With the Christmas only two weeks away, Christmas decorating is in high gear!
For me, in addition to the traditional outside/inside decorations, I have a "special" task each year. In fact, for the past several years, my Christmas Star has become a bit of an attraction in the neighborhood.
I have a beautiful 60' Norway Spruce in the front of my house and, each year, I climb to the very top and secure a big star on its peak. Last year, I made a nice sturdy, cedar star and covered it with lights...this one really looks good!
So yesterday, I tied the extension cord around my waist and started the accent to the top of the tree. It's a fairly easy climb, although when you get towards the very top it always seems to get a bit tricky and a little breezy...which brings on the swaying!
I secured the star, attached the extension cord and descended...another successful climb!
Once I dropped to the earth, I set up (3) spotlights around the base...to up-light the tree...it's a nice touch.
Once all the lights were in place, I began the intricate extension cord "dance"...once all the cords were in place, it was time to flip the switch.
The spotlights looked great and as I peered to the top of the tree, all I saw was darkness! The Christmas Star was not working. Now, at this point, I'm sure you're asking..."well, you plugged the star in before you made the climb...to check the lights, right?"...reasonable question...to which I answer, "NO!"
I double checked the cords...triple checked the cords...still nothing! And, by the way, it's now pitch black outside! Time to make a nighttime climb! What a complete pain in the arse to have to take all the lights off the star (attached by staple gun!), buy new ones, re-attach, re-climb. This day was the day for the "star" project...not another!
Just as I was about to make the leap to the lowest branch, I heard my 7 year old, Maddie..."Dad, dad, it's on, it's on...the star in on!" I looked up in disbelief...it had, in fact, turned on!
There is no reasonable explanation for what Maddie and I witnessed last night...we both are relatively sure it was a Christmas miracle.
mj
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