Well, just a few more days until the first day of Autumn. It’s hard to believe that Summer is pretty much over, and weather wise it appears that it is. It definately feels like fall already. The smell of the air has changed as the temps have cooled and people have began using their stoves and fireplaces again. Football season is in full swing. And lastly, I had the pleasure this past Saturday of cleaning out my gutters, which let me tell you, was no small task.
Having a ridiculously large 4100 square foot, 2-story house, it took most off the day. I borrowed my neighbor’s extension latter (must be about a 60 footer) to tackle the job. With having to reposition it several times, I quickly realized I had to get on the roof or I wouldn’t be able to finish. This was my first time on this roof and I was somewhat uncomfortable. The height was not a problem it was that I had to sit on the edge of the roof (without any harness or rope) and go along with a handshovel and hose and clean a surprising amount of moss, branches and various other debris out of the gutter. I kept thinking to myself, at any moment I could start to slide and could do nothing but fall. Considering the upper gutter goes all the way around the house, I had around 160 lineal feet to cover. Like I said, considering it’s only been about 3.5 years and there are very few trees of significant height near our house, I was surprised how much debris there was, and 2 of the downspouts were completely clogged. While I was up there, I happened to notice that there were several anchors, intended for attaching a harness to. For the past few years, we’ve been wanting to put Christmas lights on our upper gutters but I was paranoid to get up there in the cold, sometimes icy conditions. I’m thinking this year, it may not be a big deal, I will however, be sure to pick up a harness for that task.
Anyway, until next time, Happy Almost Autumn!!!!
P.S While I regretfully haven’t yet caught a Hawks game, I am thrilled at their 2-0 start!
Having a 1300 sq ft. house, the description of the size of your mansion made me envious.
Your description of the gutter cleaning took care of that pretty, quickly though. =)
Yeah, we’ve realized how much work it is. More to clean, paint, heat. I’m seriously considering getting those gutter guards they have now. Never having to clean those gutters again sounds good to me.