CHAT DH and yard work in 95 degrees
- Thread starter bev
- Start date
bev
Has No Life - Lives on TB
A bit of a micro-manager are we?
Just a thought.
I don’t think so. Just a concerned wife of almost 41 years that would prefer not to stop there.
Shadow
Swift, Silent,...Sleepy
The older I get the more I complain about cold and the less I complain about heat (I am still ambidextrous about that though). At 66 I spent decades working midnight shift outside on aircraft in Pennsylvania winters. I now work days in Texas. Heat is easier on my old body.
You have to adjust to whatever environment you have to work in by exposing yourself to it.
Shadow
You have to adjust to whatever environment you have to work in by exposing yourself to it.
Shadow
TKO
Veteran Member
I've been doing hot projects out in the garage...where we've had sweltering heat and humidity. My wife asks me the same question as you asked your husband. I have a drive to get stuff done. If it was on my list, it's getting done. Better heat than freezing tundra...and we are starting the march toward winter now.This is not a hubby-bashing post.
I would like to know, preferably from other middle-aged men, why a man with some health issues would choose to engage in strenuous work outside in this kind of hot weather. Work that could have been accomplished later, when it cooled down a bit, or even put off for a few days. When he told me what he was going out to do, I suggested waiting until maybe after dinner when it would be cooler. He said, “I want to do it now.” I told him I wouldn’t take him to the hospital.
DH is finished now and says he’s surprised he was able to accomplish what he did. I’m surprised he didn’t collapse out there from heat exhaustion.
He has not admitted (to me) that he was trying to prove that he “still had it,” but that’s what I’m thinking. Kind of like pushing his limits, or testing his limits. I think it’s a psychological thing, and I think it’s predominantly a male thing. Mid-life-crisis? (He’s 66.)
Thoughts? How should a loving, concerned wife respond?
Profit of Doom
Dismember
I never could...
MinnesotaSmith
Membership Revoked
I sport one of these...
It's like having a umbrella on your head...
And a good substitute for a "I'M A MEXICAN!!!!" sign with letters 10" high.
bev
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Great insight as usual, Alfaman. Thank you!
West
Senior
Is sea salt bad too? Love the stuff, especially on our fresh tomatoes we grow ourselves needs to be eating.
MinnesotaSmith
Membership Revoked
Yes. It's slightly even worse for you, as it is still an infinite source of excess Sodium, and (unlike Morton's, etc.) doesn't even have significant Iodine that many Americans (particularly the very young) IMO are chronically somewhat deficient in.
West
Senior
Ugh... I'll double time my time in the sun and water intake then.
MinnesotaSmith
Membership Revoked
Up your Potassium intake, too. Supplements, apricots, bananas, and oranges are all great sources, although most fruit and coconut water are decent sources, too. I'd try Dollar Tree for the supplements; 99 mg each tablet in a good-sized bottle for a buck.
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West
Senior
Oh yeah! I use a lot of coconut oil, and eat lots of fruit.
I even like salt on my melons. And eat plenty of potatoes, in fact this year we had a bumper crop.
SusieSunshine
Veteran Member
Mine does that too. It drives me nuts but I keep my mouth shut and moniter him. BTW, we have our 50th anniversary this fall.
MinnesotaSmith
Membership Revoked
No K to speak of in the coconut oil, sad to say. I'd suggest you lay off the potatoes (2-3 times months tops); modest K source, and impossible to eat Keto if you hit them much.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
Good for him, did some yard work a couple of weeks ago that 20 years ago would have taken a couple of hours at best. All day project and felt it for a week. Not what I use to be for sure.
West
Senior
Rats!
Fried potatoes chips in coconut oil.... delicious! Of course we only use about a teaspoon of oil.
But deep down, I knew something that good, wasn't good for me.
Also love baked nuked potatoes with real butter, sour cream and chives. Eat potatoes at least two times a week. Baked, nuked and or fried.
