I feel like the vast majority of the work done around my house is simply to ensure the house doesn't get swallowed by nature.  Wood has a tendency to rot, and houses are ingeniously made of the stuff.  Weeds grow into foundations and crack cement.  Grass doesn't grow where I plant it but has no problem growing between the cracks in the sidewalk.  A roof has a lifespan of something like 5-10 years, after which point it simply disintegrates and lets nature have its way.  Pipes rust and crack.  Wires fray.  It reminds me of The World Without Us and the idea that when humans are gone, things will pretty much go back to the way they were.  It's comforting in a way, but it's also stressful because I constantly have to undo the things nature tries to do to my house, simply so my house doesn't collapse. #nature