It was an extraordinary morning; the Snells arrived shortly after 6 a.m. and were gone by 10:30. For years, we have struggled with our water pipes and plumbing; Harold Snell or his sons have to come often to drain the water, and we were heading for an unpleasant mess. I’ve known the Snells for years and admire them for their honesty, hard work, and willingness to interrupt their busy lives to come and help.

They never leave customers stranded, they always come. The family is also deeply involved in dog rescue, and we have connected with our love of dogs and other animals.

They know what they are doing, and they do it quietly, efficiently, and successfully. Their prices are reasonable and more than fair.  They are also incredibly friendly.

Maria and I watched in astonishment as these big men in trucks and tractors moved their heavy machinery around as if it were children’s toys. They worked completely synched, competent, and efficiently; they rarely even had to speak with one another.

If I could, I would explain the planning and work that went into this morning, but since I can’t understand much of anything they did, they tried to explain it but ended up smiling. We talked about dog rescue instead.  The truth is, I don’t care how they do what they do; I enjoy seeing it all come together almost seamlessly.

I do know they repaired and replaced an outdated, broken water system, and we can take our short vacation with this gift, just in time.

The Snells travel with corgies in their huge trucks, many rescued or saved from severe illness.

Harold Snell (below) is always with Mia, a dog he rescued after it found itself in an Amish family that doesn’t go to vets. May has a special compartment in the driver’s seat of his vast van and goes wherever Harold goes. I took some photos and will post them shortly.

He doesn’t bring her in the summer, but he says she is with him whenever possible.

They inspired me to urge Maria to agree to get a small dog. We have them to thank for Bud. I love seeing this big, strong, and tough man melt like butter when he looks at his dog. Pictures are next. Harold is a living ad for dog love.

They did some digging, and then, when they were done, they spread seeds, topsoil, and gravel when necessary.

There will be no signs they touched a thing in a couple of days. We’re on their monitoring list. They will be back in a year and every year behind. I am grateful to know them.

In any case, our water problems are over, and we will have a working plumbing and water system for a long time. I took these photos this morning while Maria and I watched, astonished by how these men can move the earth around and leave no trace of having been there.

It was an impressive sight, the animals were locked up in the North pasture, the dogs had to stay inside.

The Snells work like a ballet, in sync, close together, and with full trust.

They have big machines, they also work with shovels and rakes and seed spreaders. They handle the machines like their were light bicycles.

When they left, the ground looked like this: seeds, topsoil, and straw. After the next rain, the big machines will be gone. Maria promises to explain what they did and how they did it. These men know how machinery and the earthwork, and I don’t. I have a lot of respect for that.  I couldn’t live here without them (Maria could, they talk to her when something needs explaining).