A FULL PLATE -  

Keep fighting the good fight man! Stay healthy and productive, and I’m sure you will find a way!

Hey brother, I think we all have anxiety when it comes to task saturation. Even trying to relax tends to be a source of stress...prepping the camper, getting the grass cut before vacation, having a bearing seize up on your boat trailer. My wife has to constantly remind me to prioritize my focus on the things that pay the most dividends in the long run. And your family focus will do just that...everything else just takes a back seat because it will always be there waiting on you and the list never gets smaller...the tasks just get replaced by different tasks. Now, if I could just take my own advice!

Right there with you on the time thing. Magnified by the wet spring.and short summers. Just keep plugging away at it. Jeff

Brad, I can 100% relate. Full time job, kids sports, firewood side business.... upkeep on the property..... Just keep moving! As you mentioned, family comes first! Maybe you need a shelter of some kind in the woodyard so you could still get some work done even when raining?

My life and woodyard are always make me feel like a plate spinner. Then add in my daughter drive her car into a house, I broke my wood splitter, kitchen faucet line burst, and there is more too. All of this within less than one week. I’ve had to teach myself to do the high priority deeds first. Set your levels and keep yourself moving. You will get through it all.

Brad little bites and then before you know it you’re back on track with things 😮😊❤

Keep your chin up and sometimes busy is a good thing! The days being longer now sun wise sure always helps with chipping away at to-do-list. You got this!👍💪

Life tends to pile up on us brother. Especially when we like to stay busy with everything and everyone!!! One thing at a time, one day at a time 🤜🤛 Ya know I'll help you out however I can 💪 Don't even ask just tell me and I'll be there😂😂🍻

Man, I've been there so many times. Keep chipping away...it'll get better!

Feel you brother ! Never ends

Spending time with the family is more important than firewood!! We all have the same problem, no answer is easy. Do what you can, when you can!! Stay Hydrated and Have a Safe Day

Hey Brad, don't beat yourself up. RU-vid and Firewood come last. Family first. We have 100 head of sheep, an airbnb, the firewood business, my real estate business, and my wife works full time. Totally get it. Just focus on the most important things and everything else will sort itself out.

I can totally relate,my big conveyor is down,but will make time for thirsty Thursday 😊

Hey Brad , this past year I have worked from sun up to sun down trying to get everything done . I have been physically sick more this past year than I have been in the past 10 years . With that being said I have learned to politely say NO and I have set myself work hours just like I have when working . 👍🏻🇺🇸

Dude i’m with you, man! It’s bad enough when you take on things that approach you head on. But then you have all the things that fill in the cracks when you’re not looking. And usually those things are back at home. Why do people like us wind up coping with mountains of responsibility? Because we are willing to do that little bit extra. There’s a lot of tough people in the rural communities..🤜🇺🇸

Hey Brad. It’s life. We all have to do adulting stuff. You are doing a fine job of being a mentor and role model for some. Thanks for all you are doing.

Definitely feel the same Brad. I am way behind as well and keep piling things on. Most of it is related to my day job which directly impacts RU-vid time. Keep your head down and keep chugging my friend.

Nice job on splitting those round Brad check that one off

Brad, you are not alone. I work full-time at hospital, do about 50 to 75 face cords of firewood on the side, and help my wife raise 3 teenage boys. I typically work 75 hrs + a week and had to recently refocus as well. Thanks for having the courage to admit you had too much on your plate and are overwhelmed. I feel your pain. One thing at a time and it will all get done. The wood is not going anywhere

List the work, work the list.

Hi Mr, Brad. You are not alone. I think everyone that keeps busy is really running into the feeling of how can I catch up. Brad I’m 68 and have been trying to catchup since I was in my late teens. I write down 2 projects and take one away. As long as we keep in a forward motion. The sun don’t shine everyday. Truly I know how you feel. Take care you’re not alone. Have a Great Day.

