Alan took a very early retirement in 1998 and has since been Chief
Gardener on a private estate. The work involves doing everything
necessary to keep 30 acres of lawns looking crisp at all times. It's a
seasonal position, beginning when the snow disappears and ceasing when
the snow re-appears.
He has two part time helpers, one of whom, Jessica, appears here. The
other is a young fellow of 19, who wouldn't be caught DEAD in bare
feet, and therefore is not pictured. Jessica, on the other hand,
kicked off her shoes the first day and has been barefoot ever since.