I have been back now from the mission field nearly two years. I have turned 70 and find myself with lots to do. Last year I spent three months overseas doing mission work - now I also am looking after a small church in Washington County, NY, as well as going overseas some. One of the gifts of being retired is that I can both say no to something and yes where I fancy it or feel led.
In my current assignment I get to play banjo and guitar which is a joy. I have been able to help a friend restore an old Stella tenor and find the fiddling still makes me happy. In my travels I have learned to be away for up to a month with just carry on bags. That is simplification and learning to wash out my "things" every evening.
I am also learning to thin out my banjo stuff. I have been a tad acquisitive over the last few years. Up for offers is a 1929 Gibson conversion with a nice style 1 neck by Wyatt Fawley. It is based on a badly abused Gibson rim that was restored by Arthur Hatfield and Ed Stacey. It is now an archtop and great fun. As I say, I am open to offers and it is pictured on my picture collection - with all its good and bad on show.
God is so good and these latter days are so much better than the earlier ones - or maybe I jusst do not remember some things that well.
I am blessed
Ian
3 comments on “enjoying my latter years”
Ks_5-picker Says:
Saturday, February 28, 2015 @11:47:24 AM
You're doing well,it sounds like. We have a semi retired pastor at our church.He's 68,and is just called "part time',but he's there any time we need him,and he's mighty happy to be where he's at. We love him because he's not afraid to preach the word.
I don't have as many banjos as I once had,The old Kel Kroydon,a '76 Stelling Bellflower and an 1890s supertone is just about it.
I can't remember if you got that Kelly ring from me,but I've sold a few of them.How do you like it?
frianm Says:
Saturday, February 28, 2015 @2:10:20 PM
I love the Kelly ring - currently it is off the banjo as I reassembled it for someone that was interested in an archtop conversion. He passed as I expected! I love this retirement thing. God is so good.
Wyozark Says:
Sunday, March 1, 2015 @12:11:40 PM
I enjoyed reading about your mission work on your website. You don't seem all that "retired." Best wishes to you. ~ Wyozark
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