How special that you have so many old books from your families' collections to admire.
We got most of the gardens done, but the front of the house is still looking good so that will be in November sometime.

Pam, we used to have to clean gutters from a large locust tree near the back of the house. My husband went to Lowes and purchased a few rolls of gutter guard to put under the edge of the shingles on the roof, and it covers the gutters. Ever since then, he doesn't have to clean them out. You may find that cheaper and easier than hiring a worker every year. BTW, that sky is stunning!