With no time to figure out what was going on, and almost no choice in the matter anyway, we were hurriedly bundled into this fella’s neighbourhood workshop so he could show us the small metallic items he stamps out on the room’s machines. There was also a homemade and wholly unorthodox money-box fashioned from a suitably empty whiskey bottle.
During his fast and chaotic explanations, along with a worryingly inebriated demonstration of how some of the machinery actually works, he said that having reached 80, the best things in life were his hobbies — chief among them being fishing, smoking and daytime drinking, although it’s probably safe to say they aren’t necessarily enjoyed in that order.
Then, just as quickly as we were dragged inside, the tour of sorts was over, and we were deposited back out onto the street. A brief and unexpected encounter in an area I know well, proving once again that it’s impossible to predict what’s round the next corner.
Sean says
Gotta say, I’d be happy with that at 80! 🙂
Lee says
Yeah, I can’t argue with that.
Richard says
Serendipity strikes!
Lee says
It does. Always special when things like this happen.
scruffy says
“….along with a worryingly inebriated demonstration of how some of the machinery actually works…”
This report is a gem.
Should I make it to the age of 80 I hope I have the requisite energy to enjoy a ‘lil daytime drinking myself!
Lee says
Thank you. It was fun one to write up.
Yes, I couldn’t agree more. His drinks are very much deserved.
cdilla says
What a great experience. Gotta say they guy looks great, that white T, his upright posture and confident expression.
That’s a magnificent machine at the back with the large wheel – best shown in photograph 2. And the rolls of brass caught my eye. I have smaller roll I got when I was trying to create a replacement top for an old typewriter. Still a work in progress. I blame my lack of a workshop like his – but basic lack of skills is probably more the case 🙂
Lee says
I know eh? Not bad at all for 80, especially so considering the steady supply of cigarettes and alcohol.
Next time you are here we should drop by. He might let you have a go on the machines. Although you dabbling and him drunk might not be the best of combinations!
cdilla says
Would love that!
*Note to self: Make sure holiday insurance covers industrial accidents.