So true, Jim. I'm pleased that you enjoyed the story. I'm afraid Old School's days of plumbing work are numbered. Too bad; he needs the income. Thank you for reading and commenting. Your feedback means a lot too me.
Old School's aging, and struggles, but hasn't lost one bit of his work ethics. Great story, K.C.!! This modern world could use more "old school" spirit.
It sure could use more Old Schools. The sad part is he needs the money to supplement his Social Security, so he may push himself too far one of these days. Thank you for your comments, Sharon. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
What stayed with me most was his return at the end. It doesn’t erase the failed job, but it restores something more important: the dignity of a man who recognizes the point beyond which he refuses to betray who he has always been.
You hit the rusty nail on the head, Jill. Old School made a mistake by taking the job that day, but he redeemed himself by returning the money. Thank you for reading and commenting, Jill. Your words are important to me.
You turned an awkward situation into a win/win for both Jim and Art. Jim didn't get miffed at Jim and Art knew he was off workwise and returned Jim's money. Patience and ethics come to the fore. I have an 'old schooler' doing things around the house when needed. Takes him forever to get things done, but I like him. It's a patience building opportunity. Good job, Ken.
My wife and I turn to friends and neighbors for referrals when we need a handyman. Right now we have two good ones. One is a handyman who is a retired UPS driver and the other owns his own plumbing business, but gives excellent service for a fair price. The guy we used to have do most of our work died of a brain aneurysm a couple of years ago. He was in his early sixties. I still try to do some work that I can handle, but have come to accept I need to farm some stuff out. Thank you for sharing your feedback on the story and your experience, Ron. I appreciate the encouragement and support.
A bittersweet story, K.C. I love Old School's handyman knowledge and abilities, but now he'll sadly have to accept that he can't work as well as he used to. A truth I guess we all have to face eventually, and Old School seems to have by the end. I love the way you write your characters, K.C., they feel like real people without any corny fluff. Another excellent story!
Thank you for your generous words and feedback on the story, Jesse. I never worked labor intensive jobs after I got out of school, but as I aged, it took longer to complete my paperwork. I was not as productive. Fortunately, I did not have to continue working as Old School did. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
Looks like Old School wasn't just Art's nickname. It fit the way he was honest with his client, Jim. You don't see that much these days. And the fact that Art at his age still has to work hard to save up some money is a powerful (and necessary) commentary on society in itself.
What a great and engaging story, K.C.! I felt like I was actually there in that bathroom, watching Old School work! hehe
Thank you for the kind words and your feedback, Christopher. I'm pleased you could relate to the story. Yeah, it's sad that some people have to work labor intensive jobs in old age to supplement their retirement income. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
I was in the remodeling business and used to sub out cabinet installations when I was too busy to do them myself. I got some complaints about sub-par work regarding one of my go-to guys and had to redo a bunch of work at some expense to my company. I had a meeting with him and I was about to go hard on him when he broke down and told me he had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. The poor old guy had been dragging himself to work for months. I paid him for the next few weeks to go around and check on jobs until he couldn’t even do that anymore. He died a few weeks later. It’s sad to see someone go out like that.
I can see how you would connect to this story., Jim. In your case, you also exhibited old-school values by keeping that man on in a position he could handle. It's tough when one counts on physical ability to earn a living. Eventually, they age and simply cannot perform as they once did. I know it takes me a lot longer to do chores around the house than it used to. As I'm working, it feels the same until I realize that a particular task used to take an hour and I've been at it for two hours. My wife and I often wonder how we did all we did while working full-time jobs, raising a child, and keeping up with the demands of a house. Thank you for sharing your experience, Jim. I always enjoy receiving your feedback. By the way, I've been having fun with Terry Freedman's substack. Thank you for putting me on to him.
I hope your situation works out to your satisfaction, Lee. I'm pleased you could identify with Jim. Old School's behavior certainly puzzled him. I've never had a handyman or repairman admit they did a poor job, but they have returned to fix obvious errors when I complained. Thank you, as always, for reading and commenting. Your opinion means a lot to me.
A poignant tale, KC. We have a few old plumbers and carpenters in my immediate family. Lovable old guys, they haven't stopped telling stories yet. A really noisy bunch always competing for the spotlight. Lovely story, my friend.