West
Senior
Please give further info or a link, so I can understand what you mean by ,"
impossible to eat Keto"
TIA
MinnesotaSmith
Membership Revoked
Carbs. You want to eat lean meat and leafy greens. Easy on even fruit, starchy greens like peas, dairy, and beans. Totally minimize starches and sugars. Potatoes are basically a refined starch.
byronandkathy2003
Veteran Member
dennis i am 60 and i have copd for me it is a job that needs done so i do it i dont do that to impress kathy i did that 25 years ago
West
Senior
Well at least I got the eating lean meat covered, I eat at least two pounds of venison every week.
SurfaceTension
Veteran Member
This is not a hubby-bashing post.
I would like to know, preferably from other middle-aged men, why a man with some health issues would choose to engage in strenuous work outside in this kind of hot weather. Work that could have been accomplished later, when it cooled down a bit, or even put off for a few days. When he told me what he was going out to do, I suggested waiting until maybe after dinner when it would be cooler. He said, “I want to do it now.” I told him I wouldn’t take him to the hospital.
....
Thoughts? How should a loving, concerned wife respond?
Some men don't like needed work hanging over their head...My guess is he wanted to get it done & out of the way so he could spend the evening with you.
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changed
Preferred pronouns: dude/bro
This is not a hubby-bashing post.
I would like to know, preferably from other middle-aged men, why a man with some health issues would choose to engage in strenuous work outside in this kind of hot weather. Work that could have been accomplished later, when it cooled down a bit, or even put off for a few days. When he told me what he was going out to do, I suggested waiting until maybe after dinner when it would be cooler. He said, “I want to do it now.” I told him I wouldn’t take him to the hospital.
DH is finished now and says he’s surprised he was able to accomplish what he did. I’m surprised he didn’t collapse out there from heat exhaustion.
He has not admitted (to me) that he was trying to prove that he “still had it,” but that’s what I’m thinking. Kind of like pushing his limits, or testing his limits. I think it’s a psychological thing, and I think it’s predominantly a male thing. Mid-life-crisis? (He’s 66.)
Thoughts? How should a loving, concerned wife respond?
Cause guys feel worthless if they are just sitting around on the couch all day. Plus, there's nothing on tv.
That's actually pretty good advice.
I'm 69 years old and here in Central Florida the heat index is around a hundred most days of the summer, which is most of the year
I do my outside yard work, jogging, and weight training early in the morning starting at around 7am for exercise and 8 am for yard work etc. and I am done with everything around 10:30 or so, when the temps really start to climb.
I don't like to work outside in the evening, even though sunset isn't until around 8:30pm, just too many mosquitoes.
Anyway, just make sure he drinks plenty of water. If he has muscle cramps later in the day or at night, make sure he's getting enough electrolytes, especially magnesium. Hydration and not overdoing it at first is key.
marymonde
Veteran Member
This is not a hubby-bashing post.
I would like to know, preferably from other middle-aged men, why a man with some health issues would choose to engage in strenuous work outside in this kind of hot weather. Work that could have been accomplished later, when it cooled down a bit, or even put off for a few days. When he told me what he was going out to do, I suggested waiting until maybe after dinner when it would be cooler. He said, “I want to do it now.” I told him I wouldn’t take him to the hospital.
DH is finished now and says he’s surprised he was able to accomplish what he did. I’m surprised he didn’t collapse out there from heat exhaustion.
He has not admitted (to me) that he was trying to prove that he “still had it,” but that’s what I’m thinking. Kind of like pushing his limits, or testing his limits. I think it’s a psychological thing, and I think it’s predominantly a male thing. Mid-life-crisis? (He’s 66.)
Thoughts? How should a loving, concerned wife respond?
My husband is 63. He looks 40. People never believe he’s the age he is. He works out in the heat 10 hours a day in his job, works our farm. He’s fit, trim, never stops. He’s always worked like this. That’s why our house has a garden, wood cut for the winter, fences mended, etc. Men who are not use to working like that at his age, would drop dead. He can’t sit still, never could. It keeps his heart young. With that being said, if your husband isn’t use to working like that in the heat, he may be pushing it!
