exactly. MineralMan Aug 2015 #50

I'm circling the 60 mark & I now say let the young guy do it too... Historic NY Aug 2015 #51

You're probably right. MineralMan Aug 2015 #53

I disagree re assessing our capabilities malaise Aug 2015 #61

Wise decision. Same here. trof Aug 2015 #52

Absolutely. I could still install a toilet, but I'd MineralMan Aug 2015 #54

The kid across the road needs money gwheezie Aug 2015 #55

Very smart. Chainsaws are deceptively dangerous, MineralMan Aug 2015 #56

I can understand your reasoning. I'm heading towards sixty faster and faster, ladyVet Aug 2015 #57