I installed a new rain/snow cap on my chimney Sunday afternoon, the umpteenth time I've ascended my roof to either sweep the chimney or service or replace the rain/snow cap. So, what's the big deal? I have a two-story house -- and the chimney pokes through the roof near the peak, on the side with the 45-degree pitch. To service it, I work my way up the roof and then wedge myself between the chimney and the peak. I'd tumble down the roof, if I made a false move. Which brings up the question: How old is too old to be up on a roof. I'm approaching 58 and in relatively good shape. So I figure I have a few more chimney sweeps and one more house painting in me. However, I wonder about the warning the wife of eightysomething former mayor Don Johnston gave him a month or so ago not to go up on the roof any more. He ignored her, made a misstep -- and is still recuperating from a broken back and several broken ribs. My wife tells me she loves our two-story house, whenever I lament about working on the roof or painting the upper portions. So, here's my question:

Question: When are you too old to work on a roof?

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