The white-knuckle negotiations are still under way, but I have launched my campaign to fell some trees to help pay expenses.

I have met with my woodsman and he said that money can be made by judiciously taking down selected portions of my forest.

In past years, I would have rejected any suggestion of taking down trees.

But veterans of the woods, both state and private experts, have informed me that large trees end up stealing sunlight and other resources from newer growth.

One result is that many of the fir, pine and spruce trees are just dying in an upright position (and in position to fall on the cabin).

Upside No. 1: I own about 20 acres, and it hasn't been cut for at least 60 years, according to the old-timers at the farm store.

Upside No. 2: There is much oak, maple and poplar on the land. These trees are in demand.

Upside No. 3: Bob, Woodsman Numero Uno, doesn't want to cut and split these towering, 90-footers for firewood. He wants to strip them and sell them in lengthy pieces for veneer. Happily, there are a couple yards right in town so we don't have to truck the timber to Jay or Rumford.

I don't know how much money I will realize from the harvest.

But it would be fun to derive something.

And the knowledge that I am cleaning up the forest would make me feel like a natural-born naturalist - which I am not but am happy to assume that posture.

Bob says he can find at least four-to-five weeks worth of work on my back 20.

If I do realize cash in the low three figures, I might go shopping for a generator.

I don't have electricity.

Maybe Abe Lincoln could real by candlelight but I find it to be a strain on the eyes.

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