2003

     In 2003 I junked the whole “big display” idea. I settled for smaller “Standees.” The inspiration for this year came from my 2 year old son who had become a huge Thomas the Tank Engine fan. I was not happy with the thin plywood that I used in the previous year and this year used a very thick plywood for the standees. I used my computer to “blow-up” the images from a coloring book. The printer then printed out the images into numerous 8x10 sheets that I had to reconstruct into the 3.5x4 foot trains. I used old fashioned carbon paper on the plywood and then laid the pattern on top. Then, I painstakingly traced the images onto the plywood. Once done I painted and sealed. They looked great! Kids all over the county were pleased. On the right you can see the only survivor from the previous years display. Santa made it, but his motor burned out and was not replaced. The “barricade” as I came to call the boundary lights were improved this year as well. I bought Large Snowflakes from a local hardware store and bolted then onto a cement stake (Iron stake with small holes drilled into it at regular intervals) I painted the stake white and replace the old wooden lollipops. (Most were broken beyond repair anyway.) The icicle light remained and I still hated them. No matter how hard I tried to pull them taut between the stiff cement stakes, they always sagged and looked nasty.

Harold                                                               Percy                                   Sir Topem Hatt

  Thomas                                                                          Toby

The “Thomas” Standees were a big hit. Unfortunately, Each required a spot lamp along with Santa. This meant a big hit to my electrical bill!

Santa delivering his presents. My Wife loved this Santa but this year he began to warp so I could not motorize him.

I love this shot. The pathway leading to our door is just beautiful. This is the only place that I like the icicle lights they really look good here. This is also a good shot of the Japanese Maple (dormant) and the ribbon lights that line the eaves.

A better shot of the Snowflake stakes that hold the barricade. You can also see in the background a rope light track I had running across the lawn for Thomas.