Thank you for the kind words, Sharron. I always look forward to your reaction to my stories. I've known a few tradesmen like your family members. They take pride in their work and love to talk about it. Old School almost let the need for money overshadow his ethics, but his conscience wouldn't let him do it. Who knows? Jim might call on him again.
Thank you for your kind words, Ron. I hinted at a potential medical emergency. Instead, the pain and fatigue clouded Old School's judgement. Fortunately for him, he recovered and did the right thing. I appreciate your continued encouragement and support.
I'm with you, Dave. I'm 73 and have had three hernia repairs. I have to use my good sense when working around the house, but there are times when I'm tempted. I'm hiring out the heavy stuff these days. Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
I'm still strong as a bull, but endurance has waned. My always sketchy equilibrium decided I was persona non grata about five years ago due to a devastating illness, so ladders are now a no-go. No exceptions.
I very much enjoy reading your story's, a plus is they aren't too long. My schedule often interrupted so getting into a lengthy read is often impossible. I don't know why, but I always envisioned you as a much younger man, perhaps it is due to the spirited nature of the tales. Funny how we do that!
Keep up the fantastic work, you and Parker are by far my favorites and go to the very top of what I will read when they show up in my feed even though I actually listen to everything through the app because - I'll let you guess what else has gone to hell - but my hearing is great!
To have my name mentioned alongside Parker McCoy is quite a compliment, Dave. Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoy my writing. Your encouragement and support are appreciated.
Great story K.C., enjoyed that one. There are not enough Arts left in a world that used to have many. - Jim
So true, Jim. I'm pleased that you enjoyed the story. I'm afraid Old School's days of plumbing work are numbered. Too bad; he needs the income. Thank you for reading and commenting. Your feedback means a lot too me.
Old School's aging, and struggles, but hasn't lost one bit of his work ethics. Great story, K.C.!! This modern world could use more "old school" spirit.
It sure could use more Old Schools. The sad part is he needs the money to supplement his Social Security, so he may push himself too far one of these days. Thank you for your comments, Sharon. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
I got the feeling that he was really stressing his heart, to a dangerous level. 🙏
What stayed with me most was his return at the end. It doesn’t erase the failed job, but it restores something more important: the dignity of a man who recognizes the point beyond which he refuses to betray who he has always been.
I agree with you, Antonio. Being true to oneself is more important than money. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Old school seems to be about more than rusty nails--old and honored ethics!!
I enjoyed it immensely.
You hit the rusty nail on the head, Jill. Old School made a mistake by taking the job that day, but he redeemed himself by returning the money. Thank you for reading and commenting, Jill. Your words are important to me.
As are yours!
Yep, definitely old school. Good job, K.C.!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Marty. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
A lesson in plumbing and a moral to boot: don't expect to get paid for a bad job. A great story with authentic dialogue.
Thank you for the kind words, Steve. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
You turned an awkward situation into a win/win for both Jim and Art. Jim didn't get miffed at Jim and Art knew he was off workwise and returned Jim's money. Patience and ethics come to the fore. I have an 'old schooler' doing things around the house when needed. Takes him forever to get things done, but I like him. It's a patience building opportunity. Good job, Ken.
My wife and I turn to friends and neighbors for referrals when we need a handyman. Right now we have two good ones. One is a handyman who is a retired UPS driver and the other owns his own plumbing business, but gives excellent service for a fair price. The guy we used to have do most of our work died of a brain aneurysm a couple of years ago. He was in his early sixties. I still try to do some work that I can handle, but have come to accept I need to farm some stuff out. Thank you for sharing your feedback on the story and your experience, Ron. I appreciate the encouragement and support.
A bittersweet story, K.C. I love Old School's handyman knowledge and abilities, but now he'll sadly have to accept that he can't work as well as he used to. A truth I guess we all have to face eventually, and Old School seems to have by the end. I love the way you write your characters, K.C., they feel like real people without any corny fluff. Another excellent story!
Thank you for your generous words and feedback on the story, Jesse. I never worked labor intensive jobs after I got out of school, but as I aged, it took longer to complete my paperwork. I was not as productive. Fortunately, I did not have to continue working as Old School did. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
Never trust those blinking lights....
