Gutter cleaning, again. Semi-annual, not-so-fun task. Birch, oak, maple, and pear the primary culprits, along with a great number of red pine needles in the north-east quadrant. Soggy, gooey masses, and occasionally, a solid, frozen chunk. Chilly on the hands. But, having priced gutter leaf guards, I’ve decided that my hour and a half on the ladder was worth its weight in gold.