Oooh, I know that feeling! I'm 43 and arthritic all over, there are some days I wonder what the heck happened! Thanks for sharing this

DEAR JEFF ................ LIFE !!!!!! O_O EXCELLENT :)

You know, every day you die a little and every day is a step back. It was many years ago that I cried because I couldn’t chance a tire on my car anymore. And the feeling stays, no one can help you with that I think. In the beginning it’s a slow process maybe but the older you get the worse it will be. And nothing can chance that. Beautiful capture and words!

Oh, I don't feel like that yet Jeff! I must admit I hope I never do. I can understand the words and what retirement brings, but having not experienced it yet I guess I will have to wait and see. I am sorry you feel like that sometimes.

Jeff, not often I hear you opening up like this mate. Its great that you have ! I know that you get resentful coz you were a real hard working motivated fella and its been taken away but only to be replaced by much pain and suffering. Things aren't fair. However, you're a good mate and heart of gold and you put others before yourself. This photo is a cracker, I've seen this Co-op museum many times being a local landmark but not from this higher angle. I have a Stamp Cover with this on. Rochdale Pioneers birthplace of the Co-op ! 1844.

beautiful:)

Jeff i know exactly what you are going through, i am 37 and havnt worked for 10 years since my accident and i wander why i bother getting out of bed sometimes the only thing that keeps me going is my wife and kids, when i was working i couldnt wait to get out of bed wandering what are we going to do today working on the farm was worth getting out of bed for as the seasons changed every day changed but now its the same ole bloody routine get up take the kids to school take the wife to work, come home and stare at 4 walls day in day out and suffer with the pain, i hate it.

my dear friend it is often said that life is what you make it and maybe its true when your young fit and healthy .i know like most that will comment on this image and words that life is hard work when your stricken like yourself with so much pain and of course anger .i am not going to say i feel sorry for you cos its not what you want to hear and i learnt quite sometime ago that sympathy only makes it worse .june kicks me into shape everyday makes it my purpose for getting up and living my life as best i can ,i like you have now will have a lot worse to come yet and im fortunate that i can still get about without much help and the aid of good painkillers .of course the best thing is that i have such great friends like your goodself here on rr that takes my mind of things aswell .chin up mate and remember you can only live the life you have good or bad and that you like me have a great wife and family and thats the reason for getting up ..now look what youve done i have never written so much in a comment and i still have`nt said what a fantastic pic and words :o)

Change is always hard, especially when it isn't of your own choosing. If I could wave a magic wand and make it better for you, my friend, I would do it in a heartbeat. You are a warm, loving, wonderful person, and I value your presence here so much. I'm glad you push past it every day, show up here, participate, explore your creative self. Your comments are wonderful, and I always look forward to seeing them, not only on my own work, but on other people's as well. I always look for your avatar when I scan down under an image I'm about to comment on, just to see what you thought of it, and I find myself in total agreement with you more often than not. It's good to have you here. Take good care, my friend.

Everyday I wake up and think : 'What kind of day will it be today : good or bad ?' Good day : it's ok for me ;o)) Bad day : not everything was bad. I'm definitely an optimistic person. I just can't be sad, complain on myself and with a break down mood for long : it bores me. I need changes in my life : almost everyday !!! If you're lacking courage someday, acknowledge it, live with it and think : It's not me to be like that. Keep faith in yourself and take care, Geoffroy

Well well done!!!

even though I am not young I can still out work some younger men, but with the mess Bush has got the USA in, there is no work for me. Oklahoma passed a zero tolerance policy about undocumented workers and things has improved for the lawful residents.Texas how ever, still dragging their feet.I would be gone like yesterday if I had the chance to sell my house for a decent price. many people are in the same sinking leaky boat.maybe a new president will get the tropps out of Iraq and Bush will not have the chance to invade Iran did you here about the book that the Shaw of Iran wrote after being exiled to the US?the title was "I-ran"

You say so much here, Jeff, so well. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you, and for others who share this kind of life. You have such talent with your camera and now this new side, with your words -- these alone give you some small reason for going on. That, and the love of your family and friends. I treasure what you share and look forward to all of it!!

Excellent!!!!

just got to look life in the face and say " Got you by the tail and I will not let you go"

Jeff, I agree with auntietk~ Your comments are always rays of sunshine, very thoughtful without being gooey. When I get an ebot on your posting I always wonder, "What's he up to now?" Getting out of bed usually has more to do with the needs of others, which is a good thing. Once that's accomplished then we can look to our own happiness since we're already up and about.

BIG HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSS

When I quit the rat-race I figured I'd have it made. Never counted on suddenly being cast into the role of caretaker for my parents. I'm busier now than ever. Oh well. Thanks for posting your thoughts on the subject of retirement. Much to consider.

.. and here I am: I wake up in the morning, always wishing I could sleep another 8. Knowing this isn't possible, I then think about all the things I wanna do that day -- TOO MUCH. Because, In my little world, there aren't enough hours in the day for things I wanna do. Not enough ENERGY in this aging body of mine to do those things even if there WERE more hours in the day. So then I pick my top 3..... and if I'm lucky, I may do one of them. But you know what though? I'm just thankful I wake up in the morning. (((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))

Oh that's a fabulous composition and colors!

I still have about 27 years to wait for retirement. I enjoy my work, it pays well enough for me to enjoy and keep buying more photography equipment. I get to look here when I want. Life for me is good. I like you little photo here, it would be good if you can post it in your photo gallery so I can have a proper look.

It is very good and excellent photographic job!