Today's newspaper "Ask Amy" column....

[Ed of all trades]

I found out years ago while working as a Bob Cat mechanic that Grandpas shampoo cleans so well that as you wash your hair and in my case beard it cleans that deep dirty grease stain from around your nails. It is a natural pine tar shampoo that works well for dandruff and is sold by Lahmans hardware catalog. Have used it for years and never had a dirty nail problem.

 

[oosik]

There are a pair of gals about 15-20 miles south of me who are cattle ranchers. They belong to a family that's been in this area since God created dirt. I met them both two years ago. I always though my hands were pretty hard and leathery until I met these gals. They could grind the rust off the disks on a disk harrow with just their bare hands. I've met a lot of old farmers in this area but never seen anybody with such hard, leathery hands.

The point of all this is - I was so shocked when I shook hands - I forgot to check their nails. When we shook, they laughed and said most men had the same reaction. I guess I showed a little shock on my face.

 

[dave1949]

There are a pair of gals about 15-20 miles south of me who are cattle ranchers. They belong to a family that's been in this area since God created dirt. I met them both two years ago. I always though my hands were pretty hard and leathery until I met these gals. They could grind the rust off the disks on a disk harrow with just their bare hands. I've met a lot of old farmers in this area but never seen anybody with such hard, leathery hands.

The point of all this is - I was so shocked when I shook hands - I forgot to check their nails. When we shook, they laughed and said most men had the same reaction. I guess I showed a little shock on my face.

When Sharon and I married, all nine of her Dad's uncles were there, all old farmers, several dairy. They all had hands that felt like sand packed in burlap.

 

[kenmac]

sometimes, the only way I can get all the grime off my hands is to wash them in pure Clorox. Followed by, soap and water

 

[zzvyb6]

I sure can tell a lot about you guys from all the opinions, notions and lotions (or lack there of) expressed so far. but it's very clear to me what the goals is or should be. You see, if you want to get 'some' and/or enjoy reaching for 'it' or 'them', then you get higher probabilities if your hygene (as in hands, face, breath and 'elsewhere') are clean, neat, soft and gentle. Same thing for the woman (unless some of you are 'into' guys.) Let's guess which ones). Remember, there are only two things in the world that smell like 9 day old tuna-fish, and one of them is 9 day old tuna-fish. Now what do you think 'her' opinion would be?

No woman wants a yeast infection, a bladder infection, or a garlic breath laced stink wad coming after her. Maybe if you'd polish your shoes, too, you might get 'some' this year, 'cause we're all here betting you ain't scored so far:laughing:.

As my Daddy once said to me as I sat upon his knee, he said "Son, if the dinner trays on an airplane are dirty, what do the engines look like?"

 

[whistlepig]

If you are married to a farm girl as I have been all my life she doesn't do farm chores in high heels or a chiffon dress. Her fingernails sometimes dirtier than mine. We pick ticks off each other sometimes. Dig large bugs out of each others shirts and pants. We shovel animal poop. This is a tractor forum for goodness sakes. If you are looking for true romance here I would suggest going elsewhere.

 

[MossRoad]

I found out years ago while working as a Bob Cat mechanic that Grandpas shampoo cleans so well that as you wash your hair and in my case beard it cleans that deep dirty grease stain from around your nails. It is a natural pine tar shampoo that works well for dandruff and is sold by Lahmans hardware catalog. Have used it for years and never had a dirty nail problem.

That worked for me too... when I had hair.

 

[MossRoad]

I used to do the Hokey Pokey but I turned myself around.

What if the Hokey Pokey IS what its all about?

 

[rtimgray]

It's okay to be proud of callouses and dirt under your fingernails if you like, but there's nothing wrong with properly trimming your nails and cleaning under them as well, and certainly nothing wrong with lotion on your hands to keep them from getting dried and cracked.

My workplace manufactures food products, and we are not permitted to have fingernails that can be seen from the palm side of your hand, nor are you permitted to have fingernail polish, fake fingernails, tips, etc. etc. I have to keep my hands clean as a requirement of work, so I either use disposable gloves when doing my mechanic work, or reconcile myself to an arduous scrubbing with Lava, Gojo, or whatever. Yes, I have a farm and get my hands dirty quite often, but so far, they've come clean everytime.

You can wear dirt under your fingernails as a badge of honor if you wish, but to me it demonstrates either a lack of hygiene or lack of caring. I would imagine some folks like to have the dirt under their fingernails so that they can show other people how hard they work, but my ego doesn't need for other people to know that - all they need to know is that my hands are clean.

To each, their own - that's what's great. And FWIW, I'll still shake hands, dirty fingernails or not...but I'll wash 'em before put them on my bride...

Good luck and take care.

 

[chvfrk98]

One of the letters is from a woman who complains about her farmer boyfriend seems to have an issue with getting his hands and fingernails spotlessly clean and manicured....I cannot stop laughing over how stupid it is to worry about something like that. It's not like he has BO or refuses to take a shower or dress in clean clothing....and she worries about him having dirty hands....????

Hello lady: You want a guy who sits on his a** all day pushing keys on a computer, or someone staring at sports on TV, or a couch potato who does nothing at all instead of a man who does honest work??? Well....GOOD LUCK finding someone better than your farmer who isn't afraid to do HONEST AND MEANINGFUL work.

My live in GF NEVER worries about such stupid and meaningless things like me having spotless, lily white, perfectly manicured hands. I really think the lady who submitted that letter should stop being so prissy and help the guy with the chores.

Hey, I work on a computer most of the day and I guarantee I work just as honestly as you do. I put in OT every week. Have time to get greasy in the garage. Weld on something. Build or destroy a building. Spend some time on my first tractor. Raise my baby and love my wife. Occasionally I even clean under my nails.

I guess we all can't be perfect like you.