A few years back I was taking a walk on a hot summer day. As I was walking down the road, I saw my 90 year old neighbor, lying down next to his garden. I ran up to him, thinking he was dead. He was snoring, sleeping. I knocked on the door to his home, his wife answered. I told her about her husband. She laughed and said, he’s taken a nap like that for 60 years after working the garden. I exclaimed, but it’s so hot! She said, we don’t have AC, he’s fine. He died at 98 in the house he was born in.
A good DIY recipe for homemade electrolyte drink.
It's called Snake Juice
Everything above can be bought cheaply at your grocery store.
Finally if you want to avoid all the hassle above, just buy some Morton Lite Salt at your grocery store. It comes in 11 oz containers and is a mixture of potassium chloride and sodium chloride, with more potassium than sodium.
I use it instead of regular salt on my food.
When in the heat for a long time, put some in a pitcher of ice water, add some Crystal light for flavor, and your good to go. A lot of people I know, use this and call it good.
It's called Snake Juice
- Water = 2L
- Potassium chloride = 1 tsp (No Salt)
- Sodium chloride = 1/2 tsp (Himalayan Pink Salt)
- Sodium Bicarbonate = 1 tsp (Baking Soda - Redmill Brand)
- Magnesium Sulfate (Optional) = 1/2 tsp (Food Grade Epsom Salts)
Everything above can be bought cheaply at your grocery store.
Finally if you want to avoid all the hassle above, just buy some Morton Lite Salt at your grocery store. It comes in 11 oz containers and is a mixture of potassium chloride and sodium chloride, with more potassium than sodium.
I use it instead of regular salt on my food.
When in the heat for a long time, put some in a pitcher of ice water, add some Crystal light for flavor, and your good to go. A lot of people I know, use this and call it good.
FaithfulSkeptic
Carrying the mantle of doubt
I was working out this 95-ish stuff this week, raking gravel, shoveling dirt, etc. Sweat like I'm leaking water out of my face and scalp, but I do OK. Can't make myself get out there at 6am as I've never been a morning person, and want to wind down and relax in the evening, and besides the skeets and flies are too aggressive then. So, mid-day work with lots to drink, some salt, and hose my head off with cold water every 1/2 hour or so. It's far safer for me than working outside in 0 degrees and snow, as the cold air beats the hell out of my lungs.
Looks Harmless
Bite Me
I too am blessed to have such a hard working husband. He's not trying to prove anything in my opinion. He's just doing what real men do - take care of their loved ones.
Not sure about yours but mine feels pressed for time. There's so much to do and things seem to be pointing in a direction where ther may not be opportunity or supplies to do them in. My job is to be his support and helper. I can't work like he does but there are many things I can accomplish while looking out for him while he's doing the heavy lifting. We are blessed.
Not sure about yours but mine feels pressed for time. There's so much to do and things seem to be pointing in a direction where ther may not be opportunity or supplies to do them in. My job is to be his support and helper. I can't work like he does but there are many things I can accomplish while looking out for him while he's doing the heavy lifting. We are blessed.
It's all what you get acclimated to. I was born in Texas, worked farming growing up, Army from 70-75, worked construction & oil patch jobs until retirement. Yeah, I feel the 100+ heat & humidity here, but if you concentrate on the job and getting done, it doesn't bother you.
I worked all day yesterday building closet shelves in the camper. I did have the AC on, but was outside cutting & fitting more than I was inside. Day before was grass cutting, but in my older years, going on 70, I now use a rider.
We are empty nesters now, if anything gets done, we have to do it. The wife takes care of the inside (and watering her flowers) I do the outside stuff. Noticed a wet spot in the grass, where the water line runs to the shop, gonna have to dig it up today, find & repair.
Always something to do, not enough $$ to hire it all out....
I worked all day yesterday building closet shelves in the camper. I did have the AC on, but was outside cutting & fitting more than I was inside. Day before was grass cutting, but in my older years, going on 70, I now use a rider.
