I know Spring is near when Warren Coolidge comes to drop off the first cord of wood for the coming winter. He’s coming this week, weather pending.

Up here, you’ve got to plan.

We’ve been married a while, and we have our traditions. Sometime in April or May:

1. She says she’s going to get the woodshed ready for stacking.

2. I ask her if she would like some help from one of the young, strong lads who are always looking for work here, or maybe one of the Amish kids.

3. She says no, she can do it. In fact, she says she loves to do it. She does all the stacking.

4. I shut up and move along. I gave up trying to tell her what to do years ago.

5. I feel guilty at first that I’m not able to help. Then I realize how lucky I am to have a wife like this, and I just take my pictures.