Tom, Getting old is great compared to the alternative. I'm real lucky. I am old. And yes, retired too. The kit build is straight forward once you can figure out what's right and replace the parts that don't fit and the wood that's terrible. I'm going to plank the top of the cabin next. The instructions say to use some 5/32 sheet. The top of the cabin is a compound curve. I wonder how they did it. I'll use the good old strip planking technique. I run the boats at Lake Balboa. That lake water is so disgusting I make sure I don't go there with a full stomach. Is there a nicer lake nearby? I live in Manhattan Beach so it's quite a drive. Dan.