In Focus

It’s Friday morning at the office, and we’re laying out the paper early due to the holiday weekend. It will be a glorious three-day weekend with no events to cover—an actual weekend off. I am really looking forward to it.

Summers are busy. It’s just what it is. Most every town has a festival, there’s the county fair, and other events that typically are held on the weekends, almost every weekend, all summer long.

Then as quickly as summer started, it’s over, and I can finally have some spare time to work on the upcoming light shows and other projects around the house. 

My friends are all planning a three-day camping trip. I’m just happy I don’t have to go anywhere. I can sleep in and do whatever I want. It’s going to be awesome! 

As far as the light shows, Christmas got new props last year; this year, I am working on Halloween props, moving things around, and adding a few new songs. I’m excited. Because soon, I will get to start decorating the yard!

Skelly—the giant 12-foot skeleton—has been hanging out in the garage since his parade debuts this year. He’s always the first thing I put out because he’s always in the way. And I enjoy his alone time with no lights other than his glowing, blinking eyes that creep out motorists as they pass by. It brings me joy. He stays out through Halloween and then goes back into the basement because I do not trust Minnesota winters and would rather not have him damaged...again. 

I’m also considering repurposing some props and making an archway. I have a plan, but we’ll have to see how that plays out. I’m also considering a few new headstones made from old political signs. I’m looking forward to rearranging the show’s layout. I have to keep things interesting!

But first, copious amounts of sleeping this weekend...