Just received a call from my Dad that his co-worker spotted Twinkle Claus on the WGN TV morning news today. Too bad I didn't know else I would have set up the TiVo. At any rate, that is exciting!

Mrs. Head Elf popped for an early Christmas present for yours truly. See for yourself:

This pic was taken the day after the artwork was applied, so it is still swollen. Once it finishes scabbing, I'll get a better pic posted. Nate of TopNotch Tattoos in Elgin had the pleasure of inflicting the pain, and did a tremendous job.

I just amp'ed the total power consumption of this years display. It is 13 amps versus the 53 amps last year. I have almost the same number of lights as last year, but 4x the number of channels (256 versus 64) and switched over to 98% LED (hint: if you want LED's on the cheap, hit the hardware stores the day after Christmas and the during the week afterwards for awesome deals. I picked up almost all the LED's needed to switch out the incandescents, and expanded the display, for about 1/4 what it would have cost normally.).

Hmmm, I wonder if Mrs. Head Elf will let me use the savings we would normally 'donate' to ComEd for more lights.....

Whew! It has been a busy few months and a hectic couple of weeks, but everything is up and ready to go (OK, I lied, there are still little odds-n-ends, but all lighting is done!). All that is left is some once-overs and a LOT of sequencing for the songs! But in all, there are a handful of songs done for the Thanksgiving premiere.

First, there are a few special elves that made it to the top of Santa's Nice List for all their help:
- My Dad (for arranging the lift)
- Riggsby Construction for the use of their lift (twice!! - Thanks guys!)
- Mike (for helping muscle the boom around)
- My neighbors for putting up with the chaos I call my yard

Of course, thanks to all that come out to enjoy the lights and to see Santa

There is also a secret Extra Nice List that Santa keeps as well:
My sis who rescued me with a special delivery of a few boxes of Cat5 wire, untangled a rats nest of extension cords and painstakingly ran a bunch of cords throughout my yard

A special spot at the top for Tony the Light Guy for all his help the past couple of days. His tireless effort shaved a couple of days off of the setup and lifted much stress

My daughter, for whom endlessly watches the videos year round and encourages me to keep putting up the lights

And above all, a special thanks to my wonderful and understanding wife who becomes a 'Santa's Landing widow' whist I am spending most of my time hanging off of a ladder, who puts up with the cost and and the constant jabbering of my hobby err, obsession, and who gives the support and encouragement to keep going when things those days hit where everything goes wrong and you just want to give up. I love you hon!

The photos don't do it justice!

A brand new Tune To sign

Yes, even the mailbox has lights

Even a Singing Santa