The next day I unloaded the trailer at the landfill and went and got my shot. Then I drove out to another neighbor where I cut down deadwood trees all day long using a chainsaw. I was assured that next week they would rent out a log splitter and I could split the wood into cords of firewood and then we would discuss the price of removing all the stumps.

I was a tired puppy when I finally got back to my trailer. True to form under the theory that there was no rest for the wicked I was scheduled for court the next day. Donning a set of presentable...