In Valdosta the day gets its work done early, before the heat leans down on the pines. Sanders Lawn Service starts while the dew is still silver on the centipede grass and the light coming up over Bemiss Road is the color of weak tea. Mowing, edging along the walks, string trimming tight to fence posts and mailboxes, then a full blow-off so the drive looks swept — that is the whole morning, and it shows. By the time the gnats are up and the pavement begins to shimmer, the yard is already standing at attention. It is plain work, and there is real satisfaction in a cut line straight enough to read from the road.