Awesome weekend in the country at our acreage in Bastrop County. Spent a lot of time repairing the washed out creek crossings. We had two major crossings wash out. We started on the more critical which consisted of rows of 80 pound bags of concrete followed by rows of railroad ties all connected by rebar steel. It was a lot of work and having the right tools such

as a tractor with a frontend loader made a huge difference. Sometimes I worked in the nude, sometimes not. I am pretty cautious so the question came to my mind, “What tasks am I willing to perform nude and what ones do I feel are just too unsafe? Here is a list of tasks. You decide what you would have done in what state of dress. Shoes are assumed for all tasks.

Clearing brush by hand and chain saw and hauling out of the way on loose gravel hill.

Gathering existing railroad ties that washed out of the crossing (aided by tractor with a chain.)

Using tractor to pull up steel posts that were bent by the flood with aid of chain.

Using tractor to push, pull, lift gravel back to proper places to begin building bridge.

Using shovel to level base for walls of bridge.

Carrying 80 lb bags of concrete and placing on leveled area, involves loose gravel on steep grades.

Cutting rebar pieces with a saws-all

Driving rebar pieces into layers of bags so that the wall will cure solid.

Putting railroad ties in place on top of concrete – tractor and lifting by hand.

Cutting ties with chain saw to make wall fit.

Drilling holes in ties so that they can be tied together with rebar.

Driving rebar into ties.

Using tractor and shovel to fill in behind wall to level.

Taking picture with wife after task is done.

Did I mention we killed a copperhead while working this weekend as well.

So starting in order by things I would absolutely not do naked to “it depends” to why would I not be nude, here is how I see things. Clearing brush by hand and chain saws are both meant to be done clothed with gloves, long sleves and pants. Too much stuff scrapes, bites, tears, trips, cuts with these activities. I value all my parts including my skin and I would like to keep them working and intact. Driving the tractor with no clothes is not to big of an issue unless branches are getting caught in the ROPS and popping back and hitting you. If I am getting on and off, I generally at least wear shorts and a shirt. Again, too many things that can go wrong, get caught or squeezed. Using a shovel is a no-brainer for no clothes. It is cooler and makes the work go smoother. Cutting steel I wear at least shorts and a shirt. Those hot steel flakes burn. The drilling and driving of rebar, I only wore gloves and shoes. I wore clothes while carrying heavy items because they were rubbing next to me as I carried them.

All in all, we worked hard and had a good weekend. I would be interested in tasks you do/did nude and clothed and why.