When you get that many logs built up like that it can seem overwhelming to get caught up. Been there done that with wheel bearing going out on boat trailer. Thankfully it didn’t melt the spindle

I hear you Brad - even now that I'm retired it seems like I still don't have enough time to get things done. I would imagine that the bundle wood side (with Taylors help) could be a better profit margin it that is what you want. Stay safe.

Don’t take your foot off the gas when you start to get caught up. Get ahead to break the cycle of chasing it. Maybe next spring will be less stressful! Two years ahead is the goal not 6 to 9 months like now. Get a kiln and do bigtime bundle sales!

I’m in the same boat Brad, my wife says I’m a people pleaser never saying no, but I think as men/husbands/fathers if we have the ability to do something we sacrifice ourselves to do for others. You are not alone my friend

Nothing wrong with stepping back and taking inventory of what is most important to you and what is lesser in importance. Like you said family first. I have a high stress and potentially dangerous job but have learned what is most important. Keeping your word is important and I know it's hard to say no but at some point you have to. I'm excited to see how your business will change. Best of luck 🤞

I’m 22, working 40 hours a week + being on call for water leaks/ sewer for a town I work for. 40 cows to attend each day dad and I on 50 acres, taking care of another 40 acres 40 minutes from the home farm, getting the hay equipment ready to cut and bale over 900-1200 round bales and 1500 square bales it sucks. I just bought my first home it’s a 16x80 mobile home I put it on a peice of property so getting it moved getting the utilities ran etc while trying to get the 20+ cords I do every year with the county line log splitter , echo 590 and the husky 450 is rough…. Keep your head up high Brad I know you got a family and family does come first. I split after 9pm with a headlamp with bugs flying around my head, but when the family is done for the day and I’m exhausted I just think like Todd from Todd’s outside again “ do a little bit each day” “ get outside”

I feel ya brother, this time of year I feel like I'm going 50 different directions and only spinning my wheels! Nice splitting session, you can't beat the box wedge for production.

My Pop's (89) has always said ... for every yes you agree to it robs time for all the other yes's you committed to... And alotta those yes's ain't your fault but your responsibility.. Wrap your grey matter round that one...

I've found that something usually comes along that forces you to slow down if you get too ambitious. and that's not usually a good thing. just be safe and keep the priorities in order and things will work out. the firewood will be there tomorrow

I understand more than you know. Not enough hours in a day.

I know I typically try to get too much completed in one day. Hard to believe we actually had time to do a real job, I have to remind myself I'm retired!

Joe’s advice is reasonable advice. It just makes too much sense to not consider. I just started a firewood business. I know that some people around here will be upset because of my business model being different than all of the sellers in my area. My model is to provide premium “recreational” firewood. That mainly consist of bundles and bundle-sized splits of quarter cords at a specified price. I don’t have any desire to deliver in bulk. Just like Joe has mentioned,…people who heat their homes with wood are always looking for the cheapest firewood that they can find. I’ve concluded that they won’t be buying it from me. Brad, I think you’re moving in the right direction. You’re at the point to where you’ve got to make that firewood more valuable. Selling in smaller quantities will make that happen,…plus slow everything down to spend more time with the family.

Brad if you think your behind i got one up on you. I have wood from 5 years ago still in log form and blocked wood from 3-4 years ago.

I’m in the same boat and right now both delivery vehicles are down waiting for parts as the orders continue to pile in.

This may or may not be a little long winded for RU-vid but I would like to share some advice I have received over the years. Think of your life like a large glass vase. What you put in it is your time. You fill it with stones and it looks full and you have no time for anything else, but if you add sand if fills small gaps and age it is full but is it. Now add water and more space is taken up. Next is they don’t make any more time and time is the biggest issue when it comes to making $$$ and if you ask anyone with large amounts of $$ what they are doing is buying there time back. Meaning if you want to do more, if you want to make more $$ pay someone else buying your time back. But yes I agree with Joe your first order of business is raising your prices. Losing maybe 1/3 of your customers. Less work same $$ After that if you grow again and can’t keep up start buying your time back!!!

