A Tribute To Clark Griswold

After 11 years of marriage, one tends to know what to expect from their spouse. Certain mannerisms, habits, and patterns are anticipated. However, there's always room for surprises...like this year.

I've personally never had aspirations of being the lead character, Clark Griswold, from the National Lampoon's Vacation movies. Having seen the others years ago, "Christmas Vacation" seems a bit tamer and developed a bit of a "cult following" of sorts. It became an annual tradition for Kim and I several years ago, and it can stand on its own from the others. Great chuckles 19 years later...wow, has it been that long?)

As I mentioned, aspirations of great yard decorations have never been on my agenda. I've generally helped Kim with the decorations but she's the mastermind behind getting them birthed onto our lawn. Outdoors, in Jackson, the extent of our festive decor were tomato cage Christmas trees (cage wrapped tightly in garland, laced with lights, fancy ribbon on top) and a wreath with lights on the door and garland with lights around the door frame.

We continued with that motto here in Maryland...until this year. It was time to get silly. Referencing the picture above, the aforementioned wreath and garland are on the door. Joining them are lighted candy canes encircling a tree, a large penguin seated atop a present with animated wings slowly going up and down, a baby penguin, a tomato cage tree behind them, and an army of little lit snowmen lining the walking path. Add to that Georgia's small white Christmas tree lit from her window (2nd story, not shown) and you've got the makings of a runway for small aircraft.

The joys of Christmas are making family traditions and remembering the reason for the season. Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Merry Christmas everyone!

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