“Hey. There’s a guy whose Substacks I religiously follow. In fact, I implored him to keep going after he told readers that he was becoming ambivalent about it.”
“Hmm. Ok. Why do you follow him?”
“Well … he TOLD HIS FOLLOWERS HOW TO MOVE A TRAIN CABOOSE!”
Not only do we need good craftspeople and workers in the trades, it often pays quite well. I just paid a plumber $500 for a couple hours of work. This led me to do some math. Given that the average doctor graduates with $650,000 or more in student loan debt, one can make a convincing case that they invest well, plumbers can make as much as doctors!
Richard is another hero and genious! Dan, this would make a great and true children's story! Just a thought! We enjoyed this post and look forward to the next one!
Very interesting read. I have met Richard several times and he is a very great standup guy. All your articles have been interesting to read Thank you Dan, Debbie and Alice
Having heard the caboose story and many others about Richard over the years I am never ceased to be amazed by his abilities. I don’t think there’s anything that he can’t do. I love my lawyer husband but in another life I would definitely marry a “Richard”😊
Caboose is a GREAT name for a dog. I have no idea why I wanted a caboose, but I love it. I’m smitten with the mystery and romance of the millions of miles it’s covered. It’s a semi- office, bunk room. All I know is everyone who sees it smiles.
This article makes me smile. Dan, like you, I have talents, but they do not include fixing things or finding solutions to challenges that involve trade skills. Also like you, I have a Richard, the name of my Dad, who passed away in 2024. Dad made a living of fixing computers when they were as large as a room, and carried those skills into fixing cars, making house repairs, appliance repairs, etc. He tried to pass along his skill sets, but my aptitude went in other directions. When I was a teenager and young adult, he told me I would spend a lot of money paying others to do these things for me if I didn’t learn them myself, and he was correct. Because of this, I always go out of my way to show admiration and respect for those people with these talents I do not possess, and am happy to pay for them and grateful for their work. Thank you for this article.
Sorry for the loss of your dad. You were blessed to have him. My parents also wanted me to learn some practical skills but I had less than zero aptitude. I love people who can build and fix things. Richard is my hero. Thank you.
Incredible. We all need Richard or his relative in our life!! Also, didn’t realize that shocking fact about the near horizon labor force…yikes!!! Huge opportunity but not easy work….
Hope this means you enjoyed it.
Pretty steep!
“Hey. There’s a guy whose Substacks I religiously follow. In fact, I implored him to keep going after he told readers that he was becoming ambivalent about it.”
“Hmm. Ok. Why do you follow him?”
“Well … he TOLD HIS FOLLOWERS HOW TO MOVE A TRAIN CABOOSE!”
(Silence.)
Hope this means you enjoyed it!
Absolutely.
Wish I had a Richard! Excited that I have met him several times and so remember that caboose at Camp Emma!!! Great post!
We all need a Richard!
Way to go, Richard! I remember well that wild and quixotic adventure with its many twists and turns. You are the ultimate problem solver!
Richard has a magic truck but he’s really the magic. Great guy.
The same way you move a BIG watering can. Call Richard.
I am married to this famous Richard and have known him for 48 yrs and haven’t found anything he could not do.
You too are amazing my friend!
Richard is a LEGEND.
Not only do we need good craftspeople and workers in the trades, it often pays quite well. I just paid a plumber $500 for a couple hours of work. This led me to do some math. Given that the average doctor graduates with $650,000 or more in student loan debt, one can make a convincing case that they invest well, plumbers can make as much as doctors!
Somehow my response ended up out of order. To repeat…that’s pretty steep!
Richard is another hero and genious! Dan, this would make a great and true children's story! Just a thought! We enjoyed this post and look forward to the next one!
I’ve had an idea for a children’s book starring Alice…and the caboose!
Very interesting read. I have met Richard several times and he is a very great standup guy. All your articles have been interesting to read Thank you Dan, Debbie and Alice
I appreciate it my friend.
Having heard the caboose story and many others about Richard over the years I am never ceased to be amazed by his abilities. I don’t think there’s anything that he can’t do. I love my lawyer husband but in another life I would definitely marry a “Richard”😊
I won’t tell Mike.
Great story, fun read, and now I want to know all about the caboose. YOUR caboose, and cabooses in history. Why are there cabooses in the first place?
Did it fit in your barn?
Also, "Caboose" is an excellent name for a dog.
Caboose is a GREAT name for a dog. I have no idea why I wanted a caboose, but I love it. I’m smitten with the mystery and romance of the millions of miles it’s covered. It’s a semi- office, bunk room. All I know is everyone who sees it smiles.
Great story and congratulations on owning a caboose--My longtime dream. More pictures please. Men like Richard are a national treasure and resource.
Richard is a treasure. Can fix or build anything. Thank you.
Bravo! That’s a great story. Enjoyed it and I thank you (and Richard) for it.
Richard is a star. As you can tell.
This article makes me smile. Dan, like you, I have talents, but they do not include fixing things or finding solutions to challenges that involve trade skills. Also like you, I have a Richard, the name of my Dad, who passed away in 2024. Dad made a living of fixing computers when they were as large as a room, and carried those skills into fixing cars, making house repairs, appliance repairs, etc. He tried to pass along his skill sets, but my aptitude went in other directions. When I was a teenager and young adult, he told me I would spend a lot of money paying others to do these things for me if I didn’t learn them myself, and he was correct. Because of this, I always go out of my way to show admiration and respect for those people with these talents I do not possess, and am happy to pay for them and grateful for their work. Thank you for this article.
Sorry for the loss of your dad. You were blessed to have him. My parents also wanted me to learn some practical skills but I had less than zero aptitude. I love people who can build and fix things. Richard is my hero. Thank you.
Incredible. We all need Richard or his relative in our life!! Also, didn’t realize that shocking fact about the near horizon labor force…yikes!!! Huge opportunity but not easy work….
We need a national initiative to encourage and support young people who want to develop trade skills. Thanks.