We are empty nesters now, if anything gets done, we have to do it. The wife takes care of the inside (and watering her flowers) I do the outside stuff. Noticed a wet spot in the grass, where the water line runs to the shop, gonna have to dig it up today, find & repair.
Always something to do, not enough $$ to hire it all out....
CaryC
Has No Life - Lives on TB
For me, soon 68, it's not about being manly in front of the misses. After 44 years of marriage, if she doesn't know that by now, she never will.
I got things to do. It's not raining. I do them. Period, end of story. Don't over think it. Don't do any Darwinism. It's not about my great grandfather picking cotton at 86.
I got things that need doing.
I've got sense enough to know when it's getting to the point where I can't handle it anymore. Heat, whatever. And when it gets to that point I stop. I'm retired, I don't have a schedule, I can do it tomorrow.
That's my POV.
I got things to do. It's not raining. I do them. Period, end of story. Don't over think it. Don't do any Darwinism. It's not about my great grandfather picking cotton at 86.
I got things that need doing.
I've got sense enough to know when it's getting to the point where I can't handle it anymore. Heat, whatever. And when it gets to that point I stop. I'm retired, I don't have a schedule, I can do it tomorrow.
That's my POV.
Why do men die at a younger age than women?
Pigheaded pride and “preening” for their women.
Hint: neither of those traits is a positive.
annieosage
Inactive
Same. Since the shutdown I grow tired of sitting in front of my computer or TV. I get out clean up the yard, water stuff down just find something to do outside. Although Saturday was a bit much for me as it got so hot so quick. But I like to get out early.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I think my DH (age 76) has gotten use to the heat. Its hot here in Louisiana and he's out for a good portion of the day. He does come in to change his dripping clothes and sit down for a few minutes but then he's back out. He keeps a cooler of drinks with him. Right now he is working on fencing, now that he's gotten his tractor back from repair (they had it almost 8 weeks) its easier for him to get the roll of field fence out where he needs it. His helper flaked out on him about a month ago. DH is the type of man that has to be outside and busy. Sine the beginning of the year he's fenced about 6 acres by himself, he did have some help clearing the fence rows though, from that we have about two years of fire wood and it needs to be split.
Judy
Judy
teedee
Veteran Member
I used to work with a very good golfer in his 60's. Every August he would take a week's vacation and go play 36 holes a day in Palm Springs Ca. He said that after about 10 AM there was no one on the course but him it was wonderful. I said but it was 110 degrees or so how did he stand it? He said you drink a quart of water every hole. I still think he was nuts.
Delta_Force
Contributing Member
Here in Western Colorado, the last three days we have had 102 with 3% humidity. If it is the day to cut the grass, it is the day to cut the grass and hubby doesn't care what the temp is. He has a riding mower, but it still takes 2 hours to cut the yard. Men are stubborn, hubby is 78 years old and he got it done yesterday......hopefully it cools down before it "needs done" next week!!
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
It's the same with Cary. If it's grass cutting day, that's what he does. If the only time he can do it is at 2 pm in the heat of the day, it's 2 pm. He doesn't mind. He's conditioned to work in the heat. Takes him 2 hours to do ours, too with a riding lawn mower. I just make sure he has plenty to drink while he's at it. Doing outdoor activities in the heat is just a normal occurrence for us in the South.
Yep. This is what I do. Projects just can’t wait, so I just bring water. And watch for him to fall down.
I was taught to work early and work late on the farm. I don’t understand why IN THE WORLD mowing can’t be done that way. Split it! I don’t get it. Yes, I understand wanting to get it done but well, not precisely. Le sigh.
I also think being acclimated from February on is a big help in our neck of the woods. If you continue to work and build up to the heat it helps. I think it’s how we did all that as kids and really didn’t notice the heat. However, if it was REALLY hot we sought out shade. But rarely went back in the house bc we might have to dust or something entirely boring.