All these discussions make me realize that I might be choosing the right time to look at scaling back my cabinet/furniture shop and taking up semi-retirement.

I don't have the money, ambition or energy to purchase a bunch of new high-tech machinery and hire operators so I can compete today. I'll have to say, it has been a great 52 years of traditional woodworking for me. I've enjoyed every second of every day I've been in the shop making sawdust. After all, a bad day in the shop is better than any day in an office (did that for a few years). All but 18 years of that were hobby woodworking. I will continue woodworking, but on a limited basis and doing only projects I want to do.

I think I'm going to use my energy to try and help the current generation of high school kids before they are a write-off. After all, eating laundry detergent (or whatever the latest craze of stupidity is) can't be doing to much good for their brain cells. Kinda of like the kids from the 60's and 70's frying their brains on drugs.

I've got about 6 months of orders to finish up, then I'm going to go kayaking, camping, hiking and 4-wheeling more.. WOOHOO!!!