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We figured it would take days to clean up the mess in the pasture behind the giant limb that had fallen from the Apple tree. We underestimated Dan Rogers, who showed up around nine and left two hours later. Except for some tidying up, we were shocked to see he was all done in the blink of an eye.

I am always very envious of men like Dan. I never learned to do the things he knows how to do, and he is not only nice and a precious friend; he knows how to do everything.

I told him I believed that when he was gone, there would be no one to replace him. The farmers are all right. Young Americans want to be in tech, not cutting firewood, fallen trees, and limbs.

The only thing Dan won’t do is climb up on rooftops; it makes him dizzy. He doesn’t go to doctors often and rarely follows their advice. He accepts life as it comes, is a brilliant carpenter, and goes hiking in the Adirondack’s tallest peaks in summer. I am in awe of him.

The fee for sawing, cutting, and hauling for hours was $60. He wouldn’t take more.

We’re going to the movies this afternoon, no Flower Art tonight, I think. See you in the morning. God Bless you, Dan. I’m taking him to lunch next week.

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We love the Apple tree, we hope it is salvageable. Dan thinks it is.

Calming Lulu.

Nothing stops Maria from cleaning out the pole barn.

Waiting for some fresh water, we had to haul it from the outside.

The sheep enjoyed the leaves, once they got over the shock.

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Dan finishing up.