They say that you should never trust a skinny chef or a mechanic with clean fingernails. To that, I would add that you should never trust a tree surgeon with all of his fingers.
I met with a tree guy to discuss some work this week and was at first appalled that he was lacking three digits on his right hand. Then I felt reassured. Here is a man of experience who has tackled the forest primeval, taken his lumps, and emerged victorious.
The Verizon Yellow Pages conducted an advertising campaign this past summer featuring the "Super Guarantee". Designated "Super Contractors" were backed with a money back promise. In the ads, the contractors wore a flowing yellow cape, not unlike that worn by Superman. In fact, at Musik (with a k) fest, Verizon handed out yellow capes mostly to kids giving Volksplatz the look of a failed "modern sculpture" by Christo and Jean Claude.
Who needs capes to designate proficiency in working with one's hands though? With just one glance, it is easy to discern masters of the mechanical arts. A top-notch carpenter always has flattened fingertips and bruised fingernails. The best electricians invariably have "stick out" hair and a wide-eyed, permanently shocked look. Master plumbers carry the detritus from pipes they have removed on their clothing. Experienced welders proudly bear slag scars. These are not deformities, but badges of honor and experience.
I know that my tree job is in good hands. Only seven fingers, but good hands nonetheless.
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