We have been enjoying very nice weather here at the end of the summer, a couple of smoke-filled days from forest fires notwithstanding. Now that fall has fallen, the weather report has turned to warnings of heavy rain. Mike and I decided we had better get our gutters cleaned and roofs swept before the onslaught. The large, wind-twisted Douglas Fir trees that surround our house are surprisingly messy. Evergreen doesn't mean that they don't shed a lot of dead bits. In the spring they drop their papery flowers and in the fall, one third of their needles. Every time the wind blows there is a dervish of rust colored detritus that settles on every surface. We have mostly metal roofs which resist the rot caused by moisture retaining windfall, but the gutters clog up terribly. Leaf guards are no use against the little slivery needles, so twice a year we must go up, clean the gutters and sweep the flat portion of our roof clear of accumulated tree stuff. It is surprisingly hard work, but it feels so good to face the rain knowing the gutters are ready to receive it.
The view is pleasant as we work.