FINAL STRETCH

THERE ARE ALREADY half a dozen geese feeding in the field at 10:30 A.M. when I drive by on my way to ask permission. They’re early. Usually at this time of year, geese eat only once, during the warmest part of the afternoon. “Warmest” is not warm today. We’ve got highs around zero, with a 30 mph northwest wind. At the farmhouse, the landowner looks at me as if I’ve asked to walk out behind the barn