Many things to comment on here brother. 1st- take it from a man who’s had a heart attack; no matter what, get rid of the stress. 2- Joe @OhioWoodBurner is a great help and pointed me toward selling in smaller quantities, although I’m just getting started with my firewood business. 3- I’ve found that the less toys I have the more time I have. My kids are grown and I now have grandkids but they’re not quite into sports, all but one. My firewood business is a side business as BBQ catering is my primary income for now. The splitting and cutting has to sit while catering season is in. I’ve learned to say ‘no’ to some things so I’m not rushed and swamped. I turn things away when I need to. Trust me, having your stomach at ease is very important for your health, as is a whole food diet, trashing the ultra processed foods and sugary junk (you’ll have more energy and stamina, and your arteries and joints will thank you). Good luck :)

Been there brad worked in body shop in the day work 10 hours in factory in evening when you get my age body gets wore out slow down take it easy enjoy your videos next thing you know kids all grown up

That what my husband did alot of work. Thing around the house is still waiting to get done. But now everything is now sitting. You think you have time to do things later in life. But sometimes you don't. Enjoy your life, and be with your friends and family. That's the most important thing in life. All people do anymore is work and work and they think they have time in life. You never know when your time is up in life. Trust me I know that. Take Care

I don't know why we do it to ourselves Brad. Sometimes it seems I'm not happy until I'm not happy if you know what I mean. I have learned to say no but it's still usually just a little later than it really should have been. These days my mind definitely outrun the clock and my body.

Know that feeling…

I can relate..... You've got quite the "Money Burning: Hole in Dar pocket Brad... I gave up with a Wallet a long time ago. Just a 2 sided Money Clip in the Front pocket, No more Sore hip from sitting on it... Thanks....

If your plate is constantly overflowing with things that need to get done, it's time to start delegating/outsourcing and learning how to say 'NO'.

Hi Brad! It’s easy to get overwhelmed. You know how my year has been. I’ve had to put my firewood hobby somewhat on the back burner while focusing on family and the house rebuild. It’s been a crazy year for sure. Sometimes you just need to step back and take a breath and reevaluate. Look for the little things that waste your time and try to eliminate them. Keep going buddy.

I make a list every morning of what I need to get done. Both for my job and for around the homestead/ranch. I’m always happy when I can mark one or two things from the list. I keep moving the same things to the next list and as you’d expect additional items get added. At least tomorrow I can see that today I did get something done! Little steps ahead are the only way to get it done

62 years young, just started collecting SS. In the middle of my third divorce. My new fiance lives in Delaware , I live in Pennsylvania, 4 hour drive. I own and operate a mechanical contracting business for 35 years and although I don't take on new customers my established customers are deaf to the words "I'm retiring". 5 acres in PA, 1-1/2 acres in Delaware and she is purchasing the house and property next door. House needs a complete rebuild before renting but will add another acre to the woodyard. Denali, Sierra, Corvette, BMW, 2 Subarus, 3500 Chevy work van, Kubota 008, Ingersoll ct724, new Holland workmaster 25, case 444, assorted mowers and more things with engines on than I care to list. I maintain and repair all these vehicles. Did I mention we have just started our wood yard and have not sold a single piece of wood yet 😂. I am going to drive back this morning towing a 20 foot trailer ,when I get home to PA I must go repair an A/c unit for a customer and put the Sierra dump on the lift and install airbags on the rear with a complete onboard air system. Then I must go load the trailer with 16 IBC totes, take them back to Delaware, throw my dirt bike on the back of the dump and ride back to PA on the dirt bike, stay in PA for the rest of the week and install several a/c units then come back to Delaware next weekend to cut wood from the tree service and finally Monday night we will take a little vacation and see Josh Christina play Monday night on Fagers island. Fact is in this wood business, if you hire people to cut and split your wood, the pay, SS, workman's comp, and insurance would significantly raise the cost of your wood prices. For us, selling firewood for heating is out of the question as you can't make any money, bundles in campgrounds and for people with fire pits is the key. Good luck ,I'm sure you will figure it out.

