Something as simple as climbing the ladder
(or holding the ladder for a loved one)

and cleaning the gutters gives me the
satisfaction of knowing that when the

thunder-storm hits later in the day the
water will run off harmlessly while I

sit reading and occasionally looking
up at the fire in the fireplace and

glancing at the Chocolate Lab sleeping
contentedly in the big, stuffed chair

in the corner until the thunder starts
and the lightning strikes at which

time she will jump from the chair and
run over to where my wife sits and beg

my wife for pets and kisses and
reassurance.