A great day for decorating
Wow. What a day Sunday. The high was projected at 51, but this morning's Gazette said the city registered a high of 61. My wife, Cheryl, and I got busy during the second half of the Packer game, spreading new strings of outdoor Christmas lights all over the living room and dining room.
They're new because I'm "going green" this year. I had been considering abandoning my old strings of outdoors lights, including icicle lights, in favor of the new, energy-efficient LED lights. After reading in the Gazette last winter that I could reduce my electrical costs by about 75 percent by using these lights, I finally took the plunge. Right after Christmas, when all those stores overstocked with Christmas lights started dumping boxes at half price, I bought what I needed to replace all my old outdoor strands.
Getting them out of the boxes and stretched out is half the battle, but it might beat trying to untangle them each year (I store them in separate plastic bags so the untangling isn't so bad). I have a big storage box in the basement where I keep other decorations and most of my electrical cords and timers. I also keep a cheat sheet reminding me how to best assemble the lights and where the extension cords are best positioned. Of course, these new strands of lights let you string more together without fear of electrical overload, so I was able to adjust my directions a tad.
After the game, it was up on the ladder. I got the lights up and the cords run, but not before dark. As I worked away, I noticed several neighbors taking advantage of the beautiful weather to do the same thing. I then had to get groceries, and on my drive, I noticed people still out in their yards setting up decorations. I hope this weather encouraged more of us still fortunate enough to have jobs and homes to shine a little holiday spirit amid what has been a year of economic gloom.
Of course, I wish everyone would wait until after Thanksgiving to light up their displays. I know I will, and Cheryl appreciates that. Why not celebrate one holiday at a time and save a little more energy in the process?
Greg Peck
Nov 24, 2009 at 9:05 a.m.
Suggest removal
I too wait till after Thanksgiving. My neighbor has had her lights lit for over a week already.
Nov 23, 2009 at 1:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
I like to wrap each strand around a rolled up newspaper (like the jotter). It makes it very easy to just unroll and put up.
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