Despite Manuel's bad attitude, he can't quite contain his excitement over the new greenhouse, though he makes it quite clear he still disapproves of me and my involvement in what he considers his project. I try to thaw his reticence by deferring to him almost entirely, only making suggestions here and there when I see something that can be improved. And even then, I stop and ask questions first, working out the logistics of everything before making any changes.

True to his ...