“This conversation is muted by soft gray clay walls of an enormous hole that’s soon to flood and then turn into a lake. On this summer Sunday morning, the mustard yellow track hoe…

“For decades, Daddy made this yard a place for gatherings, a place to roll out a slip-n-slide, and a spot vitally important for the dogs. Its useful flatness and walkability make it an…

“Robert seemed thrilled by the prospect of this buddy trip. On the folded-down back seat of my VW Fox, Robert had set up a little travel planning office complete with a bar. As…