Blow Away

Who would expect the wind to be an ally when raking leaves? Certainly not I. Although not exactly raking leaves, I was dislodging them from the space where my shed roof is connected to the north side of the shop. The wind deposits leaves there as they migrate from summer attachments on near cottonwood and walnut trees. Rain comes and dirt joins the hideyhole and more leaves join the party. Every fall I turn on the water and put the damper on what appears to be an environmental kegger.
HA.
Didn't work this time. The recent rains compacted the dirt and leaves to make a muddy compost. I stalked up my trusty ladder - long handled rake in hand - prepared to physically shove the leaves off. I was pleasantly surprised when the wind grabbed the loose ones and whisked them away, way away into the neighbor's yard. Lightened my load. Hoorah for me. That left much less to haul into the garbage.
I have always felt invigorated by the wind. What a happy surprise to have that invisible force help me with a heavy job. I usually do not rake leaves in the wind but this November day was sunny and the weather promised much colder days ahead so I jumped into the 'window' in the weather to work on the roof. Good thing. Now the roof is clean and will be easier to sweep snow off if that comes with the solstice. Or better yet, it will be cleanly rinsed if there is more unusual winter rain!
Naomi Sherer