Lessons learned

So what did we learn from our little adventure in 2008?

I already know this...but at times like this I am reminded that this display is so much bigger than me, it really has a life if its own. From all the people in the community that help to the fact that my silly cat gets fan mail! :)

So what did we do this year (2009).....we super-duper-duper reinforced the heck out of that scaffolding. Along with several other safety features....eventually I want a cable and harness attached to the roof.

We learned a very valuable lesson that day, that home owners insurance does not cover peoples medical costs from accidents like that on your property. You cannot even buy an extra rider. You can buy liability insurance....but that only works if you are found liable. And that only happens if we created something unsafe - like dug a pit in the middle of the driveway and pushed you in. So fortunately for us, he had health insurance. We have a new policy at the workshop that you cannot help with set up or take down or work with power tools unless you are insured - NO exceptions. It is not because we don't like you.....it is because we do like you. :) Well, most of you :D

We have the best crew. Through the whole situation everyone was helpful - from visiting him in the hospital to getting him around after that.....bringing him groceries in the snow and having him over for the holidays.

Seriously, you can steal any prop in the yard...the whole thing in fact. But don't even think of touching my friends.* I am extremely possessive of those wonderful people. I love those guys and you cannot have them...not even to borrow. Don't ask. :D

* and the cat. You can't have Hal, husband will kill me (he would likely give up me before that cat :D )...and anyway, it is Hal's yard, you could try to take him...but he would just end up back at our place eventually :)