Agreed as long as complacency and a chimney fire don't follow. The problem is none of us are actually looking at the blockage or the condition of the chimney. If it is too hard to check, get a pro out there, soon.
I am going to take action. And I do not mind doing it myself. I just need to know the steps I need to take so I can buy the material tomorrow morning so I can fix the problem tomorrow afternoon.