"It was a long winter before we came to the spring," Mr. Hand said.

Mr. Hands has also earned respect for being a good negotiator and a hard worker.

Mr. Hand: I think you are doing the right thing.

Mr. Hand gave some examples of how emergency fire service is handled in the smaller communities.

"Americans are simply not going to come over," Mr. Hands said.

Mr. Hand did not buy a cane on his own because he didn't know what kind to get or how to use one.

Mr. Hand felt a vibration, which in itself is not uncommon, as the concrete settled.

Mr. Hand reported that of the graduates, 93 percent go on to two- and four-year colleges.

Mr. Hand tells him not to worry and that he'll probably "squeak by."

Mr. Hand said he was looking forward to performing his own material exclusively.