I actually finished the composition this weekend, unveiling it for E on Sunday evening just before his bedtime. We spent several minutes out in the backyard in the color-brightened darkness before moving to the upstairs window to look down upon the colorful lights. As an even greater bonus, we can also catch sight of a neighbor's big plastic Santa all lit up in it's Holiday glory from the top floor. It's all great fun.

Despite the cold, E had Michelle outside in the dark while I was cooking tonight's ham supper. Every few minutes, Michelle would poke her head in the door, mention how cold it was outside, and quickly follow it up by noting that he just didn't want to come in. He was having fun. Meanwhile, I was busy whipping up a big ol' hamslice simmered in an orange juice and brown sugar glaze.

Eventually, dinner was ready and E was forced to come inside. For all my hard work, slaving over a hot stove, I got a resounding "Like It!" from E as he shoveled four bites of ham into his mouth at once. Of course, then he quickly followed that up with, "Eating Hot Dog. Mmmmmm." So much for gourmet ham.

The other piece of the holiday lights, as one might expect, isn't quite so private. In addition to the backyard, I also spent a few minutes setting up spotlights in front of the house. With a patriotic flag hanging from the second floor, we've got a set of three spotlights illuminating the wreath on the front door and washing the front of the house with a blanket of light.

We were initially considering something fancy in the way of lights out front, but given the already rather colorful exterior of our home, it just seemed that it would be more elegant and tasteful to do something classic that utilized the artistic combination we've already set out on the street. As you come 'round the corner onto the street, it all comes together for a nice and pleasing sight for the season.

One final note. In years past, there has always been a big blue star hung from the top of a water tower over on the high point in town on the north side. It's generally the first light to go on for the season and the last to shut down come late winter. I don't think we quite realized what a landmark it had become until this year. For whatever reason, with just a week to go until Christmas, the star hasn't appeared. We've no idea why it hasn't been set out, but it's something we should perhaps investigate.

But in spite of the missing star, it's turning out to be a pretty good Holiday Season this year. Lights and all.