Boat trailer wheel bearings. Get some bearing buddies. They fit on hub where the dust cap is. You fill it up with a grease gun through a grease nipple that fits on the end of the cap. The trouble is caused by the travel down the road leading to the lake where you launch the boat. The hubs will get warm from the travel, you get to the lake and back it in cold waters cooling them down creating a vacuum effect. There's a spring and a plate on the inside that pushes the grease which in turns prevents water from getting sucked in through the axle seal. If this makes sense the way I explain it. Make sure that they are greased up tight against the spring. The only alternative would be to wait an hour or so before backing into water in order to let them cool off. I hope that helps.

Yes sir more than I can do is a way of life lol . I think I can do way more than I can ever get done . But I just keep on keeping on . But some how I get it done . I am struggling with my RU-vid Chanel. I just started back in March but I will get there .

Retirement days are more work than when I was working. Spent a good portion of my life starting work on a project then noticing something else and hopping over to take care of that. Always busy… not much accomplished. Now I break up my projects to smaller parts. I won’t make plans to do more than I can accomplish in a day. Example: Day 1) fell only the number of trees that I can process in a day. A) drop, limb, cut to length, skid and stack Day 2) process A) buck, split, stack Day 3) bundle, store Day 4) lawn and house (keeping the Mama happy) Day 5) equipment maintenance A) tractor, saws, splitter, attachments and mowers B) anything left This does get switch up and it’s not easy to dedicate to a firm order, but at the end of the day I have actually accomplished what I set out to do and still have time for family. At 70 years old I’m not as fast as I used to be, but I believe the trick to retirement is to keep active.

Brad i owned my own business and yes there is not enough time in a day to get it all done. Now on for small orders of wood like joe does i believe you will need to have more wood ready to go so yes it will take time to get enough wood ready. I know you advertise now and i feel you will need to increase your advertising to sell smaller orders of firewood. You may have to consider hiring a cdl driver to run your boom truck. You may have to work a half day every day to get enough firewood build up. I know there is all kinds of ways to go in the direction you want. Have a great day be safe

hi there know just where you are at ,i am right with you on all . seams to be a retired thing , you have good intentions an now retired so you brain thinks you have the time , rain has gotten in the way alot , then there is the honey do list that is longer then ever (i know about that as well ) her list is longer than normal as well , she see you retired as well with unlimited time also , best of luck. and best to all you are still getting adjusted john

Priorities........

Brad , wait until you get my retirement age time go faster . Try this left at 1am this morning just got in 12:44 pulling 252 lobsters 🦞 traps . 5 semi logging truck running 2 trip each to pulp paper mill in Corner Brook . Running 3 to 4 semi load firewood 🪵 into wood yard every night . Homemade processor with 210 Cummins turbo diesel put around 30 plus cords a day on 8to 10 hrs want the boys what to do . Little over 1100 acres of cattle 🐄 corn 🌽 planted for this fall . Them my fishing and hunting start to open June 05 run to first or second wk in December. Try to make time can’t happen go with flow own thing my kids are grown up 😊. Remember the old people say don’t have another hrs in a day . Look 👀 after Families and stay Health is the key 🔑 in Life Brad . 😊 sorry lunch over head out for diesel and baits run buddy . 😊

Hello Mr. Brad, You can not invent more time, you can only invent better efficiency, you need 3 people to do what you are trying to do alone, and even then, there will be work flow challenges, My advice is to accept the production point you are at, a hobby that becomes a job is no longer a hobby.

Maybe it's time to hire a part time worker

This is why I dropped out of society.