I don’t like doing it. At least, not before I start. It’s one of those chores I would probably rank pretty high on my really dislike doing list, if I had one. I’m talking about raking leaves.
Although really, I’m like that with a lot of repetitive type tasks. I try to avoid them as much as possible. Until I start doing them and discover I secretly do enjoy them. Like mowing the lawn. Or shoveling snow. Or even just digging a hole. Hate it. Until I actually start doing it. Then I find you can let you mind wander and imagine all sorts of things you might be doing other than mowing the lawn or raking leaves. And before you know it, you have accomplished something.
Even making that big pile of leaves on the lawn can be fun. I mean, if it would stop raining for a few minutes, a person could even throw themselves into that big pile of leaves. Maybe pretend to be a kid for a few minutes. Until you realize you likely pulled something by pretending to be a kid again and may never be able to get off the lawn.
But now I come across things asking not to rake the leaves. Let them stay there as places for bugs and little animals to live for the winter. Although you still have to rake them up at some time. And it just doesn’t seem the same, jumping into a pile of leaves in the spring.
My wife has plans for some of the leaves. She likes to keep a few around to use in the compost bin. Just a few handfuls tossed in every so often. It seems to keep it a bit cleaner and likely confuses the trash pandas to no end, so I try to go along with her.
She got a bit made at me the other day because a raked some up and threw them out. She was going on about what she how she was needed them for the compost bin and I had raked them all up. Until I told her to look up. There is no leaf shortage, and there will be plenty for the bin.
So I guess it’s all about balance when it comes to leaves. A few for the compost bin. A few for the bugs and animals. And a big pile for me to jump in. I may even rake them up again when I’m finished.
Or maybe leave them until spring. Depending on what I injure when I jump in the pile.