And I thought I had it bad growing up, being forced to mix cement every weekend. We've seen this method time and time again: measure the sand (far left pile under the ladder) with the wooden bin. Toss that in. Measure the gravel with the wooden bin shown on the pile (it's a box with handles for two guys). Toss that in. Add water and mix, turning the mixer by hand.

I don't remember having to lift heavy stuff into the mixer. I do remember having to add the water and rinse out that blessed mixer. It even sits still in Dad's barn as tortuous reminder of my slave days.