Looks like Old School wasn't just Art's nickname. It fit the way he was honest with his client, Jim. You don't see that much these days. And the fact that Art at his age still has to work hard to save up some money is a powerful (and necessary) commentary on society in itself.
What a great and engaging story, K.C.! I felt like I was actually there in that bathroom, watching Old School work! hehe
Thank you for the kind words and your feedback, Christopher. I'm pleased you could relate to the story. Yeah, it's sad that some people have to work labor intensive jobs in old age to supplement their retirement income. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
I was in the remodeling business and used to sub out cabinet installations when I was too busy to do them myself. I got some complaints about sub-par work regarding one of my go-to guys and had to redo a bunch of work at some expense to my company. I had a meeting with him and I was about to go hard on him when he broke down and told me he had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. The poor old guy had been dragging himself to work for months. I paid him for the next few weeks to go around and check on jobs until he couldn’t even do that anymore. He died a few weeks later. It’s sad to see someone go out like that.
This story hit home for me KC.
I can see how you would connect to this story., Jim. In your case, you also exhibited old-school values by keeping that man on in a position he could handle. It's tough when one counts on physical ability to earn a living. Eventually, they age and simply cannot perform as they once did. I know it takes me a lot longer to do chores around the house than it used to. As I'm working, it feels the same until I realize that a particular task used to take an hour and I've been at it for two hours. My wife and I often wonder how we did all we did while working full-time jobs, raising a child, and keeping up with the demands of a house. Thank you for sharing your experience, Jim. I always enjoy receiving your feedback. By the way, I've been having fun with Terry Freedman's substack. Thank you for putting me on to him.
Since I'm currently dealing with a similar situation, I had great empathy for Jim and an appreciation for Old School.
I hope your situation works out to your satisfaction, Lee. I'm pleased you could identify with Jim. Old School's behavior certainly puzzled him. I've never had a handyman or repairman admit they did a poor job, but they have returned to fix obvious errors when I complained. Thank you, as always, for reading and commenting. Your opinion means a lot to me.
I’ll let you know. Right now I’m still playing tag with the guy and living with the mess of an unfinished project. Grrr.
A poignant tale, KC. We have a few old plumbers and carpenters in my immediate family. Lovable old guys, they haven't stopped telling stories yet. A really noisy bunch always competing for the spotlight. Lovely story, my friend.
Thank you for the kind words, Sharron. I always look forward to your reaction to my stories. I've known a few tradesmen like your family members. They take pride in their work and love to talk about it. Old School almost let the need for money overshadow his ethics, but his conscience wouldn't let him do it. Who knows? Jim might call on him again.
Anyone who's picked up some skills probably apprenticed under this guy. You nailed his character, K.C., but I did think he was going out 911!
Thank you for your kind words, Ron. I hinted at a potential medical emergency. Instead, the pain and fatigue clouded Old School's judgement. Fortunately for him, he recovered and did the right thing. I appreciate your continued encouragement and support.
I stayed with that all the way, KC. The ending was really uplifting. I know I'd enjoy hearing some "Old School" commentary; live stream or recorded.
I'm pleased the story held your attention and that you liked the ending. Your feedback is always welcomed, Ira. Old School commentary is a great idea.
Dang, that hit close to home - as I drink my coffee knowing I'm too old to attempt much of what I used to do.
I'm with you, Dave. I'm 73 and have had three hernia repairs. I have to use my good sense when working around the house, but there are times when I'm tempted. I'm hiring out the heavy stuff these days. Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
I'm still strong as a bull, but endurance has waned. My always sketchy equilibrium decided I was persona non grata about five years ago due to a devastating illness, so ladders are now a no-go. No exceptions.
I very much enjoy reading your story's, a plus is they aren't too long. My schedule often interrupted so getting into a lengthy read is often impossible. I don't know why, but I always envisioned you as a much younger man, perhaps it is due to the spirited nature of the tales. Funny how we do that!
Keep up the fantastic work, you and Parker are by far my favorites and go to the very top of what I will read when they show up in my feed even though I actually listen to everything through the app because - I'll let you guess what else has gone to hell - but my hearing is great!
To have my name mentioned alongside Parker McCoy is quite a compliment, Dave. Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoy my writing. Your encouragement and support are appreciated.