If my neighbours had understood what I was attempting, what do you think they would have said?
Cranky and lazy would have become adjectives too mild.

Lunatic would have expressed it better.

That's close the general opinion, anyway.

Because I will not fell my trees, and the woods hide the work I do, it is generally conceded that I spend my time in the sun reading a book.

I do, as often as I have an opportunity.