The biggest post-holiday pain in my ass is setting up the ladder in a snowbank to take down Christmas lights. The tiny teacup hooks were all bent and rusty, so they got pulled out in preparation for the painting of the eaves. My new system lets me install and uninstall Christmas lights from the ground. I now have 23 evenly-spaced hooks, and an extending pole that reaches up to hang the string lights.
The back yard floodlight had been installed on the same line as the exterior outlet, so that the switched controlled them both. I wanted to be able to power exterior string lights without wrecking the ambiance with bright floodlights. I opted for a hard-wired floodlight camera from Ring, which means I can control it with my phone or set it to operate on a motion sensor. No light switch required.
The old floodlights.
The new floodlight camera.
I was on the verge of getting the pergola built, so I knew it would be my last chance to get the light replaced.
Simple bracket
Wire had been pinched and slightly cut
Plus, it has the added advantage of allowing me to keep tabs on what’s going on in the back yard.
A covered outdoor area for lounging and entertaining.
Read MoreRelated: Entrance Lights
Well, no WONDER the circuit trips every time there’s a heavy rain. Ugh.
The guys who installed the underground tubing for the irrigation were perplexed why the buried wire for the driveway light didn’t offer more resistance… normally they’d feel it and navigate the machinery up and over. I suppose that would have been true if the underground wiring was properly installed… in a PVC conduit buried at least 18” below grade. Oh, no… not at this house.
This wire was not encased in anything, and probably only 6” below the surface. Even worse, it had already been broken and crudely patched back together in several places. It doesn’t take a whole lot of common sense to know that a giant wad of electrical tape is NOT the way to fix a broken underground wire.
Giant wads of electrical tape
Even after splicing the wire with a kit made for this job and confirming power on either side, I still wasn’t getting power at the light post. I chased the wire until it went under the maple tree, and then I gave up. I ripped it all out… and found three more breaks (also crudely taped) closer to the light.
Yeah, so solar will have to do for now. I’m not trenching through my yard today. At least I can get rid of the string of Romex that is loosely draped under the front door.
Time to stop washing paint brushes and putty knives in the bathroom. This utility sink is big enough to fit any tool that needs cleaning, as well as the dogs. Sadie is unimpressed, but I'm thrilled!
Tall spears of gladiolus make this corner a haven for hummingbirds.
Read MoreOkay, it's NOT a crossbow at all... but doesn't it look like one?
Read MoreNow that the greenhouse is assembled, I'm anxious to get it decked out with good drainage flooring and other fun toys.
Read MoreBoxes of greenhouse parts have sat in my carport long enough… time to get building!
Read MoreWhat a difference a paint job can make.
Read MoreAn efficient watering system uses less water and results in healthier grass.
Read MoreAmenities for my furry friends and the humans they bring in tow.
Read MoreIt’s the little things.
Read MoreNow I have the power!
Read MoreTime to get my grow on.
Read MoreOh! The places you’ll go!
Read MoreNew colors and accessories for a fresh, airy, relaxing look.
Paint - Martha Stewart Living 'Endive'
It’s hard not to join in the howling when the moon glows this beautifully through my living room window.
