November 13, 2008
Art: "The little lights aren't twinkling." Clark: "I know Art, and thanks for noticing". - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, 1989.
We are just a little behind on a few things around here, such as putting away exterior Christmas lights from last year. And, now it is time to get them out already.
Some still lay on the floor of the basement. Some are in plastic bags and are semi-sorted into piles of those that work and those that do not. Some Christmas lights are in the garage, I think.
I have no idea where to find the extension cords.
And already, it is the "season of exterior illumination"! It sneaks up on us every November, does it not?
Scream. Go ahead, it is allowed. I am.
Last year, the spousal unit, in anticipation of future exterior illumination projects, said that he would never again climb a ladder and hang Christmas lights. Never again!
I agreed, but that was last year.
This year, the grown kids are all coming home to the empty nest, so of course we need exterior illumination.
He still says, "No, I am not climbing up on that ladder."
This brings me to "the rest of the story" as Paul Harvey says.
Visiting the nail salon last week, I noticed an ad from a young man who advertised that he installs Christmas lights no matter how tall the roof or how difficult the job.
I called him as soon as my nail polish dried and I could safely dial.
He came straight away, and in no time, carried the lights from the basement, sorted them, found the extension cords, put up a humongous ladder all by himself, climbed the monstrosity, and had that exterior illumination up and twinkling.
This would have taken the hubby days.
I was summarily impressed.
Young man and I accomplished all this before the hubby got home so as to speed up the process. The spousal unit would be sure to ask questions and slow us down if he were around.
Predictably, as soon as the hubby arrived, he began to spout and spew questions. "Did the young man check all the bulbs, did he plug them in to the usual spots, did he wire them to one switch, and on and on infinitum.
Hubby then flipped the master switch to check the young man's work. The little lights twinkled perfectly.
Surprised, the hubby remarked, "This is a professional job, very neat and organized, too."
This young man just taught us everything we need to know about exterior illumination.
Hire it done.
I just love it when a plan comes together.
