Sentence 1: Thomas was splitting wood with his axe when his back got sore. 
 Sentence 3: He bought an electric log splitter the next day 
 Sentence 4:  Thomas has been chopping so much wood that he can sell some 
 Sentence 5:  The splitter has already paid for itself 
 Option 1: He was told he couldn't chop wood anymore by his doctor. 
 Option 2: He decided that he could not chop wood anymore.