For a guy that has all the time in the world to baby his hedges and lawn but physically cannot, I am just one more thing that makes him feel useless. Less of a man. A sign that he's worthless.

He resented me before he ever met me. It isn't his fault, it isn't mine. He probably spent all week convincing a family member that he wasn't too old to go back in that yard and reclaim a little of his sense of purpose & pride before his grandson / wife called me. No man wants to admit he is too old to be the hunter/gatherer and provider anymore. It stings like salt in their eyes and I'mthe enemy reminding them of their frailty every time I show up on to their house.

That old man who won't come out and shake my hand when I'm done with his yard? It's taken 4 years in this business, but I've learned to not take it personal. That's his pride trying not to slip away.

Hats off to you, grumpy old guy who hates the lawn guy his grandchild or wife hired.

You made it to a point in your life many didn't have the chance and honor to get to : enjoy it. You earned it.

Grab a Corona and surprise the lawn guy ; you may be surprised yourself that he's interested in what you did before retirement, your accomplishments etc