2005

 Wow! What a Difference losing those icicles makes! In 2005, I finally replaced the icicles with the decorative arches. Cost me a bit but what a difference! I also added an arch at the entry sidewalk. This was a great addition for two reasons. Previous owners of the house had 3 dedicated 20 amp circuits built into the exterior for lighting. They were hooked up to a timer that controlled the lights. I had found two of the plugs but never found the third. Well, it was under the eaves near the Japanese Maple all along. But the challenge was, how do I utilize this new circuit! Because of it’s location, if I used it for anything other than the patio, I would have to cross the sidewalk. I don’t want anyone tripping over the cord so, in comes the arch. I purchased a white extension cord and zip tied the cord to the support of the arch and into a box on the lawn. Problem Solved. Also new this year are the Large plastic light bulbs around the lamp and in front of the large hedge. I used florescent spots this year for the first time in an effort to save some energy. This is really the best the yard has ever looked.

Say Goodbye, I didn’t know it at the time but this was the last year with the large tree. I knew for some time that the tree was dying. It had been getting it’s leaves later than other trees like it, it was infested with mistletoe, it was infested with termites and it’s lean was slowly becoming more pronounced over the years. After a neighbor hit it with his fifth-wheel, and a UPS driver hit it a few weeks later. The city tired of the complaints and cut it down.