Though my position of Executive Director here at the Institute is primarily an administrative one, I do quite frequently get involved with actual physical activity as well. This weekend was a case in point.
Along with some trees of my own, Mrs. Kfred has been "suggesting" to me that I talk to the owners of some neighboring property to inquire about cutting down one of their trees as well to open up a view corridor. Though ensconced by a 6 foot barbed-wired topped fence, the compound is on a hill side and we have a view to some water in the distance. Taking down these trees would be an improvement on the view. I successfully got permission and cut down the offending tree last weekend. I returned this weekend to limb it and remove the cut boughs. As demonstrated by the inability of FTI landscaping crew in the past to actually beautify matters, I was worried about them actually planting trees rather than taking them down. None of the Misfits were available to help, so, I undertook this little program upon by myself.
My day started with a borrowed chainsaw that refused to start up. Despite my numerous heroic efforts to coax the mechanical beast from it's slumber of inactivity, it was not about to have any part of assisting me in my efforts. So, with my best Paul Bunyan mindset, I set out to limb a damn 50 foot tree with nothing but an Axe. Successfully completing the majority of that task on Saturday, I returned yesterday to finish the job. I consulted with the chainsaw owner overnight whom got the chainsaw operating and was ready to complete the task in record time. Unfortunately, the chain on the chain saw was as dull as the collective IQ of our misfits and was of no value whatsoever. (I swear I actually heard the tree giggle as I was attempting to cut it as I am sure if there is anything resembling tickling a tree, this would have been it.) Finally finishing this task, I again was given the "suggestion" that the lawn should be mowed before it rained. Since this was the first mowing of the season, the yard resembled the first cutting of a prized alfalfa crop any farmer would be proud to claim. 2 hours later, that task was done. Settling in with a tall tumbler of gin and tonic, I had dinner, watched a bit of TV, and fell asleep in the chair in no time.
I relay these experiences to demonstrate that mine is not a glory position here at FTI; actual work is accomplished here on a periodic basis. Unfortunately, none of it is a result of efforts by the Misfits. Hopefully, we can someday get the Misfits up to the level of actually pulling weeds to improve a yard versus collecting them as salad greens to eat at dinner.
Such a shame you had to perspire.That must be a new experience for you as the FTI head. But a good experience. Welcome to a brief but rewarding bit of work. Mrs. KFRED must have been ecstatic you performed with a minimum of encouragement other than the promise of an adult beverage she had hidden away to use for such occasions as this. I'll bet there is a lot of the beverage still in the bottle because of the paucity of your actual work. Since it took over 8 months to finally fell the trees, it is going to take quite a while to drain the coveted liquid. Best of luck Paul Bunyan.
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